Blending a classical music tradition with contemporary artists is a unique approach for any production. Throw in some original poetry and a group of composers and youB次元官网网址檝e got the makings of an East Van Opera original.
The company B次元官网网址� the brainchild of award-winning operatic soprano Allison Cociani B次元官网网址� is dedicated to local and emerging artists with a particular focus on elevating women in the arts.
B次元官网网址淲hen I was growing up, I was a singer and, as a writer, no one ever pushed me or asked me or gave me any idea that it was a possibility to become a composer,B次元官网网址� Cociani says. B次元官网网址淭his is part of empowering women and girls to understand their full potential.B次元官网网址�
The classically-trained singer began composing a few years ago, making music for video games. But the dream was always to write an opera of her own. Alma, her first outing, took three years from beginning to end. B次元官网网址淚t was a huge learning curve,B次元官网网址� says the former Victoria Conservatory of Music student.
Combining her passion for composition and performance is what now drives East Van Opera, she says, as well as wanting to see artists step out of their comfort zones and bring new music to life.
The progressive companyB次元官网网址檚 mission is exclusively the production of new operatic works like The Fall, coming to The Baumann Centre on Feb. 24. It features renowned tenor Benjamin Butterfield, the head of UVicB次元官网网址檚 voice program.
The production is the result of a poetry contest held by Cociani that garnered submissions from across the Lower Mainland and Victoria. The selected pieces were then sent to a group of composers who produced everything from performance-based art and art song pieces with melodic sensibilities to spoken word.
B次元官网网址淓veryone has had a very different take,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really interesting how that theme produced so many different interpretations.B次元官网网址�
Cociani, who will perform with baritone Nathan McDonald, says opera on the West Coast is blooming. B次元官网网址淚 have this dream of making it really new and exciting. I love the idea of intriguing young people and getting them into it and bringing the worlds together.B次元官网网址�
No matter the audience, the production maintains the vibe of the neighbourhood where it was created, and the unique collaboration it provides.
B次元官网网址淵ou can do amazing things with just the intent to push and thrive and be creative. That is the spirit of the program.B次元官网网址�
The Fall: Poetry and New Music Gala, happens Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. at The Baumann Centre (925 Balmoral Rd.). Tickets are available at the door or at
