About the Company

Bytown Operaworks' objective is to provide compelling operatic entertainment at a ticket price and length that all audience members can appreciate, whether they are frequent opera goers or people trying the genre for the first time. We also wish to provide our workshop participants with a realistic view of what opera preparation in a professional setting is like through ensemble work, solos, costuming and staging for each excerpt.

A Brief History

Founded in 2000, Bytown Operaworks, formerly known as “The Opera Works”, is an organization of student through professional vocalists, aged 17+, who wish to explore the world of opera in a workshop setting. All members must either hold a Bachelors degree or be working towards one or be undertaking serious vocal study. Members must also to be willing to attend regular rehearsals and commit to a portion of the operating budget.

In our first season, 2001–2002, the cast consisted exclusively of vocalists studying with Yoriko Tanno-Kimmons, however in 2002–2003 we expanded to include other vocalists in the Ottawa area. It is our intention to make Bytown Operaworks an opera workshop open to any vocalist in the National Capital Region, 17+, on an audition basis. (The cast cap will be 30 people for main characters and adult chorus).

What is Bytown Operaworks’ Mandate?

Our membership is committed to a three-pronged goal:

1. Education (for participants and audience alike).
2. Presentation of a quality performance equitable to a professional opera.
3. Accessibility for all members of the community through low admittance costs.

Artistic/Positioning Statement

Bytown Operaworks' objective is to provide interesting operatic entertainment at a price and length that all audience members can appreciate, whether they are frequent opera goers or people trying the genre for the first time. We also wish to provide our workshop participants with a realistic view of what opera preparation in a professional setting is like through ensemble work, solos, costuming and staging for each excerpt.

Opera Night in Ottawa has been designed to meet the educational objectives:

1. Participants will experience the work, and rewards, that one finds in a professional opera company as a soloist and chorus member.
2. Participants will receive hands on assistance with acting, staging, vocal production and ensemble singing.

Audiences will be treated to a cross-section of scenes from many different operas that will be more easily digested by first time opera goers then a full-length opera.