Toronto opera and ballet company brings beauty and a welcoming energy to the stage

Have you been tempted to go to the Opera, but thought you wouldn’t understand, don’t have the right clothes, and simply don’t know what to expect? Opera Atelier, a renowned Toronto-based Opera Company in its 39th year, is determined to make Opera accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Those new to the opera will find no better introduction than with the company’s upcoming production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea at the Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge St.) October 24th to 27th.
Brimming with humor, sensuality, tragedy and transformation, it’s little wonder the composer’s dramatic 18th century pastoral opera (often regarded as the most popular in his lifetime) continues to dazzle and resonate with — contemporary audiences.
Opera Atelier’s treatment of the beloved fairytale, which tells the story of Galatea, a sea nymph, and her doomed love for Acis, a mortal shepherd, is highly unique in that it’s designed for the enjoyment of the entire family.
Sung in English with an intimate cast including two French tenors making their Canadian debut and featuring a selection of Handel’s most enchanting music for singing and dancing, the company aims to present clear, captivating storytelling that moves and delights spectators.
“This isn’t just for opera aficionados,” explained Marshall Pynkoski, Founding Co-Artistic Director of Opera Atelier.
“I think people want to have storytelling, myths, legends and fairytales that they can understand and follow, and that what they see on stage supports that. Baroque music as a storytelling style helps audiences feel the emotion, while the choreography helps you visualize the music. The choreography doesn’t fight the music or make it more complicated. Rather, it supports the story.”
When asked about Opera Atelier’s commitment to making the production accessible to the novice opera goer, Pynkoski said “Opera was meant to entertain, and I don’t mean that in a pejorative sense at all. In the 18th century, if the audience was bored, they’d just leave the theatre. This is about presenting a great story that pulls at all your emotions. Anyone coming to the theatre will be highly entertained — It’s the same way you feel when you’re walking out of a David Mirvish production.”
The set by resident set designer Gerard Gauci, who also designed the costumes, relies heavily on painted scenery. Though the process is highly detailed and time consuming — and one that very few companies undertake — when the curtains rise, the magic and beauty of the experience makes it all worthwhile, said Pynkoski.
“You feel like you’re looking at one of those children’s pop-up books,” said Pynkoski. “There’s a fascinating sense of perspective; you can’t tell if things are three dimensional or two dimensional. It has that wonderful storybook quality that’s instantly fascinating for adults on one level, and fascinating for children on another level.”
Acis and Galatea opens Opera Atelier’s 2024/25 season, titled: A Miracle, A Metamorphosis, A Masterpiece Reborn.
The cast includes two Company debuts French tenors Antonin Rondepierre, singing the role of Acis, and Blaise Rantoanina as fellow shepherd, Damon. Meanwhile, soprano Meghan Lindsay makes her role debut as Galatea, and is joined by bass baritone Douglas Williams, debuting in the portrayal of jealous Cyclopes Polyphemus.
The production will feature new choreography by Opera Atelier Co-Founding Artistic Director and Choreographer, Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, performed by the full corps of the Artists of Atelier Ballet, and will be accompanied by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. The Nathaniel Dett Chorale joins the production as well.
Opera Atelier’s season closes with the North American premiere of Marc Antoine Charpentier’s David and Jonathan, on stage from April 9 — 13.
Ticket prices for Acis and Galatea vary based on seating. Those 35 years and under receive a special ticket rate of $40, and group orders will receive a 20 per cent discount. Contact the box office for details.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit: operaatelier.com.