Tapestry Opera

Tag: touring concert

  • Tapestry announce a third year of Box Concerts

    Tapestry announce a third year of Box Concerts

    More free opera performances for vulnerable Toronto communities

    Tapestry Opera announces a third year of Box Concerts! This summer they’re delivering over 60 free outdoor performances to staff and residents of Toronto long-term care homes, and over 30 to Toronto residential neighbourhoods. 

    First delivered in 2020 in response to the pandemic, the program’s travelling trailer unpacks to reveal a charming stage. It has visited over 125 residences and performed to thousands of Torontonians in a bid to raise spirits and spark joy. All of Tapestry Opera’s community performances for care homes have been free of charge. 

    This year, Tapestry is announcing a roster of some of the most talented Ontario-based opera artists* alternating as soloists. They include: baritone Korin Thomas-Smith (S.O.S. Sketch Opera Singers, Tapestry Opera), soprano Natalya Gennadi (Oksana G, Tapestry Opera), soprano Meher Pavri (The Overcoat, Tapestry Opera & Canadian Stage, Sāvitri, Against the Grain Theatre), soprano Midori Marsh (Rocking Horse Winner, Tapestry Opera, The Magic Flute, Canadian Opera Company), and soprano Charlotte Siegel (The Magic Flute, Canadian Opera Company). 

    Tapestry Opera’s Artistic and General Director Michael Hidetoshi Mori said: “Box Concerts have brought magic to Toronto communities these last couple of years. We’re so delighted to be back on the road for the third year running. For 2022, we’re working with a roster of extremely talented Canadian singers who are passionate about opera’s power to delight and surprise audiences. Last year it was a thrill to watch audiences of all ages applauding together. We can’t wait to share more uplifting music with communities around the city – it’s going to be a special summer!”

    Box Concerts runs from July to September 2022. Private performances are also available, bookable on weekends.

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    *subject to change and availability

  • Box Concerts returns for Summer 2021

    Box Concerts returns for Summer 2021

    Tapestry Opera announces the second year of Box Concerts, the joyful curbside concert program. The pop-up stage will tour hospitals, care homes and private residences across the GTA for 100 performances over summer and fall 2021. 

    Box Concerts returns to premiere a new one-person-show created just for this summer, featuring opera, musical theatre and brand new songs to tell a charming story of connection and belonging. 

    The 2021 creative team features Canadian composer Benton Roark (TAP:EX Augmented Opera, Bandits in the Valley) and Canadian playwright Donna-Michelle St. Bernard (TAP:EX Forbidden, S.O.S. Sketch Opera Singers), who join Tapestry’s Artistic Director and Box Concerts director Michael Hidetoshi Mori. The storytelling element developed for this year’s program adds a fun and dramatic flair to the already joyful experience.

    Award-winning tenor and rising Canadian opera star Asitha Tennekoon also joins the team, performing his second year as a Box Concerts soloist. 

    “We were overwhelmed with the magic Box Concerts brought to Toronto communities last year” explains Mori. “We delivered 74 concerts around the city, with over 50 performed free to hospitals and care homes. This year I’m delighted to be relaunching the program with the goal of reaching twice as many people, bringing the collective experiences of beauty and joy to Torontonians suffering from over a year of isolation.”

    “The pandemic demanded that we find new ways to engage with artists and Canadian audiences, and Box Concerts is a prime example: working with a high-calibre artistic team on new works designed for the people of Toronto. Box Concerts are so joyful for us because creating new Canadian opera is at the heart of what we do.”

    “I can’t wait to share music with communities around the city. We’re committed to sharing as much magic as possible!”

    Box Concerts performs for free at care homes and hospitals across the GTA. Private residences are also able to book a Box Concert for their street; booking goes on sale May 17. 

    The Box Concerts set will also appear as part of Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park program in July. For more information visit Canadian Stage’s website. 

    Box Concerts runs from June 15 – September 15 2021. Private bookings go on sale May 17, Care Home bookings are on sale now.

    Find out more

    Box Concerts is supported by J.P. Bickell Foundation, Metcalf Foundation and Soulpepper Theatre.