Opera Atelier

Opera Atelier: Rediscovering and Revitalizing Period Opera and Ballet

Opera Atelier is a renowned Canadian company that has been at the forefront of rediscovering and revitalizing period opera and ballet for over three decades. Founded in 1985 by Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, Opera Atelier has become a world leader in the field, known for its innovative productions that combine music, dance, drama, design, and scholarship.

The company's mission is to bring to life the works of the Baroque era (1600-1750) in their original form - as they were meant to be seen and heard. This means using historically informed performance practices that reflect the aesthetics, techniques, instruments, costumes, sets, lighting, choreography of the time. It also means engaging with contemporary audiences by making these works relevant to our times through creative interpretation.

Opera Atelier's repertoire includes some of the most beloved operas and ballets from this period - such as Monteverdi's Orfeo (1607), Handel's Alcina (1735), Mozart's The Magic Flute (1791), Gluck's Orphée et Eurydice (1762), among others. These works are not only masterpieces of music but also rich sources of drama that explore timeless themes such as love, jealousy, betrayal, redemption.

What sets Opera Atelier apart from other companies is its commitment to authenticity without sacrificing artistic excellence. The company employs a team of experts in various fields who work together to create productions that are both historically accurate and visually stunning. For example:

- The musical director David Fallis uses original scores or manuscripts whenever possible or creates new editions based on historical sources.

- The choreographer Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg studies treatises on dance technique from the period or invents new steps inspired by them.

- The designer Gerard Gauci researches paintings or engravings from the time or creates his own designs based on them.

- The lighting designer Bonnie Beecher uses candles or oil lamps instead of electric lights whenever possible or simulates their effects with modern technology.

The result is an immersive experience that transports audiences back in time while also engaging them emotionally and intellectually. Critics have praised Opera Atelier for its "exquisite attention to detail" (The Globe And Mail) , "dazzling theatricality" (Toronto Star), "superb musicianship" (New York Times).

But Opera Atelier does not limit itself to performing on stage only. It also engages with communities through education programs that aim at fostering appreciation for opera and ballet among young people especially those who may not have access otherwise due to socio-economic barriers.

For example:

- School tours: Opera Atelier offers free performances at schools across Ontario where students can experience live opera/ballet up close.

- Youth programs: Opera Creation Workshop invites high school students interested in writing libretti/composing music/choreographing dances/ designing costumes/sets/lighting etc., under professional guidance.

- Community outreach: Open Rehearsals allow members of public watch rehearsals before opening night; Pre-performance Chats provide insights into historical context/cultural significance/artistic choices; Backstage Tours offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into production process.

Through these initiatives ,Opera Atelier aims at creating a new generation of artists/spectators who appreciate Baroque art forms as living traditions rather than museum pieces.

In conclusion ,Opera Atelier stands out as a unique cultural institution whose vision combines scholarship with creativity ,rigor with passion .It has earned international acclaim for its contributions towards rediscovering/reinvigorating period opera/ballet .Its commitment towards authenticity without compromising artistic excellence makes it an inspiration for all those who believe in preserving our cultural heritage while embracing innovation .