4.0°C Not observed 
An age old fairytale is told in the deep baritones and dramatic arias of operatic performers at the Brackendale Art Gallery Saturday (Nov. 21) at 8 p.m.
Opera Pro Cantanti presents an evening of fairy tale and folklore featuring Béla Bartók’s celebrated two-person opera, Bluebeard’s Castle.
The evening will begin with a compelling introductory presentation, in which English scholar Anna Wärje discusses the original Bluebeard fairytale and its many adaptations, the biography of the real Bluebeard, and the underlying themes of Bartók’s deeply psychological opera, Bluebeard’s Castle.
Written for a cast of two characters, Bluebeard’s Castle is the story of Duke Bluebeard and his new bride, Judith.
Bluebeard lives in a world of darkness, and Judith is determined to bring light and love into her husband’s life. When Bluebeard forbids her to open the seven locked doors of his castle, Judith passionately insists that her love for Bluebeard gives her the right to know everything about him.
Thus begins a battle of the wills that ends in tragedy, as Judith learns a terrible secret about the man she has married.
Wärje performs as soprano, Richard Williams as baritone and Matthew Ma accompanies on piano.
Opera Pro Cantanti is Canada's only repertory opera company. Each year, we present several great operas from the standard repertoire, alternating performances of these operas throughout our season.
The singers include some of the best voices in Vancouver, singers whose power, technical ability, artistry and expressiveness rival those on the great stages.
Tickets are $15 and are available in advance at the BAG and The Bookshelf, or at the door.
