If there’s anyone busy re-inventing themselves, creating compelling content and taking advantage of the vast reach of social media these days, it’s the ‘new’ Opera Lyra Ottawa. Having announced a changed in direction and a new shift in artistic programming, the Marriage of Figaro, the upcoming (and widely talked about) spectacle on March 21 – 28, 2015 at the National Art Centre seems to be a great start to this nouvelle façon of doing things for the (more than) 30 year old company.
Aside from a quite lovely spring garden annual fundraising party at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence, the Opera Lyra Ottawa has been quite consistent in their effort of promoting their shows through a number of excellent pre-events but nothing like what they’re doing now for the highly anticipated Marriage of Figaro. There have been several mini-events leading up to Opening Night such as the Stag and Doe Party, the upcoming Rehearsal Dinner, a FLASH MOB (no less!) by opera singers at a dowtown Loblaws Grocery store, and of course, the Bridal Gown Fitting. It is a wedding after all.
YOU’RE INVITED: OPERA LYRA OTTAWA’S THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
If wedding’s are judged solely by the gushing bride’s wedding gown, then the Marriage of Figaro will be a runway victor for wedding of the year awards. Designed and handmade by Ottawa-based Canadian Haute Couture designer David McCaffrey, Susanna’s gown is reminiscent of one of television’s hottest series – the British Downton Abbe. Instead of just picking one from his current haute couture collection, McCaffrey, who was produced and designed Wallis Giunta’s gowns in the past, has chosen to create one specific to Figaro and Susanna’s impending marriage.
With a deep v-neck contrasted by tapered long sleeves, the bride-to-be is indeed a vision in white and in haute couture, no less. The question remains, since it’s bad luck to see the bride’s dress before the wedding, is this marriage doomed?
A LOVE STORY BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Perhaps one of the most recognized operas of all time, the Marriage of Figaro is a story as old as time – unrequited love and true love ever lasting. In fact, it is listed, as is the Barber of Seville, as one of the top ten most performed operas all over the world. Now the love story is between a couple – Figaro and Susanna, servants at the household of Count Almaviva, and of course, the antagonist, the count himself who casts a lustrous eyes over the bride-to-be.
DAVID MCCAFFREY FOR OPERA LYRA OTTAWA
Now we shan’t spoil the plot as we’ll fall short in telling the story ourselves. While Ms. Mashaell Abdullah of MASHAELL ABDULLAH PHOTOGRAPHY for Twenty York Street has done a magnificent job in capturing the bride’s last dress fitting at McCaffrey’s Haute Couture Designs on Sussex Street, the Marriage of Figaro is one big wedding you mustn’t miss!
All photos courtesy of: MASHAELL PHOTOGRAPHY for @20YS. 
The Marriage of Figaro opens at the National Art Centre on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 8:00 pm. As every wedding has a cocktail reception, Figaro and Susanna’s is at 7:00 pm in the form a pre-opera chat hosted by the Opera Lyra Guild. Now that you’ve seen what the bride is going to wear, the next question is…
What are YOU going to wear?
Opera Lyra Ottawa’s The Marriage of Figaro will play at the NAC Marc 21, 23, 25 and 28 in Southam Hall. Tickets are available at the Box Office or at operalyra.ca.
