Teaming Up for Tosca: SSO brings opera to the Saskatoon stage

Tosca is a woman set ablaze, she does what she has to for love

It takes a lot of talented people to bring any opera to the stage but when you’re talking about the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of Tosca, the collaboration is next level. Earlier this year, Saskatoon Opera became part of the SSO opening the door to larger performances.

“We’ve partnered with Saskatoon Opera for so long and in assessing how the art form can have a successful future in the city it became clear the path forward was to become one entity,” says SSO CEO and Creative Producer Mark Turner. “This move grows the orchestra’s diversity in programming and makes sure opera can continue at a high level in Saskatoon.”

It’s a pretty incredible project.

Director Joel Ivany says this performance is a great boost for a young singer’s career. (Photo Provided)

Tosca marks the first time in many years a complete opera has been done with a full orchestra on the big stage in Saskatoon. It’s collaboration on a grand scale as the SSO has joined forces with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Yukon Arts Centre, and Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artists Program to present a semi-staged tour with orchestra and singers on the main stage.

Director Joel Ivany says this production and tour creates opportunity for everyone involved. Edmonton Opera’s Emerging Artist Program pairs experienced singers with those who are just starting their careers. They worked as covers, similar to understudies, at the National Arts Centre and then took over the roles for the tour.

“In each location there’s a chorus of local singers, the musicians get a chance to tour and work outside their home community, and the lead singers have a chance to build their resume,” says Ivany. “We’re sharing opera in parts of Canada where it hasn’t always been easy to produce. It’s a pretty incredible project.”

To embody Tosca with music as beautiful as this, it’s such a gift

Leila Kirves (r) and Nicholas Borg take up lead roles for Tosca as part of the Emerging Artist Program. (National Arts Centre)

Tosca is Giacomo Puccini’s tragic tale of opera singer who fights to save her lover from a sadistic police chief determined to have her for himself. Soprano Leila Kirves will perform the lead role of Floria Tosca on tour and says it’s an enormous opportunity at the start of her professional career.

“This opera is so beloved and to embody Tosca with music as beautiful as this, it’s such a gift,” says Kirves. “I’m so looking forward to the tour, to rehearse and get into these characters everyday with the whole team, is incredible. I can’t wait for the audience to see it.”

This opera has everything, passion, murder, and corruption

Judith Yan serves as conductor for Tosca in Whitehorse and Saskatoon. (Julie Isaac Photography)

Conductor Judith Yan will take the podium in Whitehorse and Saskatoon and says of all the operas out there, Tosca is the one show that keeps audiences coming back.

“This opera has everything, passion, murder, and corruption. It’s all the stuff you’re hoping for from Netflix but this is live,” says Yan. “It’s extreme. There’s no half way in this opera. They go all the way with love, sex, betrayal, and some of the most incredible music you’ve ever heard.”

It’s an immersive experience just waiting for you

SSO principal bassoonist Stephanie Unverricht is lending her skills tour in Whitehorse before returning to the Saskatoon stage.

“They needed a bassoon in Whitehorse so I jumped at the chance to join the tour,” says Unverricht. “Opera is one of the highest art forms with the gorgeous music, the singers, costumes, and sets. I’m thrilled that we can bring this exciting performance to Saskatoon. It’s an immersive experience just waiting for you.”