Considered to be amongst the greatest of art forms, opera takes center stage globally on October 25 – the date dubbed "World Opera Day."
Coinciding with the birthdays of George Bizet and Johann Strauss Jr. – two of the best-known contributors to the opera and operetta genres – the annual celebration aims to highlight the benefits and values opera adds to society, while advocating for the continued development and presentation of the artform.
Launched by the joint efforts of three organizations, OPERA America, Ópera Latinoamérica, and Opera Europa, World Opera Day celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2023.
In Winnipeg, opera lovers are fortunate to enjoy the efforts of a number of organizations, including the Little Opera Company, Flipside Opera and Art Song Collective, and Manitoba Underground Opera.
The grand dame of opera in the province is, of course, Manitoba Opera – who make history this year with the first full-scale Indigenous-led opera presented on a Canadian opera mainstage.
Happy #WorldOperaDay from the @WrStaatsoper, where @RWSing, @TezierLudovic, Alexander Soddy and I will be performing “Otello.”
— Jonas Kaufmann (@tenorkaufmann) October 25, 2023
A role I have sung in several productions, here is a clip of Otello’s 3rd act monologue from a production I sang at the Royal Opera House. pic.twitter.com/QoTdGBbr8c
This #WorldOperaDay, become a part of the Met’s legacy by supporting the world’s greatest voices on the world’s greatest stage. Your donations directly support stories that have moved generation after generation of opera lovers.
— Metropolitan Opera (@MetOpera) October 25, 2023
Support the Met: https://t.co/PnLtFukrJt pic.twitter.com/q1FGfiAtFi
Join in the joy and excitement ✨ while welcoming in @WorldOperaDay with an affectionate aria 💖#WorldOperaDay pic.twitter.com/bs7zGOkbJl
— The Royal Conservatory (@the_rcm) October 25, 2023