Opera 101
New to Opera? Start Here.
Thursday
Sep 17, 2026
12:00pm
Venue Baumann Centre
Cost Pay What You Want
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Opera has a reputation for being grand, dramatic, and sometimes a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Join Curator of Public Engagement Robert Holliston, Principal Coach & Music Administrator Kimberley-Ann Bartczak at the piano, and soprano Jennifer Turner for a lively and welcoming introduction to the art form through conversation and live performance. Discover how opera tells its stories, what to listen for, and unpack some of the terminology you might encounter throughout the season, from “aria” and “recitative” to “leitmotif.”
Whether opera is brand new to you, you’ve attended a few performances, or you’ve loved it for years, come curious and enjoy an afternoon of music, conversation, and discovery.
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston has been introducing audiences to opera with Pacific Opera Victoria for more than 30 years. A gifted pianist, educator, and engaging speaker, he has helped thousands of people discover what makes opera so powerful through pre-performance talks, community events, and the popular Inside Opera series.
As Head of Keyboard at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Robert is known for making classical music approachable, insightful, and entertaining. Whether you’re completely new to opera or a longtime fan, his warmth, knowledge, and passion make every event an enjoyable experience.
Kimberley-Ann Bartczak
A native of Montreal, Kimberley-Ann Bartczak is a conductor, pianist and vocal coach.
Currently the Principal Coach and Accompanist at Pacific Opera Victoria, Kimberley-Ann was the Resident Conductor and Répétiteur at Calgary Opera, was on staff at Opera on the Avalon, an alumna of Vancouver Opera’s Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program and has performed and conducted coast to coast across Canada as well as in the United States, Mexico and Europe.
Recent appearances include: Music Director for the world premiere of Veronika Krausas’ Ghost Opera at Calgary Opera and the world premiere of Stephanie Martin’s Llandovery Castle with Bicycle Opera Project, principal coach for Puccini’s La Bohème at Fraser Lyric Opera, and Beethoven’s Fidelio at Pacific Opera Victoria.
Kimberley-Ann is a strong believer in mentoring the next generation of musicians as a gateway to keeping music thriving. Her motivation and dedication is addictive, genuine and always with a smile.
Jennifer Turner
Jennifer Turner is a B.C.-born soprano celebrated for her expressive singing and ringing tone. Past performances with Pacific Opera include the role of Scarlet in Robin Hood by Ben Moore and Kelley Rourke, Donna/Siren in Rinaldo, and chorus for Simon Boccanegra and La bohème. She has also performed alongside Robert Holliston for Inside Opera, Donor Concerts, and the Coloratura Series. Recent concert engagements include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Brahms’ Requiem, Haydn’s Creation and The Seasons, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle.