Canadian Opera Company unveils new home

Proclaimed as a new world-class facility for the arts, the Canadian Opera Company officially unveiled its modern new home Sunday.

More than 600 politicians and dignitaries attended a Sunday afternoon gala at the complex, located in downtown Toronto.

"It's a house for all Canadians," stated the opera company's general director Richard Bradshaw at the ribbon-cutting ceremony."We want this to be open and we want this to be a cultural hub."

The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts will also be home to the National Ballet of Canada.

Bradshaw said the centre will hold 90 free concerts in addition to providing a space for community music groups to perform. As well, 120 seats at every performance in the main season will be sold for only $20.

The camel-coloured wood and glass structure is highlighted by a five-storey transparent atrium that looks out onto the city as well as a fourth-level suspended walkway that lets visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the room and the CN Tower.One of its other architectural feats is a grand glass staircase that has been described as a technical wonder.

Bradshaw said the new complex is one of the best in the world, on the same level as the Sydney opera house and the Opera Garnier in Paris. But some have called the rectangular structure "functional" rather than grandiose.

The idea of a new centre for the opera company was hatched 30 years ago when fundraising efforts began.The $150-million facility took more than three years to complete.

Officials say each of the 2,000 seats in the horseshoe-shaped auditorium has perfect sightlines and impeccable sound.The theatre is lined with a type of resonant wood and plaster to provide anintimate acoustic experience.

"We will have the chance to hear our favourite performers in splendid surroundings that will match their talents," commented Ontario's Lt.-Gov. James Bartleman at the ceremony.

The opera company's inaugural performance in its new home will take place June 14 and will feature Canadian opera notables such as Ben Heppner and Adrianne Pieczonka.

In September, the opera house will launch its first complete version of Wagner's Ring cycle followed by Mozart's Cos Fan Tutte.Bradshaw says 30 per cent of the tickets already sold have been ordered from outside the country.

Meanwhile, the National Ballet plans to launch its new season in the centre with The Sleeping Beauty.Other performances will include George Balanchine's Symphony in C and Kenneth MacMillan's Song of the Earth.