CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY ANNOUNCES ITS 2010/11 SEASON

FEATURING NEW PRODUCTIONS AND COC PREMIERES

Toronto—At a press conference at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Canadian Opera Company (COC) proudly announced its 2010/2011 season. Featuring two new productions of opera classics, two COC premieres, and three brilliant productions from around the world, the COC's 2010/11 season consists of a diverse line-up of operas featuring some major star power. The company presents two new productions of operatic favorites Aida and The Magic Flute; COC premieres of the 20th century opera Nixon in China and the COC's first Gluck opera, Orfeo ed Euridice; and the long-awaited returns of Death in Venice, La Cenerentola and Ariadne auf Naxos.

Making their COC debuts in the upcoming season are singers Jane Archibald, Lawrence Brownlee, Michele Capalbo, Alice Coote, Sondra Radvanovsky, and conductors Sir Andrew Davis, and Pablo Heras-Casado; and directors Yoshi Oida and Diane Paulus. Returning artists include singers Isabel Bayrakdarian, Tracy Dahl, Robert Gleadow, Scott Hendricks, Richard Margison, Adrianne Pieczonka, Brett Polegato, Michael Schade, and Lawrence Zazzo; directors Tim Albery, Neil Armfield, Robert Carsen, and James Robinson; and conductor Harry Bicket. All performances are in the company's home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and feature the renowned COC Orchestra and Chorus.

"The 2010/2011 season is representative of my pledge to present opera of the highest international standards. With great new productions of classic favorites, the introduction of works never before seen on our stages, and brilliant, imaginative productions from around the world, you have a perfect opera season," said Alexander Neef, COC's general director.