Toronto, July 3, 2024 | Summer Opera Lyric Theatre continues its tradition as the only performance haven for Toronto’s opera lovers in late summer. Since 1986, Guillermo Silva Marin has led aspiring young artists through an intensive 8-week course of study concentrating on character development in opera through text and music. This summer, these weeks culminate in a series of performances showcasing the young artists at the historic Alumnae Theatre at 70 Berkeley and Adelaide. The only summer course of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area, SOLT alumni include Kristina Szabo, David Pomeroy, Nora Sourouzian, and Joshua Hopkins, all currently enjoying international careers.
“I am pleased to announce that Sae Hae Bae has joined us as Music Director and Pianist for Handel’s Xerxes” says SOLT General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin. “Sae Hae Bae will be taking over for Helen Becque, who was called away by a family emergency. We send our best wishes to Helen and welcome Sae to our team of Music Directors and Pianists which includes Jo Greenaway for La Boheme and Suzy Smith for Idomeneo.” A pianist, composer and educator, Sae Hae attended the Eastman School of Music, the University of Toronto, and holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed in France, South Korea, Canada, Italy and the USA.
In 2024, the season opens with La Boheme on Friday, July 26 (8pm) with further performances on Wednesday, July 31 (2pm); Thursday, August 1 (8pm) and Saturday, August 3 (8pm). Performances of Mozart’s Idomeneo are on Saturday, July 27 (2 pm); Sunday, July 28 (2 pm); Wednesday, July 31 (8 pm) and Friday, August 2 (8 pm). Handel’s Xerxes is on Saturday, July 27 (8 pm); Tuesday, July 30 (8 pm); Saturday, August 3 (2pm) and Sunday, August 4 (2pm). “This summer we concentrate on the style of opera from Baroque to the classic traditions of the 18th century to Verismo…all in English. Projection of text and dramatic immediacy will be paramount,” commented Silva-Marin recently from the rehearsal hall at the Edward Jackman Centre.
The thirty SOLT participants for this summer have been chosen after extensive auditions and come from hometowns, conservatories, and universities across Canada, including professionals already in the midst of burgeoning careers. Silva-Marin is stage director for all three works and guest lecturers for the summer have included Jennifer Tung, Colin Ainsworth, Jennifer Tarver, David Fallis, Julie Nesrallah, Kathy Domoney, Derek Bate, and Henry Ingram.
All performances take place at the Alumnae Theatre at 70 Berkeley Street and Adelaide. Subscription packages for $60 are available through TO Live Box Office. Single tickets are $28, $22 for students and seniors. The theatre is air-conditioned, completely wheelchair accessible and convenient to public parking and transit.
For tickets call 416-366-7723 or online at https://www.solt.ca/performances. (Mondays to Fridays 1 to 6 pm and evenings/weekends on day of performances) or SOLT Admin Office: 416-922-2912 (Weekdays 10 am to 5 pm). SOLT is generously supported by individual SUMMER PATRONS and private donors.
