New Opera Lyra

10/04/2025

10/04/2025

Formerly known as the Brian Law Competition, the National Capital Opera Competition awards substantial support to Canada's top aspiring young opera singers every two years. New Opera Lyra is honoured to be co-producer of this year's competition, which will take place in the lovely acoustics of Rideau Park United Church. We invite you to not only enjoy a beautiful afternoon of opera favourites - but also to come and support Canada's future opera stars.
Six finalists, from whom the winner will be announced at the end of the concert - great music and great talent. Canada's future opera stars in concert!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/national-capital-opera-competition-tickets-1681476895659?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/15/2025

It just doesn’t get any better! Some great shots from New Opera Lyra production of Aleko. You can still see the performance Saturday March 15, 3:00. Just visit newoperalyra.ca for link to ticket sales, or get your ticket at the door!
Stunning soloists, chorus, dance, orchestra, costumes, staging.

03/10/2025

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see this intense music drama. A one act opera that packs a punch.
Premiering in Ottawa, New Opera Lyra's production of "Aleko", Rachmaninoff's dramatic opera in one act, newly orchestrated by composer and Artistic Director Andrew Ager. Stellar cast and chorus, with ballerina Clare Bassett, Kalinka Women's Russian Dance Ensemble, and guest conductor Norman E. Brown.
Order Tickets Here https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/aleko-3910703

03/08/2025

Do you have your tickets yet?

With sumptuous music and beautiful artistry from our all-Canadian cast, the story of Aleko is sure to fill your ears and capture your heart.

Tickets are available online at our website or at the door. Please join us! Friday March 14, 730pm/Saturday March 15, 3pm
newoperalyra.ca

03/05/2025

A little sneak peek as our dancers prepare for Aleko!

We are so looking forward to presenting ballerina Clare Bassett, Kalinka Women's Russian Dance Ensemble, and members of Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble on March 14th and 15th.

Tickets and info - newoperalyra.ca

02/24/2025

RACHMANINOFF - ALEKO - OTTAWA PREMIERE
Sunday 2pm, Conductor Norman E. Brown rehearses the role of Old Man with baritone Gary Dahl. Gary is already magnificent, 3 weeks out from the production. So is Norman.
March 14 & 15. Don't miss it - https://www.newoperalyra.ca/

02/12/2025

Premiering in Ottawa, New Opera Lyra's production of "Aleko", Rachmaninoff's dramatic opera in one act, newly orchestrated by composer and Artistic Direct Andrew Ager. Stellar cast and chorus, with ballerina Clare Bassett, Kalinka Women's Russian Dance Ensemble, and members of Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Guest conductor Norman E. Brown.
Order Tickets Here https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/aleko-3910703

02/08/2025

NEW OPERA LYRA was invited to perform on the Chinese New Year Gala last evening. It was an honour and a pleasure. New Opera Lyra was represented by Corey Arnold, tenor and Ania Hejnar, soprano, who sang Nessun Dorma and O Mio Babbino respectively. The pre-concert buffet was magnificent. Also magnificent - the traditional Chinese singing, dancing, orchestras - and costumes.

Congratulations to Jason Zhang, organizer of the event.

Below Left - Me with Ania Hejnar, Corey Arnold, Meredith Ying, Zhengwu Ze
Below left - with one of the traditional Chinese dancers

01/14/2025

RACHMANINOFF - Ottawa premiere of one-act opera "Aleko".
Last weekend a language-coaching session was held with writer/journalist Marina Kotchetova and our two cast tenors Adam Sperry and Philip Klassen. Magnificent singing from both of them.
The Ottawa premiere of this riveting one-hour opera is on March 14, 730pm and March 15, 3pm at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Dr. The church will be turned into a mysterious moonlit setting for this lyrical and gripping drama - not to be missed!
For information and tickets, please go to newoperalyra.ca

11/20/2024

RACHMANINOFF - ALEKO COUNTDOWN - Only 114 days until the Ottawa premiere of this great opera.
On Monday I traveled to Toronto to rehearse with magnificent bass-baritone Dylan Wright and Russian-language coach, Alexey Alexeev. We met in the spacious venue of Cameron Hall at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Many thanks to YPB Director of Music William Maddox for the use of this wonderful space and piano.
Dylan and Alexey worked not only on the finer linguistic details - both Dylan and I benefited greatly from Alexey's insights into the psychological nature of the character of Aleko, a truly Dostoevskian individual. Dylan promises to be a very powerful Aleko.
The countdown continues - many wheels are in motion towards this momentous event in Ottawa's operatic scene, only a few months away.
Tickets to Aleko are available at newoperalyra.ca

Below - myself, Alexey Alexeev, Dylan Wright at Cameron Hall, Yorkminster Park Baptist.