Performing Arts - Professional Associations

On October 11, 1963, the Edmonton Opera held its first performance, helping launch the company along with the international career of singer, Ermanno Mauro. Tickets sold out and the performance was artistically and financially successful.

Dr. Francis Winspear and Ray Milner initially proposed the formation of a professional opera company in Edmonton. Many scoffed at the idea of creating an opera company in the relatively small city. Despite dismal financial problems faced by the Alberta Opera Society, Winspear and Milner were dedicated to creating a successful and popular company. Both men approached Mr. Jean Letourneau to ask if he would act as the artistic director and help with the formation of the company. Shortly thereafter, with the help of 10 stake holders, the Edmonton Opera was formed.

Letourneau established professional opera in Edmonton, helped many careers to succeed and organized the Capital Choral Society (later known as the Alberta Opera Society). The company had goals to import expert artists, utilize professional staging direction and work in conjunction with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Irving Guttman became the first full-time artistic director in 1965 and was pleasantly surprised to discover Edmonton as a city with a thriving arts community, dedicated to promoting the performing arts. La Boheme, Guttman's first production, was a tremendous success, selling out and delighting audiences.

Since its start in the 1960s, the Edmonton Opera has exceeded its goals. Performances such as Puccini's, Turandot and Rodger and Hammerstein's, South Pacific feature world-class artists and are performed by members of the Edmonton Opera. In addition to offering a riveting and cultural experience, the Edmonton Opera offers educational programs for opera enthusiasts and

students alike. Pre-performance discussions or, "opera talks", are free, informative sessions whereby discussions circulate around the topics of an opera's plot, characters, music and composer, giving opera enthusiasts an opportunity to broaden and increase their interest and knowledge about the opera. 'Opera 101', offered by the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta, offers free information sessions which are hosted by Dr. Morris Maduro.

As children do not always have an opportunity to experience the joys of an opera, the Edmonton Opera has created its Education Program. This engaging Education Program offers three opportunities for learning including, Edmonton Opera study guides, in-school visits from members of the Edmonton Opera and the chance to attend a student dress rehearsal. This education program gives children an opportunity to see the inner-workings of an opera company and truly understand the hard work, dedication and talent invested in each performance.