ian scott opera tours

• the Smithsonian Institution
• the Chautauqua Institution
• Opera America and
• almost every Wagner Society in the US and Canada.

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Wonderful variety of new lectures about $4/lecture for members.

Classi Members get access to past recordings ANYTIME in Members’ Area on website. No more need to request recordings.

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“A Tribute to Kitty”-The Opera Olympics with Iain Scott

Come join us and help choose the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Winners from Magical Moments in Opera! This may be Iain Scott's last online lecture! So don't miss out! Recording available

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Iain Scott is one of Canada’s best-known and most popular opera educators and tour leaders.

For 25 years, he was a regular and frequent guest on CBC radio’s “ Saturday Afternoon at the Opera”

… and for 8 seasons was a guest panelist on the “ Texaco Opera Quiz” from the Metropolitan in New York.

He now regularly teaches courses at the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, George Brown College, Jewish Community Centres, etc. … and increasingly in private homes.

He is in constant demand as a lecturer for guilds, societies and opera companies across North America, including …

• the Smithsonian Institution
• the Chautauqua Institution
• Opera America and
• almost every Wagner Society in the US and Canada.

Each Spring and Fall, he organizes a variety of Opera tours to European and North American opera houses. Detailed itineraries for his tours are on his website  www.opera-is.com       (the “I.S.” is for “Iain Scott”)

Like Opera? Or “Quintet” by Kamen?

• September 22nd, 2015

Like Opera? Or our Kamen Quintet video?

Check out “ OPERA-IS ” this weekend!

Opera-IS founder Iain Scott   will be doing a fantastic event about the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming Live in HD broadcasts this weekend!

What’s the Canadian Brass connection?

Our friend and colleague, film director  Barbara Sweete , directs of many of these MET Opera Live HD broadcasts .   She also directed our popular video “Quintet” by Michael Kamen !

About Ian Scott’s Opera-IS

Iain Scott is one of Canada’s best-known and most popular educators on opera.  For our friends in Canada who can make it to Orangeville this weekend, the event will take place at the Rosemont Community Hall on Monday September 28th from 10 AM to Noon.

Iain will tell you which of operas you should not miss, which star singers are likely to be featured.  Save the dates!

Reservations can be made with Ann Wilson at 519-941-7982 or e-mail  [email protected]

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Opera 101 – Iain Scott – June 9, 2021

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OPERA 101 – an interactive ZOOM presentation by Iain Scott, an entertaining lecturer, accomplished speaker and opera enthusiast.

Iain will guide us through the essential aspects of this most complete art form, such as:

• Why opera is still a mystery to many?
• What is a difference between an opera and a musical?
• Why is opera so expensive to stage?
• What are the major issues in producing opera today?
• How Canadian Opera Company (COC) revolutionized opera world?
• Why opera today is more enjoyable experience than ever before?

You will be entertained. You may be surprised. You might even be converted!

Iain Scott left the business world(*) two decades ago to pursue his passion – teaching people how to appreciate opera and also taking them to the great opera houses of the world – through his company “OPERA IS”. www.opera-is.com He lectures extensively throughout North America each fall and winter and takes groups throughout Europe and South America each spring and summer. He was given the “outstanding teacher” award by the University of Toronto.

(*)worked with engineers in SHELL, accountants in DELOITTE and consulting actuaries in MERCER

In this ZOOM presentation, which will be interspersed with visual aids, you will get an insider glimpse at the Opera World that is intriguing, fascinating, dramatic and moving. You will have an opportunity to ask Iain questions during presentation and during Q&A session at the end.

This is a free event but you need to register by filling out the registration form below. Deadline for registration is 5pm on Monday, June 7, 2021.

ZOOM details will be sent to those who register one day before the presentation.

You can find a document on how to use Zoom  here .

Registration and participation form

Joe Parrish James departs Jethro Tull

Somehow, someday, somewhere – a song of hope from polyphony, ian presented with an award for help with the man/kind initiative, ian anderson featured on mandoki soulmates single devil’s encyclopedia, robin anderson 1931 – 2023, kenny bell – jethro tull agent: 1969 – 2005, the broadsword and the beast (the 40th anniversary monster edition), new jethro tull single ‘the navigators’ out now.

UPDATE REGARDING AUTOGRAPHS AND FAN-MAIL POSTAL ADDRESS

Autograph and selfie requests

I must ask you to avoid in-person autograph and selfie requests at all concerts for the foreseeable future. Due to the ongoing and still worsening Covid pandemic realities, I really have to stay in my social “bubble” with the band and crew and reduce contact with anyone else while we are on tour, as well as for a week or two either side of tours and concerts. This to to reduce the risk of any of us becoming infected and then having to cancel upcoming shows as a result. Great to see you, as always, but it is not yet the time for up-close scribbles, hugs and selfies.

Correspondence and fan mail

UPDATE: Due to the increasing backlog of postal autograph requests from fans and the renewed level of my touring and promotional activity, I am unable to undertake to do further signings. We ask you to cease sending photos, letters, album covers etc for the foreseeable future. Any such unsolicited material sent to the previous, or any other address will, regretfully, not be returned and therefore lost to you. At some time in the future, if and when I can resume additional office work, I will let you know.

Thanks for your understanding. Ian Anderson.

Jethro Tull 'A'40th Anniversary Edition

3CD/3DVD Anniversary Collection Expands The Group’s 1980 Album With Steven Wilson’s Newly Remixed Version Of The Original, Plus Unreleased Studio And Live Recordings, And A Remixed Version Of The Slipstream Video Collection

FOLLOW JETHRO TULL ON INSTAGRAM

Jethro tull anniversary editions.

Classic Jethro Tull albums remixed by Steven Wilson

40th Anniversary 'A' La Mode Edition

40th Anniversary The Elevated Edition

40th Anniversary Special Edition

IAN ANDERSON’S GUEST APPEARANCES

Here you can listen to the latest tracks Ian Anderson is featured as a special guest on. His latest guest appearance was on "Peace 4 Ukraine" with Shchedryk.

For the full list of guest appearances, see the link below!

IAN ANDERSON RECOMMENDS

The Gloucester Magnificat by John O’Hara was commissioned by the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral in 2016. Adrian Partington conducted the five choirs of the cathedral with Jonathan Hope on organ and Nia Llewelyn Jones leading the junior choir. The world première was 8th July 2017. Adrian and John recorded the full concert in the historic cathedral early in 2018 and this disc is available from the Gloucester Cathedral shop.

CHARITABLE CAUSES

POPULATION MATTERS

In 1971, I wrote and recorded the song “Locomotive Breath” for the Aqualung album. The lyrical subject matter was the topic of runaway population growth.

Now, 47 years later, you have the chance to add your voice to the single most pressing problem facing future generations. From increases in global population, all other danger factors threatening our species, including climate change, continue to accrue. Apart from the odd rogue asteroid or black hole, of course.

In my lifetime alone, the population of the planet has slightly more than tripled. Yes - in one generation!

I have been a supporter of Population Matters for some years - ever since the venerable and much-loved David Attenborough became visibly the first person of real media presence to come out, unafraid to discuss the issues of population growth in our times.

Tricky and controversial stuff, I know, but don’t think that we concerned voices are about to shout down your right to have children. We are about the sense of responsible family planning and size. Responsibility not just to a nation, ethnic group or continent, but to the precious resource and life-giving spirit of planet Earth itself. No one is about to tell you what to do or not to do; merely to learn, understand and act upon your own conclusions. Responsible, informed choice. Especially for women in the modern world.

In this troubled world, human rights and especially women’ rights deserve our attention. In Israel, many citizens, whether Jewish or Arab need advice and representation, especially in these times when recently-passed laws have created the new Jewish homeland Nation-State Of Israel reducing the 20% of Arab citizens and their language to a minority status and favouring Jewish Israelis over all. Hardly conducive to a long-term solution of Palestinian and Israeli interests.

Not much we can do from afar, perhaps, but please show support for this NGO striving to find a better, more representative and fairer future for all people of the region.

(Shatil and Polyphony are recipients of all net income from Ian Anderson’s Israel concerts.)

Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull. 2018

The Polyphony Foundation

I have worked recently with Polyphony to raise funds through my recent concerts to support this valuable and very worthy cause. Polyphony brings together young students of Classical Music from within the very different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds of Israeli Jews and Arabs.

Showing cooperation and team spirit between communities in this way through both artistic endeavour and cultural mutual respect surely has to be a great example to young and old – whether in Israel or far-flung diasporas.

If you wish to help encourage this non-political, not-for-profit organisation please read all about their work at http://polyphonyfoundation.org

Your help will provide hope for a young generation in allowing them to demonstrate the values of living and working together in peaceful harmony.

Join me, Ian Anderson, in giving your support now to the Polyphony Foundation. A most worthy cause and an important cog in the wheels which grind all-too-slowly towards peace in the Middle East.

Ian Anderson

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The 39 Steps Tour

The 39 Steps Returns for Tour

Four actors transport the audience into a world of dastardly espionage, breathless romance and daredevil escapes. THE 39 STEPS triumphantly returns to embark on a tour across the UK, launching at winner of UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre award, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on the 14 March, 2024 and ending by the sea at Southend Palace Theatre on 27 July, 2024 after visiting Richmond, Cambridge, Newcastle, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow to name but a few from the 20 week tour!

THE 39 STEPS is back out on a UK tour after nearly 10 years in London’s West End, taking Broadway by storm, playing in 39 different countries across the globe, and delighting over 3 million people worldwide with its quintessentially plucky spirit and dashing sense of fun. Originally written as a novel in 1915 by John Buchan, and made into a ‘BFI Top 5 British Film of all time’ by Alfred Hitchcock THE 39 STEPS is adapted by critically acclaimed and award-winning writer, Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon into a Olivier and Tony award winning international hit.

Follow the incredible adventures of our dashing hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly magnificent women.

This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.

This production celebrates theatricality and includes legendary Hitchcockian scenes from the chase on the Flying Scotsman and the Escape on the Forth Bridge, to the first ever staged theatrical Bi-Plane Crash and the sensational death-defying Finale in the London Palladium. The inventive set design by Peter McKintosh, allows the action-packed story to flow seamlessly from one location to another, and will be brought vividly to life by the talented and versatile cast of four (casting to be announced).

You might also like

First Look: The 39 Steps on Tour

Tom Byrne, Safeena Ladha, Eugene McCoy & Maddie Rice cast in new UK Tour of The 39 Steps

Patrick Barlow brings his unique brand of comedy to THE 39 STEPS. A playwright, screen-writer and director, Patrick’s work is adored worldwide, including the internationally renowned The 39 Steps.

  Fiery Angel is a production company headed by Edward Snape and Marilyn Eardley and they are thrilled to be working with the extraordinary team at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch to launch this tour. THE 39 STEPS is directed by Maria Aitken with movement direction by Toby Sedgwick.   Set and costume design is by Peter McIntosh, with lighting design by Ian Scott and sound design by Mic Pool.

Find out more at love39steps.com

Staff Writer

At Theatre Weekly we are dedicated to giving theatre a new audience. Our News, Reviews and Interviews are all written with the audience in mind, helping you decide what to see next. And when you have decided, our great ticket deals will help save you money too.

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The 39 Steps to Tour the UK

Cast Announced for Dick Whittington at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

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Jethro Tull

Dubai Opera is proud to present the legendary prog rock band Jethro Tull for a much-awaited concert on 24 November.

Led by Ian Anderson, the concert will feature a rich collection of the best-known Jethro Tull repertoire from 1968 to date. Fans will recognize the key songs from various albums—songs which put Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson on the map during these seven decades.

Expect to hear classics like Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Bourée and Heavy Horses along with tracks from the 2022 and 2023 Tull albums, The Zealot Gene and RökFlöte.

Experience the unforgettable Jethro Tull at Dubai Opera and make your night one to remember!

Ian Anderson - Flute, acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals

Joe Parrish-James – Guitar

Scott Hammond – Drums.

John O'Hara - Piano, keyboards and accordion

David Goodier - Bass guitar

https://jethrotull.com

DRESS CODE & AGE LIMIT

6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

This ticket is sold subject to these Ticketing Terms and Conditions (the “T&C”). The T&C should be read carefully prior to purchase and purchase of Ticket(s) constitutes acceptance of the T&C.

This ticket must be produced to gain entry into an event.

Removing any part of, altering or defacing the ticket may invalidate it.

This ticket must not, without the prior written consent of Dubai Opera, be resold or used for advertising, promotion or other commercial purposes, if not the ticket will be cancelled immediately.

This ticket is only valid for the specific date, time and event shown.

Dubai Opera does not offer refunds or exchanges as a result of a change in your personal circumstances. Dubai Opera at its sole discretion may only refund or exchange a ticket if an event is cancelled or rescheduled and you cannot attend the rescheduled event. This includes, but is not limited to, any circumstances related to Covid-19 which might prevent you from attending.

Dubai Opera can only replace lost, stolen or damaged tickets if the authenticity of the ticket can be verified, including proof of purchase, subject to replacement fee.

Dubai Opera reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute artists and/or vary advertised programmes, prices, seating arrangements and audience capacity without prior notice.

Admission to an event is subject to Dubai Opera’s Conditions of Entry which can be found on Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com

Where concessions are applicable, valid proof of identity and concession entitlement must be provided for collection of tickets at the event.

Entry to the event may be subject to age restrictions specified in Dubai Opera’s website www.dubaiopera.com or in publicity for the event, and no refund will be made on the grounds that the ticket holder was not aware of such age restrictions. Children below 16 years must be accompanied by an adult

Dubai Opera reserves the right without refund or compensation to refuse admission/evict any person(s) whose conduct is disorderly or inappropriate or who poses a threat to security, or to the enjoyment of the event by others.

The ticket holder agrees to submit to any search for any prohibited items including but not limited to weapons, controlled, dangerous and illegal substances and recording devices.

Patrons arriving late to a performance will only be admitted into the venue at a suitable break. Latecomers may be seated in alternate seat locations to avoid disruption of the performance.

The use of mobile phones, camera and other electronic devised inside the auditorium are prohibited. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.

The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risk and danger incidental to the event whether occurring prior to, during or subsequent to the actual event, including any death, personal injury, loss, damage or liability.

Food & Beverage purchased outside Dubai Opera are not permitted. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. This applies before the show, during the show and during the intermission. Exceptions may occur depending on the type of event.

Approximately 2 hours including intermission.

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Theatres in Moscow

Cultural life of Moscow city is various and rich! Operas, ballets, symphonic concerts... Russian composers have created some of the most beautiful classical music. Russian classical music is very popular in Moscow. It is performed in many beautiful historical venues. Do not forget to include a visit to a concert hall in your itinerary when you are planning your stay in Moscow! And do it in advance.

There are almost no restrictions on dress code in Russian theatres. Visitors may wear jeans and sports shoes, they may have a backpack with them. Only shorts are not allowed.

A typical feature of Russian theatre – visitors are bringing a lot of flowers which they present to their favorite performers after the show.

Here are some practical advices where to go and how to buy tickets.

The Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the oldest, the most famous and popular opera and ballet theatre in Russia. The word “Bolshoi” means “big” in Russian. You can buy a ticket online in advance, 2-3 months before the date of performance on the official website . Prices for famous ballets are high: 6-8 thousand rubles for a seat in stalls. Tickets to operas are cheaper: you can get a good seat for 4-5 thousand rubles. Tickets are cheaper for daytime performances and performances on the New Stage. The New Stage is situated in the light-green building to the left of the Bolshoi's main building. The quality of operas and ballets shown on the New Stage is excellent too. However, you should pay attention that many seats of the Bolshoi’s Old and New Stages have limited visibility . If you want to see the Bolshoi’s Old Stage but all tickets are sold out, you can order a tour of the theatre. You can book such a tour on the official website.

If you want, following Russian tradition, to give flowers to the performers at the end of the show, in the Bolshoi flowers should be presented via special staff who collects these flowers in advance.

In August the Bolshoi is closed.

The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre

This theatre is noteworthy. On one hand, it offers brilliant classical opera and ballet performances. On the other hand, it is an experimental venue for modern artists. You can check the program and buy tickets online here http://stanmus.com/ . If you are opera lover, get a ticket to see superstar Hibla Gerzmava . The theatre has a very beautiful historic building and a stage with a good view from every seat. Tickets are twice cheaper than in the Bolshoi.

The Novaya Opera

“Novaya” means “New” in Russian. This opera house was founded in 1991 by a famous conductor Eugene Kolobov. Its repertoire has several directions: Russian and Western classics, original shows and divertissements, and operas of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is very popular with Muscovites for excellent quality of performances, a comfortable hall, a beautiful Art Nouveau building and a historic park Hermitage, which is situated right next to it. You can buy tickets online here http://www.novayaopera.ru/en .

Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center

The Opera Center has become one of the best theatrical venues in Moscow. It was founded in 2002 by great diva Galina Vishnevskaya. Nowadays its artistic director is Olga Rostropovich, daughter of Galina Vishnevskaya and her husband Mstislav Rostropovich, great cellist and conductor. Not only best young opera singers perform here, but also world music stars do; chamber and symphonic concerts, theatrical productions and musical festivals take place here. You can see what is on the program here http://opera-centre.ru/theatre . Unfortunately “booking tickets online” is available in Russian only. If you need help, you can contact us at and we can book a ticket for you. 

Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and The Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory

These are two major concert halls for symphonic music in Moscow. Both feature excellent acoustics, impressive interior, various repertoire and best performers. You can check the program here http://meloman.ru/calendar/ . You need just to switch to English. Booking tickets online is available only for owners of Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian phone numbers. If you need help, you can contact us and we can book a ticket for you. 

Moscow International Performing Arts Center (MIPAC)

This modern and elegant concert hall houses performances of national and foreign symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo instrumentalists, opera singers, ballet dancers, theatre companies, jazz bands, variety and traditional ensembles. Actually, it has three concert halls placed on three different levels and having separate entrances. The President of MIPAC is People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Spivakov, conductor of “Virtuosy Moskvy” orchestra. You can see pictures of the concert halls here http://www.mmdm.ru/en/content/halls . The program is impressive in its variety but is not translated into English. You can contact us at and we can find a performance for you.

• Indians on Vacation

Cast & Creative Team

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An opera based on the Thomas King novel of the same name.

Composed by: Ian Cusson

Libretto by: Royce Vavrek

Based on the book by Thomas King

Starring: Marion Newman, Mezzo-soprano; Grant Youngblood, Baritone

Language: English

Developed in partnership with Edmonton Opera

A poignant and comedic slice-of-life of a contemporary, middle-aged indigenous couple.

We proudly announce Indians on Vacation , a new opera based on the novel by Thomas King composed by Ian Cusson with a libretto by Royce Vavrek . AtG, in partnership with Edmonton Opera and supported by the Yukon Arts Centre. While still in development, we are commissioning the work to be premiered in 2025.

Originally developed as a part of Edmonton Opera’s Wild Rose Project , this mini-opera adaptation of Thomas King’s novel will be expanded into a full opera starring Marion Newman as Mimi and Grant Youngblood as Bird.

In Thomas King’s Indians on Vacation , we meet a contemporary Indigenous couple: Bird and Mimi. We find the couple on a trip through Europe they decided to take after discovering a trove of old postcards from Mimi’s late Uncle Leroy, who absconded to Europe with a family heirloom 100 years ago. As the couple ventures across Europe, trying to unravel the mystery of Uncle Leroy, Bird confronts his inner demons.

A Cross-Canada Collaboration

Indians on Vacation will be developed over the next few years through workshops at the Yukon Arts Centre, AtG in Toronto, and Edmonton Opera. We invite our community to follow along as we grow this project from a 10 minute scene to a fully-staged, 70-minute production.

Indians on Vacation is in its early stages of development, with a proposed premiere date in 2025.

Sign-up for our newsletter to keep receiving updates on Indians on Vacation and every AtG!

“You know you’re only old if you want to be.”

―  thomas king,  indians on vacation.

He studied composition with Jake Heggie (San Francisco) and Samuel Dolin, and piano with James Anagnoson at the Glenn Gould School. He is the recipient of the Chalmers Professional Development Grant, and grants through the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, the Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.

Royce Vavrek

With composer Missy Mazzoli he wrote “Song from the Uproar,” premiered by Beth Morrison Projects in 2012, and subsequently seen in multiple presentations around the country. Their second opera, an adaptation of Lars von Trier’s “Breaking the Waves,” premiered at Opera Philadelphia, co-commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects, and directed by James Darrah to critical acclaim in September of 2016. The work won the 2017 Music Critics Association of North America award for Best New Opera and was nominated for Best World Premiere at the 2017 International Opera Awards. A new production premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival in the summer of 2019, produced by Scottish Opera and Opera Ventures, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Tom Morris and earned star Sydney Mancasola a coveted Herald Angel Award for her performance. Their next opera, an adaptation of Karen Russell’s short story “Proving Up,” was commissioned and presented by Washington National Opera, Opera Omaha and The Miller Theatre in 2018, was a finalist for the MCANA Best New Opera Award of that year. They are currently developing a grand opera for Opera Philadelphia and the Norwegian National Opera based on an original story by two-time Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Jordan Tannahill, as well as an adaptation of George Saunders’ Booker Prize-winning novel “Lincoln in the Bardo” for The Metropolitan Opera.

Teaming up with Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson, Royce wrote the story and text for two dance projects, “Crypto,” choreographed by Guillaume Côté for Côté Dance and “Evidence of It All,” choreographed by Drew Jacoby for SFDanceworks, featuring narration by the Academy Award-nominated actress Rosamund Pike. They are currently developing two grand operas: an adaptation of Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” to premiere at the Royal Swedish Opera in 2023, and “Fanny and Alexander,” working alongside creative partner Ingmar Bergman, Jr. to musicalize his late father’s classic film for La Monnaie de Munt in 2024, in a production to be directed by Ivo van Hove. Both operas are to feature renowned mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, for whom Mikael and Royce wrote the song cycle “So We Will Vanish,” premiered by the Swedish Chamber Orchestra in 2021 to critical acclaim.

His collaboration with composer David T. Little led Heidi Waleson of the Wall Street Journal to proclaim them “one of the most exciting composer-librettist teams working in opera today.” In April of 2016 they premiered their first grand opera, “JFK,” at Fort Worth Opera, a co-commission with American Lyric Theater and Opéra de Montréal that was called “ravishing” (Opera News), earning a ten-star review in Opera Now Magazine. This followed the success of their first opera, “Dog Days,” which received its world premiere in September of 2012 at Peak Performances @ Montclair, in a production co-produced by Beth Morrison Projects and directed by American maverick Robert Woodruff. The work was celebrated as the Classical Music Event of the year by Time Out New York and a standout opera of recent decades by The New York Times. They are currently developing an original work for the Metropolitan Opera through the Met/LCT commissioning program.

Royce has also worked extensively with composer Paola Prestini, first on the song cycle "Yoani," inspired by the blog posts of Yoani Sanchez, and then on "The Hubble Cantata," a virtual reality oratorio produced by VisionIntoArt/National Sawdust in association with Beth Morrison Projects. They recently presented the workshop premiere of “Silent Light,” an opera based on the Cannes Jury Prize-winning film by Carlos Reygadas at the Banff Centre for Creativity, a collaboration with the director Thaddeus Strassberger, and are currently working on a new opera inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” They are also developing "Film Stills," a project for mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti that dramatizes four of Cindy Sherman's iconic photographs through musical monologues composed by Paola, Missy Mazzoli, Nico Muhly and Ellen Reid, and directed by R.B. Schlather. Royce and Paola's collaboration can be further heard on the AIDS Quilt Songbook: Sing for Hope recording, where their song "Union," as sung by Isabel Leonard, is featured.

In 2014 Royce premiered “27,” his first collaboration with composer Ricky Ian Gordon, at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Created for renowned mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, the work brought to life Gertrude Stein’s famous salon at 27 rue de Fleurus in Paris. Mark Ray Rinaldi of the Denver Post wrote that the opera “tells a great American story, about Gertrude Stein, as well as opera in the 21st century.” The opera was subsequently presented by Pittsburgh Opera, MasterVoices at New York City Center, Michigan Opera Theater, Opéra de Montréal and Opera Las Vegas. In 2017 their adaptation of Gail Rock’s Christmas classic “The House Without a Christmas Tree” for Houston Grand Opera was premiered to critical acclaim.

Other recent and upcoming projects include “Strip Mall” with Matt Marks for the Los Angeles Philharmonic; “Epistle Mass” with Julian Wachner for Trinity Wall Street, “Midwestern Gothic” with Josh Schmidt for Signature Theatre, Virginia; “Naamah’s Ark” with Marisa Michelson for MasterVoices; “O Columbia” with Gregory Spears for HGOco; “Knoxville: Summer of 2015” with Ellen Reid for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and National Sawdust; “The Wild Beast of the Bungalow” with Rachel Peters for Oberlin Conservatory; “Jacqueline” with Luna Pearl Woolf for Tapestry New Opera; “Adoration” (based on the film by Atom Egoyan) with Mary Kouyoumdjian for Beth Morrison Projects; “The Cremation of Sam McGee” with Matthew Ricketts, supported by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts; and “Agnes” with Daníel Bjarnason for the Icelandic Opera.

Marion Newman

Grant Youngblood

Among his other engagements in the 2021/2022 season Mr. Youngblood performs his signature role of Germont in La Traviata for Opera Southwest, returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago to cover the role of Scarpia, makes a company debut at Opera Philadelphia, and performs and records new chamber music by composer Jennifer Margaret Barker.

Thomas King

Thomas King was born in 1943 in Sacramento, California and is of Cherokee, Greek and German descent. He obtained his PhD from the University of Utah in 1986. He is known for works in which he addresses the marginalization of American Indians, delineates “pan-Indian” concerns and histories, and attempts to abolish common stereotypes about Native Americans. He taught Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, and at the University of Minnesota. He is currently a Professor of English at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. King has become one of the foremost writers of fiction about Canada’s Native people.

Meet the Characters

Who is mimi .

Mimi is a middle-aged Indigenous woman of Blackfoot descent. She is energetic, enthusiastic, and humorous and frequently tries to encourage Bird to express more joy. Behind her lively persona lies a woman hungry for more adventure and intrigue in her current life.

Who is Bird ?

Blackbird Mavrias or “Bird” is a middle-aged man partly of Cherokee descent and a long-time partner of Mimi. He is also a writer but is stalled in his craft. He exhibits many moods, ranging from depression, despondency, distress, and discontent, all of which Mimi calls his “demons.” As their vacation goes on, Bird is challenged by these demons.

“No one needs a watch. What we need is time.”

📸 All photos from the Wild Rose Project’s first iteration of Indians on Vacation  courtesy of Edmonton Opera — by Madison Kerr

The Story So Far

Edmonton, Alberta – 2021

The Wild Rose Opera Project— a series of four short operatic works that each explore mental health issues through characters with ties to the Alberta landscape—premiered online on November 19, 2021. Indians on Vacation was one of those four works, and where the idea was born.

Dawson City, Yukon – 2023

In January 2023, The Yukon Arts centre invited us to come work on the first workshop of the “expanded” version of Indians on Vacation in Dawson City.

This marks the first milestone in growing this work into a full-length opera.

Our AtG team travelled with Ian Cusson, Royce Vavrek, Marion Newman, Grant Youngblood, Holly Kroeker and Cosette Justo Valdés to the Yukon, where they worked, explored, dreamed, and shared their progress with the inspiring community of Dawson City.

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As a small arts organization, we strive to showcase experimental works and diverse voices—and this means taking risks: creatively and financially. If you are able, please consider a donation to AtG , so that we can bring more outside-the-box operatic experiences to you and continue to provide employment opportunities to artists and artisans nationwide.

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A Moscow Free Walking Tour of the Iconic Red Square

Updated March 10th, 2020

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No visit to Moscow, Russia is complete unless you take a walk around the famous Red Square and see the iconic sights of the city. One of the best ways to see all the famous landmarks in Moscow and learn a little something about them too is on a free Moscow walking tour through the Red Square.

Continue reading for a sneak peek at what you will see on your free tour in Moscow and for tips on both the tour and visiting the sights. Make sure to save some time during your trip to go inside of the magnificent buildings because you will not be going in the buildings during the tour.

The State Historical Museum

The Moscow free walking tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum . You can’t miss this massive red building. The museum’s interior is almost as spectacular as the artifacts you can see within. Read my post dedicated to the museum here to find out more on what you can see and tips for visiting. Admission is free with the Moscow City Pass .

The Kremlin

Behind the walls of the Kremlin lie the working offices of Russian’s government and president. When visiting the Kremlin you can see the Armory Chamber, Cathedral Square, the Patriach’s Palace and many more cathedrals. You definitely want to buy tickets ahead of time so you avoid the long-lines. You can get free admission with the Moscow City Pass . It’s also worth it to take a guided tour if you don’t speak Russian so you have more of an understanding of what you are seeing.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

If asked to conquer up an image of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral might just be the most likely image you picture. The cathedral has a museum that you can visit at a later time. You can buy tickets at the ticket kiosk outside the cathedral or receive free admission with the Moscow City Pass .

Moskva River

Next up on the tour is the Moskva River which runs through the center of Moscow. A cruise on the Moskva River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

GUM Shopping Mall

Who would think a mall would be one of Moscow’s most well-known attractions? GUM shopping mall across from the Kremlin makes up one of the four sides of the Red Square. The stores might be a bit too pricey for shopping, but the gorgeous interior is worth a visit. If that doesn’t convince you, the mall has some of the best ice cream! GUM is the only building you go inside during the free walking tour. There are pay bathrooms you can use while you have a few minutes of free time.

Kazan Cathedral

Located on the northeast corner of the Red Square, the Kazan Cathedral is another impressive dome-shaped building in Moscow that is also an active place of worship. Entering the cathedral is allowed, but remember to be respectful if people are worshipping.

Bolshoi Theater

Contrary to the previous buildings, the Bolshoi Theater isn’t along one of the four sides of the Red Square. Located a few minutes away, the theater is one of the best theaters in the world. Make sure to come back for a guided tour of the inside or make reservations far ahead of time to attend a ballet or opera.

Alexander Gardens

The tour ends near the Alexander Gardens , a free public park located along the western Kremlin walls. The garden’s green lawns, sculptures and water fountains offer a nice place to take a stroll or relax a bit after some busy sightseeing.

You can visit all these sites on your own, but the best part of doing the Moscow free tour is that you learn more information and have the potential to meet new people!

During my tour I started to talk to a woman from Malaysia and she invited me to join her and her friends for a Russian meal afterwards. It’s these little impromptu meetings and opportunities that I love most about traveling and add more to the sightseeing experience. While I was a little hesitant about going to the tour myself I told myself it would be a great opportunity to possibly meet new people. I love when things work out like that!

If you have already seen the iconic sights of the Red Square and are looking for other things to do in Moscow check out my What to Do in Moscow post that gives more off-the beaten track things to do in Moscow!

Moscow Free Walking Tour Visiting Information

Moscow Free Walking Tours

How to Get There

The Moscow Free Walking Tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum (a large red building). The website shows a map with the exact meeting point.

To get to the red square area you can take the blue 3 metro line to the Ploshchad Revolyutsii stop, or the green 2 line to the Teatralnaya station or the red 1 line to the Okhotny Ryad station. For more on how to use the metro read my Moscow Metro Guide .

Tours every day at 10:30am – 1pm in English

If you need a toilet before the start of the tour the Okhotny Ryad and GUM shopping malls are both close to the start of the tour. You will need to pay to use the toilets. There is a quick break mid-way through the tour at the GUM shopping mall where you can use the toilet if needed.

During the mid-way break in the tour you can buy some ice cream at the GUM shopping mall. There aren’t many other options or time for anything else. After the tour there are a lot of restaurants in the area. There are a couple of Varenichnaya №1 locations nearby if you would like some authentic Russian food. Their speciality is Russian dumplings. Another classic choice nearby is Grand Cafe Dr. Jhivago. While you can try traditional Russian foods like borscht and Olivier Salad, you may need a reservation. GUM has several restaurants, including a couple of buffets upstairs.

Recommendations

While I would start off your visit to Moscow with a tour of the Red Square, make sure to come back to each place to tour the inside. If you are visiting several sights consider buying the Moscow City Pass  to save money on admissions.

Other Tour Options

Another company  Moscow Free Tour  does a similar free walking tour in the Red Square. Check the site for the details on the starting point and times. If you prefer a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to St. Basil’s Cathedral included check out this tour . For a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to the Kremlin included you may want to take this tour or this one . Even if you don’t typically take tours, I would recommend taking tours as much as possible in Moscow. Many people do not speak English and most information is not in English either.

Where to Stay in Moscow

Find somewhere to stay in Moscow near the Red Square so you are convenient to all the sights!

More About Russia

• Moscow Things to Do:  Unique Things to Do ,   Spartak Stadium
• Moscow Markets:  Izmailovsky Market ,   Danilovsky Market
• Moscow Museums:  Moscow City Museum ,  Victory Museum ,  Museum of the Patriotic War in 1812 ,  State Historical Museum ,
• Moscow Life:  Malls ,  Christmas in Moscow ,  Metro ,  Learning Spanish ,  My Russian Apartment ,   What is Life Really Like in Russia ,  FiFa World Cup ,  Russian Winters , and more posts about  life abroad in Russia .
• St Petersburg:  City Guide ,  The Hermitage Museum ,  Kayaking the Rivers & Canals ,   Peterhof Palace

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22 comments.

The Kremlin looks rather imposing. It would be great to explore the history in Moscow.

There is a lot of history in Moscow to explore!

What a handy guide to get the most of Moscow’s red square! I’ve always wanted to try a walking tour and this looks like the perfect place to start!

I really enjoy walking tours, I think they are a great way to get to know a new place!

You have highlighted all the main sights around and in the Red Square indeed! I have visited Moscow in winter and the atmosphere was magical…even though it was cold 🙂 I’m looking forward to visiting in summer too!

Yes, there is a magical feel during the winter. I have to say I prefer the warmer, brighter summers though 🙂

Follow My Anchor

I am planning to go to Moscow and St. Petersburg this year so reading this was very helpful. I would love to do the walking tour! What time of year did you do it? I am planning to go in August as I really can’t stand the cold 😀 Do you think August might be a good time to visit Moscow? Thank you so much for your information!

I did the walking tour in September. July and August are the best times to visit Moscow in my opinion, so you are going at a great time! I lived in Moscow for a year so I have a lot of posts about Moscow and a couple for St. Petersburg too. Please check out my other posts as you are planning your trip and feel free to send any questions my way!

I’m a huge fan of taking free walking tours whenever my husband and I travel. We learn more about the history from the local’s perspective. Your walking tour in Moscow looks fun. The St. Basil’s Cathedral is beautiful and would love to see it. Thanks for sharing the must-see places in Moscow!

I’m a big fan of free walking tours too! I completely agree that you get a good perspective and introduction to the history of the city.

I would love to take the walking tour to get a good coverage of the area! The tip about paying for the bathrooms is great. That’s something I didn’t realize when I went to Europe for the first time from the US.

I always find it annoying paying for bathrooms in Europe!

I visited Moscow in June this year for the World Cup and I loved it. St. Basil’s Cathedral was the highlight for me, it’s such an impressive piece of architecture. I would’ve liked to visit more of Russia but maybe next time!

I really enjoyed Moscow during the World Cup too. The city was much livelier than usual!

I have been to St. Petersburg but never to Moscow. I think that these kind of tours are very useful to gather many information but I second your suggestion to visit the palaces inside as they have stunning interior decor and art treasures.

Yes, I think both going on tours and getting an overview and touring the inside of places are good to do.

Shreya Saha

St. Basil’s cathedral is definitely a beautiful place to visit. I would also love to stroll by the Alexander gardens and maybe spend some time in the shopping mall call mom maybe visit the theater, also I would love to visit Kremlin and the State Historical Museum. That’s a great list you have managed to provide here.

Never been to Russia, but the country’s history and culture has always fascinated me. Great list of things to do in Moscow’s Red Square. Kremlin is definitely on top of my list!

Russia does have a fascinating history and culture!

The architecture here always looks so beautiful. I would love to go to Russia. Some helpful tips here that would really help me navigate a future trip. I love the Russian ballet so a trip to the theater would be a must for me.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow City Tours

City tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
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1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer

3. Moscow Free Tour

4. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

5. Bridge to Moscow

6. Go Russia Travel Company

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9. Moscow Navigator

10. Moskovskiye Gulyaki

11. Walks With Folks

12. Moscow Bike Tours

13. Happy Moscow Tours

14. MoscowMe

15. Tour of Moscow - Day Tours

16. Kremlin Tour

17. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

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The Grapes of Wrath

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This heart-wrenching opera, based on the classic novel by John Steinbeck, tells the story of the Joad family on their quest for survival during the 1930s Dust Bowl. Featuring folksy, jazz-inspired music by Ricky Ian Gordon, The Grapes of Wrath has been called “the great American opera.”

The Grapes of Wrath Opera in two acts Music by Ricky Ian Gordon Libretto by Michael Korie Based on the novel by John Steinbeck Premiere: Saint Paul 2007

This Production Conducted by Michael Christie Directed by James Robinson A co-production with Opera Theatre of St. Louis Sung in English with supertitle projections Running time about 2 ½ hours

Katharine Goeldner

Tobias Greenhalgh

Deanna Breiwick

Deborah Nansteel

Geoffrey Agpalo

Michael Day RA

Dennis Petersen

Jeffrey Mattsey

Levi Hernandez

Harry Greenleaf

Hugh Russell

Katherine DeYoung RA

James Robinson

Michael Christie

The American mezzo-soprano, Katharine [or Katherine] Goeldner, studied voice at the University of Iowa with Jocelyn Reiter, and German Lieder at Salzburg’s Hochschule Mozarteum with Paul von Schilhawsky. She lives with her husband and daughter in Salzburg, Austria. At the Metropolitan Opera, Katharine Goeldner has sung under James Levine as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figar o, Ascanio in Benvenuto Cellini and the Schoolboy in Lulu -the role of her company debut.   A favorite at New York City Opera, she has been heard there as Carmen, Ruggiero in George Frideric Handel’s Alcina , Suzuki in Madama Butterfly , and Minerva in Il ritorno d’Ulisse . She has been honored by NYCO with both their Diva Award and the Betty Allen Prize. In addition, she has appeared in Toulouse as Fricka ( Das Rheingold ), Waltraute ( Götterdämmerung ), Geschwitz ( Lulu ), Idamante ( Idomeneo ), Octavian ( Der Rosenkavalier ) and the Composer ( Ariadne auf Naxos ); in Lyon as Octavian and the Composer; at Paris’ Châtelet as the Composer. Her Nicklausse from Bilbao Opera has been documented on DVD by Opus Arte.

Baritone Tobias Greenhalgh is a versatile singer on the rise, whom Opera News recently claimed was “so clearly headed for success.” This season, he joins the Glyndebourne Opera Tour for performances of Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia , Festival d’Aix-en-Provence for the title role in Dido and Aeneas , and returns to Theater an der Wien for Cecil in Maria Stuarda and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream . He also returns to Palm Beach Opera as Maximilian in Candide , will sing Riff in West Side Story with the Grand Teton Music Festival under Donald Runnicles, and sings recitals at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall and the Arnold Schoenberg Center in Vienna. Additionally, he will make his Carnegie Hall debut singing The Prisoner in Ethyl Smyth’s rarely performed The Prison with the Cecilia Chorus of New York. Last season, he joined Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in his acclaimed performances as Tom Joad in Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath , made his role debut as Belcore in L’elisir d’amore with the Orlando Philharmonic, joined the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz with a quartet of roles in King Arthur , and returned to Palm Beach Opera as Samuel in The Pirates of Penzance . He also joined Charlottesville Opera for Jud Fry in Oklahoma! , reprised Leo Stein and Man Ray in Gordon’s 27 with MasterVoices at City Center, joined the Teatro Sergio Cardoso in Brazil for a gala concert, and the Brooklyn Art Song Society for an all-German recital.

American soprano Deanna Breiwick, hailed by The New York Times for her “sweet sound and floating high notes” and for being a “vocal trapeze artist,” is enjoying an exciting and diverse career. A series of house and role debuts encompass Ms. Breiwick’s 2018/19 season. She will return to the Metropolitan Opera as a Shadow in the North American premiere of Nico Muhly’s Marnie , conducted by Robert Spano, debut with Michigan Opera Theatre as Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel and Rosasharn in Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath , debut Adina in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore with Opera Omaha, debut the role of Cunegonde in Candide for a return to Des Moines Metro Opera, and Norina in Don Pasquale for a house debut with Berkshire Opera Festival. Orchestral highlights include a return to the Charleston Symphony for Handel’s Messiah .

“A formidable display of vocal power and dramatic assurance,” mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel recently completed the Washington National Opera Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, where she performed many roles including Tisbe in La Cenerentola , Third Lady in Die Zauberflöte , Curra (cover Preziosilla) in La forza del destin o, Paula (cover) in Florencia en el Amazonas , as well as The Cat in Tony Award winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me . She recently earned the highly esteemed Betty Allen Award and a grant from the Sullivan Foundation.

"The tenor Geoffrey Agpalo was spot-on as Casey, straightforward and clean of voice." -The Washington Post "he’s well-cast as the romantic lead [OTSL's La Traviata ), with an effortless, open sound through the entire range and the requisite passion to convince as Alfredo." -St. Louis Post-Dispatch Tenor Geoffrey Agpalo was featured in Opera News .

Michael Day

Tenor Michael Day hails from Rockford, Illinois. Past roles at MOT include Spoletta in Tosca , Pablo Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald in Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27 , and Don Basilio in The Marriage of Figaro . His performance credits also include Indiana University Opera Theatre, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Utah Festival Opera. Past roles include Tamino ( The Magic Flute ), Arcadio ( Florencia en el Amazonas ), Alfred ( Die Fledermaus ), Padre ( Man of LaMancha ), Al Joad ( The Grapes of Wrath ), and Leo Hubbard ( Regina ). Michael is a two-time Metropolitan Opera National Council District Winner and winner of the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education and Master’s degree in vocal performance from Indiana University. This season at Michigan Opera Theatre, Michael also appeared in Eugene Onegin and will reprise the role of Al Joad in The Grapes of Wrath .

Hailed by The Chicago Tribune as a “Wonderfully natural singing actor,” through his innate sense of style, command of languages, and superior acting abilities, tenor Dennis Petersen is sought after for a variety of operatic roles. Mr. Petersen is a tremendously respected character tenor, performing over one hundred roles during his extensive career, such as Father Greenville in Dead Man Walking , which he sang at the opera’s New York City premiere; Mime in both Das Rheingold and Siegfried , which he performed to great acclaim with Seattle Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera; Herod in Salome which he sang with major opera companies such as Minnesota Opera and San Francisco Opera. Mr. Petersen also sang the role of the School Master in the Japanese Tour of Cunning Little Vixen with the Saito Kinen Festival, returning there to sing Goro in Madama Butterfly . Mr. Petersen has repeatedly lent his strong and entertaining interpretations to other major character roles of the repertoire such as Monostatos in The Magic Flute and Bob Boles and the title role in Peter Grimes . Additionally, Mr. Petersen’s performances in Mahagonny with the Spoleto Festival USA met great success.

Jeffrey Mattsey is renowned worldwide for the signature baritone roles that have defined his prominent career. A house favorite at The Metropolitan Opera, after making his company début in their production of Les contes d’Hoffmann, he returned as Marco in  Gianni Schicchi , Mercutio and Paris in  Roméo et Juliette , Silvano in  Un ballo in maschera , Schaunard in  La bohème , Hermann/Schlemiel in  Les contes d’Hoffmann , Joe Castro in  La fanciulla del west , Marullo in  Rigoletto , and in productions of  Doctor Atomic, Die Zauberflöte, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Andrea Chénier, Carmen, La traviata, Billy Budd, L’elisir d’amore, Francesca da Rimini, Die Fledermaus , and  Così fan tutte , among many others. Mr. Mattsey can be heard on the recording of Monteverdi: Vespers of 1610 with the Boston Baroque Symphony conducted by Martin Pearlman, which was nominated for Best Choral Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards. He can also be heard on A Salute to American Music , the Richard Tucker Foundation Opera Gala XVI by RCA, and on Songs from My Heart . Mr. Mattsey also appears on the RAI Italian television filmed production of La bohème with Luciano Pavarotti, released on Kultur Video.

With a velvety tone and a stage presence which exudes confidence and charm, baritone Levi Hernandez is gaining momentum as a sought after artist on the operatic stage. Mark Thomson Ketterson of Opera News declared of his principal debut with Lyric Opera of Chicago as Dandini in La cenerentola ,“Young baritone Levi Hernandez’s intelligent Dandini displayed a most impressive knack for subtle text-painting within a pristinely negotiated coloratura line.”

Wixom, Michigan native Harry Greenleaf is Michigan Opera Theatre Studio’s resident baritone. He made his debut with Michigan Opera Theatre in 2016 in the role of Top in The Tender Land . His credits with MOT also include Le Bret in Cyrano , Jack Wallace in The Girl of the Golden West and Morales in Carmen . He has been a Studio Artist with the Wolf Tap Opera Company, an Apprentice Artist with Des Moines Metro Opera and a Young Artist with the Glimmerglass Festival. He holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is an alumnus of the Michigan State University College of Music. Last season, Harry performed with MOT as Marullo in Rigoletto, Sciarrone in Tosca and the roles of Leo Stein and Man Ray in Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27 .

Canadian baritone Hugh Russell continues to receive high praise for his charisma, dramatic energy and vocal beauty. He is widely acclaimed for his performances in the operas of Mozart and Rossini, and is regularly invited to perform with symphony orchestras throughout North America. At the center of his orchestral repertoire is Orff’s popular Carmina Burana , which Mr. Russell has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Vancouver Symphony, among others. The New Orleans Times-Picayune said, “Baritone Hugh Russell also grasped the theatrical nature of Orff’s work, nearly stealing the show with a voice that ranged from organ-deep rumbles to flute-like falsetto – and an acting style that drew roars of laughter as he captured the bullishness of an intoxicated medieval abbot.”

Katherine DeYoung

Traverse City, Michigan native Katherine DeYoung is the resident mezzo-soprano of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio. Her recent MOT roles include Mae in The Grapes of Wrath , Sandman in Hansel and Gretel , the Old Lady in Candide and the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors . Last summer, she performed as an apprentice with Santa Fe Opera and holds a master’s degree at the University of Houston where she performed Isabella in The Italian Girl in Algiers , Gertrude in Romeo and Juliet and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible . She also performed the title role in Carmen with Opera in the Ozarks. In February, she won the Online Viewers’ Choice Award in Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers. She is also a District Winner of the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and is an alumna of Michigan State University.

American stage director James Robinson is Artistic Director at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, where he has mounted productions including Chin’s Alice in Wonderland (American premiere), Ash’s The Golden Ticket (world premiere), Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles (also presented at the Wexford Festival), and Adams’ The Death of Klinghoffer and Nixon in China (a production seen throughout the United States and Canada). Elsewhere, Robinson has directed new productions for Houston Grand Opera ( Lucia di Lammermoor , Giulio Cesare and Abduction from the Seraglio ), San Francisco Opera ( Norma, Il Trittico and L’Elisir d’amore ) and the Canadian Opera Company ( Norma, Elektra and Nixon in China ). For the Santa Fe Opera, he has directed new productions of Capriccio, Così fan tutte and The Rake’s Progress , and numerous productions for the New York City Opera ( La bohème, Hansel and Gretel and Il viaggio a Reims ). His work has also been seen at the Australian Opera, the Washington Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, the Seattle Opera, the Royal Swedish Opera, the Dallas Opera, the Minnesota Opera and Chicago Opera Theater. Additionally, he has created productions for the London Symphony Orchestra (Bernstein’s Mass and Honegger’s Jeanne d’Arc au bûcher ), the Hollywood Bowl ( Amadeus ), Carnegie Hall, and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Michael Christie is a thoughtfully innovative conductor, equally at home in the symphonic and opera worlds, who is focused on making the audience experience at his performances entertaining, enlightening, and enriching. The New York Times reports, “Michael Christie is a director open to adventure and challenge,” and the Cincinnati Enquirer declares, “If Michael Christie represents the future of music in this country, the future looks promising indeed.” Christie was featured in Opera News in August 2012 as one of 25 people believed to “break out and become major forces in the field in the coming decade.” At Minnesota Opera, Christie led 24 productions over eight years, six seasons as its first-ever Music Director (2012-2018) – from staples of the repertory such as La Traviata, Nabucco, Macbeth, La Boheme, Fanciulla del West, Arabella , and Das Rheingold to performances of 20th and 21st century operas via Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative, including Bernard Herrmann’s only opera Wuthering Heights , the world premiere of Kevin Puts’ Silent Night  which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2012, the world premiere of Kevin Puts’ The Manchurian Candidate , and the world premiere of Paul Moravec’s The Shining .

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“Where does beauty begin and where does it end? Where it ends is where the artist begins.” – John Cage

The 1950s saw Cage toying with the very foundational ideas of composition. After receiving a copy of the I-Ching—a classic Chinese divination to...

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Ian McKellen’s Player Kings to tour England

The play, adapted by Robert Icke from both parts of Henry IV, stars McKellen as John Falstaff for the first time in his career and will take in Bristol, Birmingham and Newcastle after its West End run

A tour of four English theatres has been announced for Player Kings , in which Sir Ian McKellen is starring as Shakespeare’s Falstaff for the first time.

The play, adapted by director Robert Icke from both parts of Henry IV, is currently being staged at Manchester Opera House before its West End run at the Noël Coward theatre from 1 April to 22 June. On Thursday it was revealed that the production will visit four more venues in July: Bristol Hippodrome, Birmingham Alexandra, Norwich Theatre Royal and Newcastle Theatre Royal.

“Player Kings is a version of Shakespeare’s most English plays,” said McKellen. “So I am glad we are bringing our production across the country which they celebrate.”

McKellen has said that he decided to become a professional actor while at Cambridge University in 1959, when he was in John Barton’s undergraduate production of Henry IV. “Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite Shakespeares, although through the years I’ve resisted offers to play John Falstaff.”

Robert Icke’s adaptation of the plays was “irresistible”, said McKellen. In 2017 Icke directed a celebrated Hamlet starring Andrew Scott at the Almeida theatre. McKellen recently reprised the role of Hamlet for a new film version of the tragedy made at Theatre Royal Windsor, where he played Shakespeare’s tragic prince in 2021.

The Player Kings cast includes Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso) as Prince Harry and Richard Coyle (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as King Henry IV, with the set and costumes designed by Hildegard Bechtler.

• Robert Icke
• Ian McKellen
• William Shakespeare

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