Vancouver Opera is presenting a new production titled "The Garden of Alice," a musical adaptation inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This upcoming performance will runfrom March 7-9, 2025.
The production will showcase talented performers from the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program, including soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-soprano Simran Claire, baritone Danlie Rae Acebuque, tenor Lyndon Ladeur, pianist Derek Stanyer, and director Tayte Mitchell. The opera was composed by Elizabeth Raum, a notable Canadian composer.
According to Vancouver Opera General Director Tom Wright, "The VOICES concert series celebrates the human spirit through music, and TD's support ensures these concerts remain free and accessible to everyone." Wright added that these performances provide valuable opportunities for young artists to perform before intimate audiences while engaging with contemporary works.
The opening performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 7, while the March 8 and 9 shows will start at 2:00 p.m. The production is part of Vancouver Opera's VOICES free concert series, which receives financial backing from TD.
Attendees can expect a whimsical journey through this contemporary opera, which reimagines the beloved children's tale through innovative music and staging. "The Garden of Alice" marks the first time Elizabeth Raum's adaptation has been performed in Vancouver, bringing her unique musical interpretation of Carroll's fantastical world to local audiences.
The intimate setting of the performances will allow guests to appreciate the nuanced vocal talents of these rising artists. As part of the VOICES series, the production aims to make high-quality operatic performances accessible to diverse audiences, including those who might not typically attend traditional opera productions.
Tickets, while free, are available on a first-come, first-served basis through Vancouver Opera's website. Interested patrons are encouraged to reserve their seats early, as previous VOICES concerts have quickly reached capacity.
"We're particularly excited about this production because it bridges classical operatic traditions with a story that appeals to audiences of all ages," noted Mitchell, the production's director. "Our goal is to create an experience that honors both the whimsy of Alice's adventures and the rich musical heritage of opera."
The Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program represents Vancouver Opera's commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the field. This production offers these promising artists valuable performance experience while contributing to Vancouver's vibrant cultural landscape.
