A Recipe for Tragedy
Download Ainadamar’s Keynotes Here
PLEASE NOTE: This production will feature prop guns and simulated noises of gunfire.
- Inside Opera: Ainadmar with Robert Holliston and Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia
- The Poetry of Federico García Lorca, 1, 2, 3
- Mariana Pineda
- Margarita Xirgu, Blood Wedding
Reviews & Media
- Review: Ainadamar glitters with surreal, other-worldly beauty – Victoria Times Colonist
- Lorca, Flamenco and the Spanish Civil War (yammagazine.com)
- Tangled relationship at heart of POV production of Ainadamar – Victoria Times Colonist
- Ainadamar combines classical opera and Spanish flamenco | Nexus newspaper
- ‘Ainadamar’ opens tonight at the Royal Theatre (iheartradio.ca)
- Ainadamar gives new life to old art form | Nexus newspaper
- Surrealism in Spain: Pacific Opera Victoria’s Ainadamar (schmopera.com)

As the music rises and falls, Ainadamar pulsates with a sense of urgency, inviting you to explore the blurred lines between reality and memory. Golijov’s exquisite composition weaves together traditional Spanish folk elements, rich operatic textures, and contemporary flamenco sounds, creating a sonic tapestry that captivates the imagination. The stage becomes a canvas for a visual spectacle, immersing the audience in vibrant colors, dynamic choreography, and powerful storytelling. With each scene, Ainadamar unveils a new layer of mystery and intrigue, revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. It is an immersive and electrifying experience that resonates long after the final notes are cleared from your plate, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
“Ainadamar (Spanish pronunciation of the Arabic name ‘Ayn al-Dam’, meaning ‘The Fountain of Tears’), is the work of Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov, and a reflection on the death of the great Spanish poet, Garcia Lorca. Lorca was assassinated by Nationalist forces (Falange) in August 1936, his body was never recovered. He was 38. The opera is told through the memories of Lorca’s great Catalan actress/muse Margarita Xirgu. The score is a gorgeous display of Spanish colours and idioms (including flamenco). Ainadamar has been seen in many productions world-wide; the one you will see began in San Francisco, and was recently produced at l’Opéra de Montréal. I am delighted to recommend it wholeheartedly to Victoria’s opera lovers.”
– Timothy Vernon, Founding Artistic Director
More of Ainadamar
On January 11th and 12th, Robert Holliston held a community talk at The Baumann Center diving into the world of Ainadamar immersing our community in the iconic melodies and delved into the rich tapestry of this legendary production, featuring special guest Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia. To take part of Inside Opera this season, please click here.
The Poetry of Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca, one of the most celebrated Spanish poets of the 20th century, crafted verses that intricately weaved together themes of love, passion, and the poignant beauty of his Andalusian heritage. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical language, Lorca captured the essence of Andalusia’s rich tapestry, evoking the scent of orange blossoms, the rhythm of flamenco, and the warmth of the sun-soaked olive groves.
To read some of Lorca’s poetry, translated into English, please visit this website here.
Sleepwalking Romance (excerpt) Green, how I want you green. |
Romance Sonámbulo (excerpt) Verde que te quiero verde. |
Landscape
Field |
Paisaje
El campo |
Guitar Riddle
In the round |
Adivinanza De La Guitarra
En la redonda |
New Songs (excerpt) Says the afternoon: "I thirst for shadow!" I thirst for aromas and laughter, |
Cantos Nuevos (excerpt) Dice la tarde: "¡Tengo sed de sombra!" Yo tengo sed de aromas y de risas, |
Season
2023 | 2024
Sung In
Spanish with English Surtitles
Tickets
Single Tickets on Sale August 4th
Venue
Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton
Opera Length
Estimated Run Time: 90 mins
Pre-performance talk: 1 hour before each performance
Pre-Performance Talk 60 mins
Act 1 90 mins
The End
Artists
Cast
Margarita Xirgu
Miriam Khalil
Nuria
Sarah Shafer
Federico García Lorca
Hanna Hipp
Ruiz Alonso
Alfredo Tejada
Jose Tripaldi
Neil Craighead
Maestro
Louis Dillon
Torero
Tim Carter
Voices of the Fountain
Chelsea Kutyn
Voices of the Fountain
Cassidy Stahr
Flamenco Dancers
ALMA DE ESPAÑA Flamenco Dance Company
Children's Choir
Victoria Children’s Choir
Creative Team
Conductor
Giuseppe Pietraroia
WML Assistant Conductor
Maria Fuller
Stage Director
Brian Staufenbiel
Victoria Choreographer
Veronica Maguire
Original Choreographer
Rocio Vadillo Molina
Costume Designer
Dominique Guindon
Set Designer
Brian Staufenbiel
Set Designer
Pierre Charbel Massoud
Lighting Designer
Claude Accolas
Video Designer
David Murakami
Assistant Video Designer
Sam Clevenger
Stage Manager
Bonni Baynton
Assistant Stage Manager
Katerina Sokyrko
Assistant Stage Manager
Sara Robb