Pacific Opera is jumping in a hybrid-electric van and taking opera to the streets. Beginning July 3 and continuing through August, opera singers will be travelling and performing in public spaces throughout the Capital Regional District four days per week—Saturday, Sunday and two weekdays.
Pop Up Opera features one or two singers accompanied by recorded tracks created by pianist Robert Holliston. Each day the singer(s) will pop up in eight to 10 spots—neighbourhoods, street corners, parks, and outside retirement residences and care facilities—for 10 minutes of music.
One location that allows for easy access and social distancing will be announced online at pacificopera.ca each performance day. Care residences can request a Pop Up Opera performance by emailing paul@pacificopera.ca.
Pop Up Opera also takes requests. Called Pop Up Opera Postcards, these short, live performances are available for delivery in Greater Victoria. Those requesting a free Pop Up Opera Postcard for someone special can select from a list of opera repertoire. Requests should be submitted to paul@pacificopera.ca
Nine local opera artists have been employed by Pacific Opera for the Pop Up Opera series, including Louis Dillon, Kyla Rae Fradette Alana Hayes, Ai Horton, Abby Schuliger, Anna Shill Cassidy Stahr and Jan Van der Hooft Allison Ward.
Pacific Opera continues to stream online content, available on demand at pacificopera.ca. Acoustic Afternoons, Listening Party Podcasts, Lunchbox Opera, and Inside Opera programs will continue throughout the summer.
Podcast host Rebecca Hass offers space to artists, administrators, and creators from diverse backgrounds who work in the performing arts to share their stories, experiences, and the songs that speak to them in today’s world and in relation to work they are creating and undertaking. During July and August Rebecca is gathering stories from opera audiences. Anyone wishing to share a favourite opera story is invited to submit stories and songs to listeningparty@pacificopera.ca.