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Opera Programs

Performance-based, collaborative training for emerging professionals. Explore and develop new directions in this art form. 

La Boheme featuring soprano Jonelle Sills, 2019. Photo by Jessica Wittman

Opera

Challenge the conventions

Opera at Banff Centre is a performance-based, collaborative training experience for emerging opera professionals that truly challenges the conventions of opera performance, production, and design. The focus is to develop young opera professionals with the skills and experience to take them to the next level of their careers and beyond.

If you wish to stay informed about our upcoming programs and Banff Centre news, please subscribe to our newsletter.

Upcoming Programs
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Interplay: Chamber and Opera, Banff Centre 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Residency
Program Dates June 24, 2025 - July 26, 2025

Interplay: Opera Singers & Répétiteurs 2025

For early-career opera singers & répétiteurs to focus on artistic development, communication, collaboration, interpretation & innovative performance.
Application deadline has passed
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Aidan Chan (piano), Kai Chen Cheng (flute), Emily Luo (oboe), Nikki Pet (clarinet), Ellie Shifflet (bassoon), Madeleine Davis (horn). Photo by Rita Taylor.
Residency
Program Dates July 01, 2025 - July 26, 2025

Interplay: Musicians & Composers 2025

For early & mid-career chamber musicians & composers to focus on artistic development, communication, collaboration, interpretation & innovative performance.
Application deadline has passed
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Kamna Gupta, Interplay 2024, Banff Centre. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Residency
Program Dates June 24, 2025 - July 26, 2025

Interplay: Stage Director, Stage Managers & Conductor 2025

For early career theatre professionals to focus on artistic development, communication, collaboration, interpretation, and innovative performance.
Application deadline has passed
View Program
Photo by Rita Taylor
Residency
Program Dates June 24, 2025 - July 29, 2025

Wardrobe Technician: Interplay 2025

Gain practical experience in costume and wardrobe management by assisting with the design and construction of costumes for the operatic program.
Application deadline has passed
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Practicum participants working during a prop building workshop at Banff Centre
Residency
Program Dates June 24, 2025 - July 29, 2025

Props Builder: Interplay 2025

Expand your technical skills and gain meaningful experience. Assist with the design and construction of props for world class theatrical productions.
Application deadline has passed
View Program

This program nurtured my mind, body and soul due to to its location in the mountains, incredible faculty and chosen participants, as well projects that allowed me to grow, play and thrive. I feel I know myself more as an artist and person. I would return in a heartbeat, and I know I'll take my findings from this program into the rest of my career. 
 

Amanda Testini, Opera in the 21st Century, 2022

Performing Arts Facilities
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Opera Stories
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Chamber Werx, 2018

Interplay 2025

Innovative and collaborative residencies for early-career opera, music and theatre professionals.
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Opera in the21sst Century performance 2022

Opera in the 21st Century 2022

Virtually explore a selection of contemporary opera scenes featuring performances from the 2022 cohort.
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Bridging Realities: How Technology Connects Opera to its Audiences

Nearly 70 years after the founding of Banff Centre’s opera program its artistic director Joel Ivany is ensuring Canadian opera remains relevant in a digital wor
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Opera Faculty

Joel Ivany

Joel Ivany

Artistic Director

http://www.joelivany.com

Joel is known for pushing the boundaries of opera, and has been called “Canadian opera’s enfant not-so-terrible.” In 2010, he founded Against the Grain Theatre in Toronto and served as its Artistic Director until 2023. Joel has adapted and translated over ten operas presented in unexpected venues, and was named an Arts Hero by The Globe and Mail in 2020 for his work directing the critically-acclaimed digital Messiah/Complex. He has also directed over 50 productions for opera companies across North America and Europe including The Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Opera, and Minnesota Opera.  He is currently Artistic Director for Edmonton Opera.


Contact Us

For questions about the department and what we offer, please contact:

Email: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180


Phone (Main Switchboard)
403.762.6100

Address
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
PO Box 1020
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5

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We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minihrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.