Artelize - Victoria's Luminary Series: A Celebration of Operatic Excellence and Timeless Tales

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Victoria's Luminary Series: A Celebration of Operatic Excellence and Timeless Tales

The Luminary Series at McPherson Playhouse is set to be an exhilarating journey through the world of classical music and opera. Featuring a dazzling lineup of world-class artists and performances, this series promises unforgettable evenings. From the Gryphon Trio's evocative 'ECHO: Memories of the World' to the chilling 'The Turn of the Screw' by Britten and the baroque splendor of Gluck's 'Orpheus and Eurydice', to Puccini's gripping 'Tosca', each event offers a unique artistic experience. Join us as we explore the themes, stories, and extraordinary talents that make these events stand out.

Apr 30, 2025

1. Gryphon Trio ECHO: Memories of the World

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural Luminary Series at the McPherson, a dazzling showcase of exceptional artists bringing their notable projects to Victoria for one-night-only events. Featuring world-class artists including Barbara Hannigan & Bertrand Chamayou, Lawrence Brownlee, and the Gryphon Trio, the Luminary Series at the McPherson promises unforgettable performances and intimate encounters with some of classical music’s most extraordinary talents.

May 29, 2025

Pacific Opera Victoria

Victoria, BC · McPherson Playhouse

2. Britten’s The Turn of the Screw

Based on the novella by Henry James that tells the story of a young, inexperienced governess sent to a country house to care for two children, whom she is gradually convinced have been corrupted by the ghosts haunting the house. While maintaining melodic vocal lines, Benjamin Britten’s alternating themes and keys represent the “screw tightening”. The piece leaves us with the question: Were there ever really ghosts or was it all in her head? Does the governess’ desire to do her job and her own anxieties lead her into madness, or is she truly fighting for the souls of the children in her charge?

22 - 28 Oct, 2025

Pacific Opera Victoria

Victoria, BC · Pacific Opera Victoria

3. Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice

Welcoming back Victoria’s own Josh Lovell in the title role, this piece will be one of the first explorations of French Baroque in the company’s history. Based on the famous Greek myth of the musician Orpheus who conquers the spirits of hell using the power of music to bring his love back from the underworld.

22 - 28 Apr, 2026

Pacific Opera Victoria

Victoria, BC · Pacific Opera Victoria

4. Puccini’s Tosca

This new production will center on the idea of truth: truth as told to us by political and religious leaders, truths expressed to us through the eyes of the artists. In a world where the very idea of truth is negotiated how do we know to trust ourselves and stay true to our own truth? Tosca is a roller coaster story of love, lust, murder and political intrigue. With Puccini‘s richly romantic score, it is one of the composer’s finest works. This is a co-production with Vancouver Opera.

22 - 28 Oct, 2026

Pacific Opera Victoria

Victoria, BC · Pacific Opera Victoria

Conclusion

The Luminary Series at the McPherson Playhouse is more than just a collection of performances; it's an exploration of the human condition through music and storytelling. By combining world-class talent with timeless narratives, the series offers a rich tapestry of experiences that promise to resonate long after the final curtain falls. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, these performances offer something for everyone. As the series unfolds, audiences can look forward to evenings of profound reflection and sublime artistry.

2026 Artelize••