Does anyone have perru-queries?
If so, City Opera has answers.
One of the wittiest, most sly and subtle comic cantatas ever written, Perruqueries [questions about wigs] was published at City Opera Online today.
With libretto by Bill Richardson, and music by Jocelyn Morlock, Perruqueries is a wickedly funny take on wigs and the people who wear them.
Perruqueries considers the wigged histories of Bobby Hull, Andy Warhol, and Galina Vishnevskaya, and others, in a 25:00 trespass on dignity. Free, of course, thanks to the supporters, members and friends of City Opera Vancouver.
The production stars soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen, bass-baritone Peter Monaghan, and pianist Tina Chang.
Perruqueries was produced by Alan Corbishley, and filmed by Chris Randle, before a packed audience at The Annex on 26 January 2019, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. It was premiered on 23 October 2013 at Heritage Hall, in Music on Main’s Modulus Festival.
Perruqueries is the second work presented at City Opera Online.
In January: The Human Voice, a contemporary adaptation of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine starring tenor Isaiah Bell and pianist Roger Parton. In webisodes, and complete, it has been viewed over 1300 times.
In June: At the Statue of Venus, a poignant romance by Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally.
OUR FRIENDS AT EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER will be publishing online a special concert for Wednesday 5 May. It stars our own Isaiah Bell. Details to come.
From our friends at PuSh: Guided audio journeys
An innovation for these times of COVID. Walk safely with artists through the urban spaces that have given them inspiration. The artists have recorded audio for walks of 1–2 km, with given starting and ending points; armed with a pair of headphones, you can journey through the city at a time of your choosing, experiencing the terrain from fresh perspectives, or simply enjoying from home. Think of it as a form of interior urban renewal. Available on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more and listen now at pushfestival.ca/walks.
THESE ARE DIFFICULT TIMES. In other nations, and for many in their arts sectors, they are ghastly. In Canada, it must be proudly said that arts and artists have received tremendous support since COVID began.
City Opera is one of the many beneficiaries of this enlightened policy. We thank gratefully the City of Vancouver and Cultural Services. The Province of British Columbia and BC Arts Council. The Government of Canada and Canada Council. They are all looking ahead.
