Opera Etc.

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.”

Perfect for newcomers and longtime opera lovers alike.

Join Robert Holliston for an engaging introduction to Verdi’s Il trovatore, exploring the stories, music, characters, and creative ideas behind this passionate tale of love, vengeance, and fate. Whether you’re an opera lover or simply curious, Inside Opera offers a welcoming way to listen, learn, and discover more.

Join Robert Holliston for Inside Opera, exploring the music, characters, and creative ideas behind Humperdinck’s beloved Hansel & Gretel. Discover how lush music, playful humour, and the imaginative puppetry of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop bring this familiar fairytale of courage, family, and a dangerously delicious gingerbread house to life.

Join Robert Holliston for Inside Opera, exploring the music, characters, and creative ideas behind Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Journey into a world of soaring arias, magical instruments, daring trials, and unexpected truths, as we explore this beloved opera’s enduring themes of love, wisdom, courage, and transformation.

Keep an eye on our calendar for more information for both main stage and community events!

What’s Up With Opera?

At a time when we’re questioning assumptions about the portrayal of women and minorities in all forms of cultural expression, it’s also time to think more critically about the world of opera – an art form essentially sustained by relics and values of past centuries.

Join the conversation with the operatic movers and shakers of the 21st century as they share their thoughts in frank conversations about what has to change for opera to survive.

Listening Party Podcast

Podcasts with guest artists and a curated Spotify playlist.

Join us for the Listening Party Podcast as Rebecca Hass and guests share favourite stories about the role music plays in the lives of our artists, creative team, and collaborators – and in your life as an arts lover.

After each podcast, tune in to Pacific Opera’s Spotify Playlists. A new Listening Party Playlist is added every week. Meet the people, hear the stories, experience the music!

Inside Opera

Join Robert Holliston for a series of chats with special guests about everything opera-related. Recommended for newcomers and opera aficionados alike, Inside Opera Online is insightful, friendly, and funny.

Pre-Show Lobby Talks

Enhance your opera experience with engaging Pre-Show Lobby Talks led by the insightful Robert Holliston. Delve into the fascinating background, history, and delightful anecdotes about the upcoming show at the Royal Theatre. 

For All to Hear

A space that celebrates and features diverse voices from the IBPoC (Indigenous, Black, People of Colour) community and historically marginalized or oppressed groups, offering a platform to share music and stories that matter.

Acoustic Afternoons

Grab a coffee, take a breath, and enjoy intimate video moments with some of the Pacific Opera family of artists, including short interviews, song performances and more.

Lunchbox Opera

A relaxing way to take a break and take in a bit of music and discussions with experts and artists. Settle down with your lunch or afternoon tea and enjoy a recital in your living room or home office.

Take Five with Timothy

With this video series, Pacific Opera’s Founding Artistic Director Timothy Vernon shares his inside knowledge of opera and his idiosyncratic perspective on the art form. Expect thoughtful – and off-the-wall – discussions of opera and the people who make it happen.

Handwashing Arias

Washing your hands has never been so much fun! Sing along as artists from our past and future productions perform popular arias to new words while demonstrating proper handwashing technique.

The Keynotes Collection

Relive Pacific Opera’s recent productions through video excerpts, photos, reviews, articles from our Keynotes Newsletter, and insightful Programme Notes from our stage directors and Artistic Director. Relive the magic of these productions and discover more about some of the amazing operas Pacific Opera has staged.