Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist
Hello hello, music and theater enjoyers! Welcome back to another enthralling update from yours one and only. This time, we’re trading in the breakneck beats of summer festivals for a journey through opulence, laughter, and a bit of bubbly as we dive headfirst into the grandeur of
Vancouver Opera‘s
65th
season opener!
After bringing you the electrifying fusion of global traditions and timeless classics at the Bach Untamed festival earlier this summer, get ready to waltz into a 1960s-inspired masquerade ball with the unforgettable melodies of Johann Strauss II’s
Die Fledermaus!
Photo: Emmanuel Burriel
a production that promises to be nothing short of dazzling!
Sparkling Nights, Dazzling Voices: Die Fledermaus Beckons
Vancouver Opera is pulling out all the stops for its 65th season opener with a vibrant production of Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus. Set against the backdrop of a grand masquerade ball, this comic operetta promises an unforgettable blend of :
“wit”
“charm“
&
“breathtaking music“
Moreover, it serves as a bridge between classical music and contemporary audiences. With its infectious melodies and comedic charm, this operetta has stood the test of time, and the decision to open its 65th season with such a beloved work underscores the company’s mission to make opera accessible, engaging, and relevant to modern audiences. As the community gathers to enjoy this lavish production, the performance will no doubt resonate with both longtime opera lovers and those experiencing its magic for the first time.
Directed by Ashlie Corcoran and conducted by the renowned Jacques Lacombe, this production features a stellar lineup of local and international talent. With four performances lined up at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, audiences can expect a visually stunning experience filled with lavish costumes, intricate sets, and the unforgettable rhythms of Strauss’s waltzes and polkas.
Corcoran, who previously directed Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute, brings her signature blend of creativity and accessibility to Die Fledermaus. In past interviews, she has described her approach to opera as
“coloring within the lines”
with the music forming the structural framework and her direction adding vivid, playful colors(The Georgia Straight)
In The Magic Flute, she embraced a whimsical, low-tech design and used a play-within-a-play structure to engage audiences, balancing traditional opera with a fresh, modern twist. We can expect her direction of Die Fledermaus to follow a similar path, blending humor and visual flair to bring the 1960s masquerade ball to life, full of disguises, intrigue, and lighthearted mischief.
A performance of Die Fledermaus by the Opéra de Québec in 2024.Emmanual Burriel
Her vision is rooted in making opera accessible and enjoyable for all, from seasoned enthusiasts to newcomers. With this production, she promises a vibrant experience that emphasizes fun, nostalgia, and a visual spectacle. Whether through the opulent 1960s-inspired costumes or the playful choreography, Corcoran’s attention to detail will ensure that each performance is a delightful experience, filled with surprises for the audience
Celebrating 65 Years of Operatic Excellence
A fitting tribute to the company’s legacy, blending tradition with fresh, creative interpretations. With its themes of disguise, deception, and revelry, it speaks to the timeless human experiences we’ve countlessly experienced. In setting the operetta in the playful and vibrant world of the fabulous 60s, this taps into an era known for its cultural revolution and artistic freedom—much like Vancouver Opera’s own innovative journey over the past six decades as well as the North American west coast.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there!
Following Die Fledermaus in February 2025 is Jonathan Dove’s
Flight!
A modern opera that’s as emotionally charged as it is wildly entertaining. Set in the unlikely location of an airport departure lounge, Flight tells the heart-wrenching yet comedic story of a refugee stranded in limbo, surrounded by colorful and quirky characters. With its clever libretto and accessible, melodic score, Dove’s opera has earned its place as one of the most captivating new works of the past 30 years. Directed by Morris Panych and featuring the dynamic music direction of Leslie Dala, Flight will take audiences on an emotional journey that balances comedy with pathos.
Photos: David Cooper Photography.
Closing out the season in grand style is Giacomo Puccini’s
Madama Butterfly
Which will grace the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage in April and May 2025. This beloved opera tells the timeless story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman whose heart is tragically broken by an American naval officer. With its stunning visuals, transcendent melodies, and deeply emotional narrative, Madama Butterfly is a masterpiece that has moved audiences for over a century. Directed by MO ZHOU and conducted by Jacques Lacombe, this production promises to be a breathtaking finale to Vancouver Opera’s 65th anniversary season, featuring world-class talents, including the highly anticipated VO debut of soprano Yasko Sato.
Showtimes and Special Performances
So opera lovers, mark your calendars! Die Fledermaus is set to dazzle Vancouver audiences across four performances, but there’s more to enjoy beyond the show itself. Vancouver Opera has planned several exciting events and pre-show talks to enrich your experience.
Pre-show Talks
Dive deeper into the world of Die Fledermaus with engaging pre-show chats, held one hour before curtain time on the Mezzanine level. Whether it’s an evening or matinee performance, these talks are the perfect way to gain behind-the-scenes insights and prepare for an unforgettable night of music and mischief.
- Evening Performances: 6:30 PM
- Matinee Performance: 1:00 PM
“Get the inside scoop on Die Fledermaus with our insightful pre-show talks—perfect for both first-timers and seasoned opera-goers.”
Evening Performance Schedule
Each evening performance is carefully timed to ensure that you don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
- 6:00 PM – Box Office opens
- 6:15 PM – Queen Elizabeth Theatre doors open
- 6:30 PM – Free pre-show talk begins
- 7:30 PM – Performance begins
Matinee Performance Schedule
For those who prefer an afternoon at the opera, the matinee schedule promises the same energy and excitement, with an earlier start time.
- 12:30 PM – Box Office opens
- 12:45 PM – Queen Elizabeth Theatre doors open
- 1:00 PM – Free pre-show talk begins
- 2:00 PM – Performance begins
Performance Dates for Die Fledermaus
- Saturday, October 26, 7:30 PM
- Thursday, October 31, 7:30 PM
- Saturday, November 2, 7:30 PM
- Sunday, November 3, 2:00 PM
This production will be sung in German with English SUBTITLES™ projected above the stage, making it accessible to all audiences. Whether you’re attending for the first time or coming back for more, Die Fledermaus is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Vancouver Opera’s 65th season.
For tickets and more information, visit Vancouver Opera or check out the full schedule and season details at Vancouver Opera’s official page.
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