Opera Lyra announces a return to Bizet, Puccini and Gilbert and Sullivan!! Something for everyone..

Opera Lyra announces a return to Bizet, Puccini and Gilbert and Sullivan!! Something for everyone..

Carmen Crop(1) Carmen at Opera Lyra.

Photos: from Opera Lyra

Today, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Tyrone Paterson announced he has programmed a season filled with passion, love and crime.  Bizet’s Carmen and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly will both be fully staged operas in Southam Hall, NAC.  Rounding out the season is an opera for families and students; Gilbert & Sullivan’s witty

Pirates of Penzance presented in the Arts Court Theatre.

“After 11 years, Carmen finds her way back to Opera Lyra’s stage and stars the vibrant and beautiful Alessandra Volpe who received international acclaim after her debut at Teatro alla Scala”, says Paterson.   “Madama Butterfly features the return of Shu-Ying Li who broke hearts in our recent production of Turandot.” 

“Opera Lyra is thrilled to be making an extraordinary comeback,” declares John Peter (Jeep) Jeffries, General Director of Opera Lyra Ottawa. “Thanks to the efforts of many, we have made excellent progress in rebuilding the company.” He notes that the return to producing two fully staged operas next season is the result of the successes attained this year.

Bizet’s Carmen returns to Opera Lyra Ottawa

A soldier with a past is seduced by a beautiful gypsy who cares only for her own freedom. Passions and jealousy build in sultry Seville. Full of some of the most famous and recognizable music in opera, Bizet’s masterpiece is one of opera’s most beloved works.

September 7,9,11,14, 2013- NAC Southam Hall

Puccini’s poignant masterpiece – Madama Butterfly

One of the most famous and beautiful operas of all time, Madama Butterfly is set in Japan in the late 1880’s. It tells the haunting tale of a young woman who is known as Madama Butterfly. She falls in love and marries an American naval officer, a love that ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

April 19, 21, 23, 26, 2014 – NAC Southam Hall

Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance

Come sail the seas with the infamous Pirate King! This witty Gilbert and Sullivan operetta has been cleverly abridged for families making it the perfect excursion for both pirates and Major Generals.

Opera Lyra Ottawa will continue to offer Pre-Opera Chats at the NAC to enhance the opera experience for ticket holders.

Surtitles are in English & French.


Subscription and ticket information are available now through the NAC Box Office – 613-947-7000 x 620

About the Company:

Opera Lyra Ottawa is dedicated to the music, the passion and the adventure that is opera, committed to nurturing and showcasing Canadian talent and to educating young audiences and instilling in them the love of opera and the arts. operalyra.ca

On March 21 and 23, 2013 Opera Lyra Ottawa will end its 2012-2013 season with Giuseppe Verdi’s  La Traviata in honour of the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s birth.  Conducted by Tyrone Paterson, it will be performed in concert in Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre.

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