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Experience the passion, heartbreak, and soaring music of Pietro Mascagni's masterpiece, Cavalleria Rusticana

Performed with a chamber orchestra and community chorus, this powerful one-act opera tells a timeless story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge in a small Sicilian village on Easter morning. Featuring some of opera's most unforgettable music, including the breathtaking Intermezzo, this emotionally charged production is the perfect introduction for newcomers and a favourite for seasoned opera lovers alike.


Starring

Santuzza: Barbara King

Turiddu: Ernesto Ramirez

Mamma Lucia: Heidi Meundel

Alfio: Aaron Durand

Lola: Ainsley Soutiere
 

With

Music Director & Conductor: Carlos Foggin

Stage Director: Shandra Gallant

Artistic Director: Kathleen Morrison
 

Venue
Mamdani Opera Centre | 1315 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 1A5

 

Schedule

7:00 pm – Pre-Show Chat

Join our Artistic Director, Music Director, and Stage Director before the performance to discover the story, explore the music, learn about the history behind the opera, and hear what to listen for during the performance.

7:30 pm – Performance


Running Time
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.
English translation superittles will be projected live during the performance.


Tickets

General Admission: $35

VIP Tables: $300

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Enjoy the best seats in the house, a complimentary bottle of wine or Prosecco, exclusive time with the cast after the performance, and signed commemorative keepsakes.
 

August 26, 28 & 29, 2026

Evening Echoes 2026

Open air opera. Rooftop Patio. Downtown Calgary.

Join Alberta Vocal Arts on the rooftop of the Marriott Hotel Downtown Calgary for an unforgettable evening of opera, songs, and musical surprises.

 

This concert sold out completely last year, and promises a magical night of stunning voices, beautiful music, and city skyline views—a perfect way to start summer!

June 9th, 2026 - 7pm

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General Rush Admission ($35),

VIP Hightop or Couch ($170 - seats 2 people)

VIP Table ($295 - seats 4 people) for the best views and extra perks.
*VIP perks include the best seats in the house, a welcome drink, and signed posters from the cast!*

Small snacks and drinks will be available on-site to complete the perfect summer evening.
 

Join us for great music, fresh air, and downtown energy — all from the heart of Calgary!

Featured artists include:

Hannah Pagenkopf, soprano
Kathleen Morrison, soprano
Barbara King, mezzo soprano
Jason Ragan, tenor
Peter Monaghan, bass-baritone
Joshua R. Read, bass-baritone
Carlos Foggin, piano

With Guests from:
Blue Room Collective
UCalgary Campus Choir - under the director of Kathryn Parrotta
Guests from the Calgary Wind Symphony
Renert Solo Voice Studio (Sofija Trkulja and Serena Chakrabarti)

A HUGE thank you to our presenting partner - Marriott Downtown Calgary
Grateful for support from Calgary Arts Development, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Southern Alberta Opera Development Fund.

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Aria Going to the Opera?

Listen, Learn, Enjoy!

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Back by Popular Demand! 

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Alberta Vocal Arts is thrilled to bring back our fan-favourite edu-concert series, in partnership with the National Music Centre and generously funded by the City of Calgary!

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Join Artistic & Executive Director Kathleen Morrison as she guides you through a new opera theme in each session, bringing music, stories, and characters to life in a fun, approachable way. Whether you’re an opera newbie or a lifelong fan, you’ll listen, learn, and enjoy the magic of opera up close.

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This year’s themes & dates:

  • September 20 – Opera 101: All About the Basics

  • October 11 – The Villains

  • November 15 – The Duets: Rivalry, Romance & Revelry

  • January 31 – Opera’s Timeless Tales: Myths, Legends & Fairytales

  • February 21 – Love: Opera Style

 

Here’s what audiences actually said last year:

“I came in knowing almost nothing about opera, and I left loving it. I can't wait to see a full one”

“Kathleen is my new opera bestie! She made everything so fun and interesting that I forgot opera was supposed to be scary!" 

“The singers are wonderful. Hearing the singing so close and knowing what to listen for changed it for me.”

 

Free with Studio Bell admission. Can’t afford admission? No problem! Send us a message and we’ll make it happen.

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From the Shadows

The Witches of Opera are Waiting

Step into a world of witches, ghost ships, death omens, mysterious prophecy, and ancient tragedy as our powerful cast of female voices and unique soundscapes conjurer characters from Macbeth, Carmen, Hänsel und Gretel, Der fliegende Holländer, Il Trovatore, and more.

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Date: October 30, 2025
Venue: The Grotto, Contemporary Calgary (701 11 Street SW)
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Concert Begins: 7:30 PM
Admission: FREE – This concert is generously funded by The City of Calgary

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Featuring an extraordinary ensemble:

  • Alyssa D'Souza, soprano

  • Barbara King, mezzo-soprano

  • Dallas Hayes-Sparks, mezzo-soprano

  • Kathleen Morrison, soprano & narrator

  • Ainsley Soutiere, soprano

  • Carlos Foggin – Piano

  • Jeremy Scott Brown – Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute

  • Dylan Martin – Low Brass

  • Chris Santos – Percussion​

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Concept & Artistic Direction - Kathleen Morrison

Text - Kathleen Morrison & Shandra Gallant

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This unique concert weaves together iconic arias, eerie ensembles, and haunting narration in a celebration of opera’s darkest corners.

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Come if you dare.

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This concert is generously funded by the City of Calgary, with thanks to:

  • Alberta Foundation for the Arts

  • Steinway Piano Gallery Calgary

  • Contemporary Calgary

  • Voice by Kathleen

  • Renert School

  • Cue1

    Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Limited chairs, plenty of standing room or feel free to bring a blanket or cushion to sit on the ground with the Witches.

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Alberta Vocal Arts, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation within Alberta (including Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).​

 

We recognize the rich cultural heritage and enduring presence of these Indigenous peoples and their profound contributions to the arts. As an organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the classical vocal arts, Alberta Vocal Arts is committed to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and respect. We strive to honor the traditions and stories of the Indigenous communities of this territory by incorporating diverse voices and perspectives into our performances and community engagements. Through our work, we aim to build bridges of understanding and celebrate the vibrant cultural landscape of this land.

© 2035 Alberta Vocal Arts

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