When the Opera Lyra Ottawa announced last year that it’s newly appointed Director General is John Peter Jeffries in time for its 28th season, OLO also renewed its commitment to nurturing and showcasing Canadian talents and educating young audiences and instilling in them the love of opera and the arts.
All photos in this post is courtesy of: Mr. Mitch Lenet of MITCH LENET PHOTOGRAPHY
That’s exactly what they have done since last year with a very successful season that produced La Boheme, Cindrella and La Traviatta.
Italian Ambassador, his Excellency Gian Lorenzo Cornado and his wife, Madam Martine Cornado
Building on that new sense of confidence and perhaps a slightly modern direction, we find ourselves once again at the magnificent residence of the Honourable Italian Ambassador and his lovely wife (His Excellency Gian Lorenzo Cornado and Madam Martine Cornado) to Canada, where guests dressed up to nines (despite the ominous weather that kept everyone on their toes) and hairstyles perched with a coloured or feathered fascinator roam the grounds of the sprawling estate.
CANADIAN RISING STARS
It proved yet once again to be the perfect venue for an evening with the Opera. The balcony provided the fitting main stage for dapper MC for the event, CBC announcer Laurence Wall, OLO’s Principal Repetiteur Judith Ginsburg and of course, the three of Canada’s rising stars – Ottawa’s own amazing mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta, Canadian soprano Lara Ciekiewicz from Winnipeg (she will star as Musetta this season) and Benjamin Covey from Mallorytown, a graduate of Calgary Opera’s training program and San Francisco’s Merola Opera program.
All three were under the direction of Tyrone Paterson. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading opera conductors, Paterson has held the position of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Opera Lyra Ottawa since 1998 and has guided the Opera Lyra Ottawa to become a highly respected company in Canada and abroad.
EARLENE’S HOUSE OF FASHION
The over 400 guests in attendance were also treated to fabulous parade of one stunning gown after the other by OLO’s long time supporter – Earlene’s House of Fashion. Located in 113 James Street in Ottawa, Earlene’s House of Fashion has been providing women with a unique and comfortable way of shopping at Earlene’s chic Boutique Showroom.
This House of Fashion proudly carries an exclusive fashion from top lines such as Michaela Louisa, Kate Cooper, Spanner, Tahari, Cartise and Simpli. Well-known for its Evening and formal wear; Earlene’s House of Fashion has a wide selection of remarkable pieces from Frascara, Diane Friez, Glamor & Avanti.
Twenty York Street would be amiss if we didn’t give proper credit to the guests and opera lovers in attendance. Young and old – they all put their best fashion foot forward and donned their crisp tea dresses, pristine gloves and fascinating headpieces.
In fact, we will be doing a dedicated fashion post to feature these in PART II of ALL IN THE NAME OF THE OPERA – THE OPERA LYRA OTTAWA. Make sure to also visit Ottawa Stylist and Fashion Designer Rania Abdulla’s coverage at The Wardrobe Stylist.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Mr. Mitch Lenet of MITCH LENET PHOTOGRAPHY
FASHION AND THE OPERA
And why wouldn’t they come dressed up? It is after all the ultimate garden party of the summer. A midsummer’s evening of fashion, culture and the opera. Perhaps also the best way to welcome Italy’s new Ambassador to Canada?
SKYFALL BLUE CEO Fadi Ghaby with His Excellency Gian Lorenzo Cornado
CBC announcer Laurence Wall with OPERA LYRA OTTAWA’s RISING STARS
OPERA LYRA OTTAWA’S 2013-2014 SEASON
We’re very excited to share with you that Opera Lyra Ottawa launches its 2013-2014th season with CARMEN on September 7, 9, 11 & 14, 2013 at National Arts Centre – Southam Hall. You can find more information about Carmen, Pirates of Penzance and Madama Butterfly and OLO in general at their website: www.operalyra.ca and OLO Blog, written by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Tyrone Paterson.
Twenty York Street would like to especially thank Keri-Ann Johnson and the Marketing and Media Relations Team for OLO. Special thank you is reserved for Mr. Mitch Lenet of MITCH LENET PHOTOGRAPHY for the amazing photo coverage of the event.
DRESS BY BCBG, BANANA REPUBLIC, SMART SET, CUFF BY MS. LEEANN LACROIX/OSOLEE
For more photos by MITCH LENET PHOTOGRAPHY of Opera Lyra Ottawa’s Annual Italian Garden Party, Earlene’s House of Fashion and gorgeous fashion by OLO guests, visit Twenty York Street’s Facebook Page.
