{"id":2904,"date":"2025-02-14T07:18:43","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/?p=2904"},"modified":"2025-02-14T07:19:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:19:03","slug":"the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa","title":{"rendered":"The History of Opera Lyra in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This is the story of a professional opera organization that started brightly but eventually came to an end. Learn more about the activities and memorable moments of Opera Lyra Ottawa at <a href=\"http:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\">ottawa-trend.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a13598907555\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a13598907555\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#The_History_of_Opera_Lyra_Ottawa_OLO\" >The History of Opera Lyra Ottawa (OLO)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#Diana_Gilchrist\" >Diana Gilchrist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#The_First_Productions_of_Opera_Lyra_Ottawa\" >The First Productions of Opera Lyra Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#The_Second_Season\" >The Second Season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#Jeanette_Aster\" >Jeanette Aster<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#The_End_of_the_Story\" >The End of the Story<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2904-the-history-of-opera-lyra-in-ottawa\/#The_Five_Stages_of_Grief\" >The Five Stages of Grief<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_of_Opera_Lyra_Ottawa_OLO\"><\/span>The History of Opera Lyra Ottawa (OLO)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1984, the history of this non-profit opera company began thanks to soprano Diana Gilchrist. This was precisely the period when summer opera productions at the National Arts Centre (NAC) had ceased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially, the troupe performed chamber versions of operas accompanied by piano in the small York Street Theatre in Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opera Lyra Ottawa performed full productions and concert versions of operas in their original language at the National Arts Centre, with French and English surtitles. Additionally, special programs for young artists were conducted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main objectives of Opera Lyra Ottawa were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To create and present high-quality opera productions in the capital of Ottawa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To popularize opera as an art form and make it more accessible to as many people as possible through outreach and education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To nurture, encourage, and support Canadian artists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Officially, on October 14, 2015, Opera Lyra Ottawa ceased operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxdxpdavosobcuqk_t_mlfy1mvgueqhvqd9uamvsgnmw09y0tfu_vkvrhkwz9kadjxbsl8slzyz6hd1hn3kqhjlvdrxhzbg-_ixkjmdsn2m1wkewsswirsexpn2qf5zx9c7dtx4nkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diana_Gilchrist\"><\/span>Diana Gilchrist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>She was the founder and first artistic director of the organization. At the time of its founding in 1984, Canadian soprano Diana Gilchrist was just beginning her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1987, Diana Gilchrist left her leadership role at Opera Lyra Ottawa as she moved to Europe to pursue her professional career. There, she performed roles such as the Queen of the Night and Zerbinetta, among other significant parts in her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Productions_of_Opera_Lyra_Ottawa\"><\/span>The First Productions of Opera Lyra Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mozart\u2019s \u201cThe Impresario\u201d \u2013 A small yet elegant opera buffa often chosen for chamber productions. In this staging, Diana Gilchrist performed the role of Madame Silberklang while also serving as the show\u2019s director and producer. This production became a calling card for the newly founded troupe, demonstrating Opera Lyra Ottawa\u2019s potential and commitment to high artistic standards. Mozart himself described the work as a \u201ccomedy with music.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPimpinone\u201d \u2013 A comic opera by German composer Georg Philipp Telemann, based on a libretto by Johann Philipp Praetorius. The full title translates to \u201cThe Unequal Marriage Between Vespetta and Pimpinone, or The Bossy Chambermaid.\u201d This light and refined opera complemented Opera Lyra Ottawa\u2019s repertoire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The premiere of the chamber opera \u201cThe Master\u2019s House\u201d by John Burge \u2013 This selection demonstrated support for a contemporary Canadian composer, music educator, and pianist. The opera was commissioned by Opera Lyra Ottawa, with its anticipated premiere taking place in 1984.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The first season was considered quite successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfnjpj1xt2karde2kfuoepe9bnczza8uh6qup1yjijr3gqq5nbkussnjimvxj79p7jnusq4hqfjz1awrljln9qkhjyrpxbswi1fjicsybz__bw_8w3uwuqjdwu1zjbhuartnmlhiqkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Second_Season\"><\/span>The Second Season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the success of its debut season, Opera Lyra Ottawa prepared for its next performances. The second season saw increased funding and marked a milestone with the company\u2019s first fully staged opera, \u201cCos\u00ec fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti\u201d (translated from Italian as \u201cWomen Are Like That, or The School for Lovers\u201d). Originally premiered in Vienna in 1790, this opera buffa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was performed by Opera Lyra Ottawa at Carleton University\u2019s Alumni Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1986, the professional opera company moved to the National Arts Centre Theatre, where it staged \u201cThe Barber of Seville.\u201d This opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini, set to an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini, was presented in a venue with 897 seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last opera directed by Diana Gilchrist as artistic director was \u201cL\u2019elisir d\u2019amore\u201d under the baton of Dwight Bennett. This melodrama in two acts was composed by Gaetano Donizetti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcjumrc4jqhcqy1lazbptw5znnlwzsfvua-evr1iyjog4_9wurrcpgqfp5z8pbfispmtiay11wiodjacuiexyzaz59owfxzgvnc80txqpjhjndfnr5rz2wwzpgiomgvuobeaobzjgkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jeanette_Aster\"><\/span>Jeanette Aster<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Jeanette Aster was an Austrian-born opera director who staged productions in Canada, where she grew up and studied. She made her Canadian directing debut in 1977 at the National Arts Centre Festival in Ottawa, with her first work being Mozart\u2019s \u201cThe Magic Flute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1972, she began working with the Canadian Opera Company. By 1979, she and General Director Lotfi Mansouri, along with partner John Leberg, had co-founded a program for young artists. In 1980, Jeanette Aster became the first permanent director of the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1986, she accepted an invitation from Peter Hemmings and joined the Music Center Opera in Los Angeles. From then on, Jeanette Aster became associate director-founder and permanent director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1988 to 1998, Jeanette Aster served as the artistic director of Opera Lyra Ottawa. She commissioned three new operas and introduced a comprehensive educational program, which included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A boys\u2019 choir<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A youth choir<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A studio for female artists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>She also established educational projects for both adults and youth in the Ottawa community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxd4rbwttxnutnkew2fybhtfmkbgd6jd-pqau3cqqgw8eaz-d4wosib6yqnj6fjaq4o276duui7ejciqk84lryrpmlz0griojpood1s_vlgr_mhqq5-mupfnogxdvf7c5otpmgwqagkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_End_of_the_Story\"><\/span>The End of the Story<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After 31 seasons, Ottawa\u2019s only opera company ceased operations on October 14, 2015. The board of directors issued a statement announcing the company\u2019s closure, stating that adjustments to future activities were necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision was driven by systemic revenue declines in several areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ticket sales \u2013 Possible reasons included changing audience preferences and rising prices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government grants \u2013 Budget reallocations and an increased number of grant applicants contributed to financial difficulties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Charitable donations \u2013 The reduction in donations may have resulted from unstable partnerships or communication issues with donors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate sponsorship \u2013 A decrease in sponsorships likely stemmed from shifting business priorities and an increase in other cultural projects also seeking funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For many years, Opera Lyra Ottawa tried to raise funds in these areas but was ultimately unsuccessful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, this was the second time the organization faced closure. The first attempt occurred in 2011 when budget deficits rendered it insolvent. At that time, the board emphasized that opera is an expensive art form, combining orchestral music, vocal performances, dramatic staging, set design, lighting, and costumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxd5siq6f63as2n5yae1nfwonobt2wtbcsx_7czyqcbkhqhxdf_h-h5vml63wh8gbldtaba59cmmh1bv14eauqn2xpw3sbkkfwzcqy8hyjksh3cjd5wzgcxv1v12yxc2uixvfwqliqkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Five_Stages_of_Grief\"><\/span>The Five Stages of Grief<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents of Ottawa found it difficult to accept the closure of Opera Lyra Ottawa. Reactions on social media evolved through the following stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Denial \u2013 The company\u2019s significant success before the 2008 economic downturn made it hard to believe its closure was imminent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anger \u2013 Frustration was directed at the government. However, Opera Lyra Ottawa\u2019s leadership clarified that its financial struggles stemmed from multiple sources, including declining sponsorships and unexpected revenue losses from ticket sales.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bargaining \u2013 Many hoped that the announcement of bankruptcy did not necessarily mean the end and that a revival might be possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression \u2013 A realization that professional opera was disappearing from Ottawa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acceptance \u2013 The final stage recognized the need for bold, young, and diverse leaders to take charge of Canada\u2019s arts scene.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A final note: New Opera Lyra may evoke associations with Opera Lyra Ottawa, but this organization has no connection to the professional opera company that closed in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxc0ce0mgebjedi0vzr2-aohzat6zxhoy-mxykb5x_zkm1rph6mxr__o1xkikpab_ff3gzxrb7unbkpsh15f2dva_1ayxfcnztfz3gynv-p5yoeectes9hog9ypxdmxe9nlyxb5bwkeyqfxcvuis0emynjlbv895s7oe.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/apt613.ca\/la-traviata\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apt613.ca\/la-traviata<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca\/en\/article\/opera-lyra-ottawa-emc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Canadian Encyclopedia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operabase.com\/opera-lyra-ottawa-o9374\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Operabase<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schmopera.com\/scene\/companies\/opera-lyra-ottawa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Schmopera &#8211; Scene Companies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schmopera.com\/opera-lyra-and-the-five-stages-of-grief\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Schmopera &#8211; The Five Stages of Grief<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is the story of a professional opera organization that started brightly but eventually came to an end. Learn more about the activities and memorable moments of Opera Lyra Ottawa at ottawa-trend.com. The History of Opera Lyra Ottawa (OLO) In 1984, the history of this non-profit opera company began thanks to soprano Diana Gilchrist. This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":417,"featured_media":2924,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[2147,2148,2154,2153,2151,2150,2145,2146,2158,2143,2152,2155,1504,2149,2144,2157,2156],"motype":[160],"moformat":[24],"moimportance":[31,32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-2904","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-muzika","8":"tag-bankruptcy","9":"tag-big-hits","10":"tag-canadian-arts","11":"tag-diana-gilchrist","12":"tag-ending-the-story","13":"tag-first-productions","14":"tag-first-season","15":"tag-grief","16":"tag-highlights","17":"tag-history","18":"tag-jeannette-astaire","19":"tag-main-tasks","20":"tag-new-opera-lyra","21":"tag-opera-lyra-ottawa-3","22":"tag-professional-opera-organization","23":"tag-second-season","24":"tag-work-of-the-organization","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-longrid-korotka","27":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","28":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","29":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/417"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2904"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2923,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2904\/revisions\/2923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2904"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2904"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2904"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}