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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

  • Michelle Lafferty, 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.

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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Christmas at ProArts with Alberta Vocal Arts

 

December 3, 2025 - 12:10 | Free Admission
 

Celebrate the season with the warmth of live music and the joy of the holidays! Join Alberta Vocal Arts at ProArts Society, Calgary’s historic performing arts venue, for an afternoon of festive songs and holiday cheer.

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Presented in partnership with the ProArts Society, a non-profit organization bringing artists and audiences together in the heart of Calgary’s cultural district.

 

Free admission – everyone is welcome! Bring your lunch and enjoy the concert.

Christmas at ProArts

Johann Strauss

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Die Fledermaus

Laugh, sing, and toast to the season with Alberta Vocal Arts’ uproarious production of Die Fledermaus! This rollicking operetta is full of mischief, mistaken identities, unforgettable party scenes and LOTS of champagne!

Sung in German with English dialogue, it’s a hilarious, toe-tapping experience for everyone.
 

Special guests and secret treats await this year, adding even more surprises to Calgary’s newest winter tradition!
 

“A perfect way to beat the January blues!”
“Absolutely hilarious!”
"I am coming back every year to see this"
"I haven't laughed this much at an opera before. The cast has impeccable comedic timing, not to mention supremely polished voices."
"You can tell that the singers are having as much fun as we are."
 

Join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and operatic comedy—Calgary’s ‘newest’ winter tradition!

SAVE THE DATES - January 8-10, 2026

Calgary's Newest Winter Tradition is back for a THIRD year!

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Step into a Sicilian village ablaze with passion, betrayal, and heartbreak in Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. This powerful opera tells a story of love, jealousy, and revenge, where a young bride, a returning lover, and a scorned villager collide in a tale of intense emotion, unforgettable arias, and dramatic confrontations.

It’s a story that has captivated audiences for over a century with its fiery music and raw, human drama.
 

Experience this fully staged mainstage production with a small chamber orchestra at the Mandami Opera Centre. Generously supported by the City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Renert School, Steinway Piano Gallery Calgary & Voice by Kathleen.

 

Save the Dates: April 22, 23 & 25, 2026

Cavalleria Rusticana

Pietro Mascagni

Free Opera Chorus
Weekend Workshop
March 28 & 29, 2026

Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of an opera chorus? Join us for a free weekend workshop on March 28 & 29, 2026, and experience the thrill of opera from the inside out!
 

Together, we will learn the epic Regina Caeli chorus from Cavalleria Rusticana—including the text, music, and staging. On Sunday, we’ll bring it all together and perform the entire scene with our professional opera leads!
 

As an exciting bonus, select participants will be invited to appear in the fully staged opera on April 22, 23 & 25, 2026 at the Mandami Opera Centre.
 

This workshop is generously funded by the City of Calgary, and is open to singers of all levels. Registration will be open soon.

Evening Echoes

Open air opera. Rooftop Patio. Downtown Calgary.

To close Season Three, 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 end the season!

June 2026

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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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