Archie MontroseWe dressed up, grabbed our opera glasses, and spent an unforgettable night at the Vancouver Opera—but now we can’t stop humming all the tunes! The performances were truly captivating, and the talent of the singers was awe-inspiring.
We weren’t sure what to expect, but the Vancouver Opera left us completely enchanted—now we’re officially opera lovers!
Keep reading as we let you in on its history, its impact on the local arts scene, and why you should definitely add it to your list of must-see performances.
What is Vancouver Opera’s history?
Founded in 1958 by the visionary William Morton, the Vancouver Opera took to the stage with its inaugural production in 1960. That debut was the timeless classic “Carmen,” featuring talents like Nan Merriman, Richard Cassilly, and Louis Quilico.
A notable milestone is the five world premières it has proudly hosted, which includes The Architect (by McIntyre and Cone), Naomi’s Road (by Luengen and Hodges), Jack Pine (by Hille), Lillian Alling (by Estacio and Murrell), and Stickboy (by Weisensel and Koyzcan).
It also showcased the Canadian première of John Adams’s Nixon in China in 2010 and Tan Dun’s Tea: A Mirror of Soul in 2013.
While the company primarily leans on traditional operatic favorites, it also strives to blend in some hidden gems that don’t get as much airtime.
In more recent times, Vancouver Opera has really upped its game, evolving into a dynamic creative, educational, and collaborative force in the community.
How to Get to the Vancouver Opera
The Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station on Dunsmuir Street is just one block east of the theater. If you’re taking the Canada Line, Vancouver City Centre station on West Georgia Street is five blocks to the west.
Ticket Pricing and Subscription Options for Vancouver Opera
Full Season Ticket Packages
The Vancouver Opera offers a range of ticket options to suit various preferences and budgets. Single tickets range from $25 to $280, while full-season subscriptions offer a comprehensive experience, complete with savings and priority seating.
| SEATING | Early Bird (by May 31) | Regular Price (after May 31) |
| A+ | $630 | $695 |
| A | $550 | $605 |
| B | $435 | $480 |
| C | $315 | $345 |
| D | $255 | $280 |
| E | $145 | $149 |
2-Show Duet Packages
| SEATING | Early Bird (by May 31) | Regular Price (after May 31) |
| A+ | $440 | $520 |
| A | $390 | $450 |
| B | $300 | $360 |
| C | $230 | $250 |
| D | $175 | $190 |
| E | $98 | $98 |
Subscriptions
When you purchase subscriptions online, you’ll receive the best available seat(s) automatically assigned to you. Here’s a map of the seating chart so you can see where your seats are located in relation to the stage.
| SEATING | PRICING |
| Premium A+ | $650.48 |
| Orchestra A | $564.77 |
| Orchestra B | $445.71 |
| Orchestra C | $317.13 |
| Orchestra D | $255.25 |
| Dress Circle A | $564.77 |
| Dress Circle B | $445.71 |
| Dress Circle D | $255.25 |
| Mezzanine B | $445.71 |
| Mezzanine C | $317.13 |
| Balcony C | $317.13 |
| Balcony D | $255.25 |
| Balcony E | $130.48 |
| Dress Circle C | $317.13 |
| Mezzanine A | $564.77 |
However, if you’d prefer to choose your own seats while subscribing, just reach out to the Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre at 604-683-0222. Below are the subscription prices depending on the seat selection you make:
Parking
You can park at the Easy Park Queen Elizabeth Theatre parkade, however, slots are limited so it’s best to reserve a spot with Easy Park at 1-888-501-1343 (extension 1).
Performances at Vancouver Opera
Madama Butterfly
Media credit: vancouveropera
Conducted by Vancouver Opera’s Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe, this production features Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato as Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese girl who marries an American lieutenant stationed in Nagasaki.
This tragic story follows Cio-Cio-San as she marries an American naval officer, who leaves shortly after their wedding and returns years later with a new wife.
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is all about the emotions one feels from unrequited love. The show’s poignant and deeply emotional music captures themes of love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy perfectly.
The show will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 26th and 27th, as well as May 1st, 3rd, and 4th, 2025.
Die Fledermaus
Media credit: vancouveropera
Die Fledermaus, directed by Ashlie Corcoran, is a wildly funny show filled with drinking, dancing, pranks, and disguises, all wrapped up in a hilarious plot of mistaken identities and comedic twists.
With a lively chorus and party scene as the key performance and the song “King Champagne” by Strauss, this performance will surely tickle your funny bones.
The story revolves around several characters attending a New Year’s Eve ball. Eisenstein’s friend plays a practical joke on him, leading to some funny acting and worries about cheating at the masquerade.
Performances will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on October 26th and 31st, as well as November 2nd and 3rd, 2024.
Flight
Media credit: vancouveropera
This production features the beloved Vancouver creative team of director Morris Panych and set designer Ken MacDonald, with Leslie Dala, Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music and Associate Conductor, leading the vibrant score.
Based on the true story of an Iranian refugee who lived in an airport for 18 years, the opera unfolds during a weather-related grounding of flights.
As characters navigate the challenges of being stranded, drama unfolds, including a childbirth, infidelity, and other scandalous events. The opera will be performed at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 8th, 13th, and 16th, 2025.
Educational Programs of the Vancouver Opera
As Canada’s biggest opera touring program, Vancouver Opera in Schools brings the excitement of real opera shows to students.
It’s one of the biggest programs like this in Canada. These shows are in English and also have special programs for different age groups.
For elementary school kids, there’s Project Opera, which helps teachers find cool ways to bring Vancouver Opera artists into their classrooms.
High school students can join mentorship programs and summer camps. As for adults, they can join Opera 101, a five-part course on Zoom that introduces them to the history of opera and what it’s like today.
Community Outreach and Cultural Programs of the Vancouver Opera
Vancouver Opera is dedicated to reaching out to different communities and promoting inclusivity through its programs and partnerships.
By working with local groups, the opera helps connect with people who might not usually attend, making its audience more diverse.
One important program is called “Voices of the Solstice,” which celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day. This initiative shines a spotlight on Indigenous artists and their stories, showcasing the rich culture and history of the First Nations people.
