June 12 – 21, 2025
Factory Theatre, Toronto
Opera 5’s Toronto Opera Festival, set to take place from June 12 to June 21, 2025, at the Factory Theatre in Toronto, promises to be a captivating celebration of both classic and contemporary opera. As one of the city’s most exciting upcoming cultural events, the festival will showcase a variety of performances that highlight the power of storytelling through music and the art of opera. Opera 5, known for its innovative approach to opera production and commitment to showcasing new talent, is excited to present a diverse program that will appeal to both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers to the genre. With a focus on both emerging voices and new Canadian works, the festival aims to create an inclusive platform that nurtures creativity and celebrates the rich history of opera while embracing fresh, contemporary perspectives. Throughout the festival, audiences can expect a mix of emotional depth, striking performances, and thought-provoking narratives that will leave a lasting impact.
2025 Showcase Productions
Gala: A Night of Opera & Musical Theatre
June 12, 2025 – 7:30 pm
The festival commences on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM with a gala event. This opening night will showcase Opera 5’s Portfolio Artist Interns performing a selection of beloved arias, ensembles, and songs from both opera and musical theatre. The 70-minute performance, without intermission, promises to be a celebration of vocal artistry.
Come Closer
June 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 2025 – 7:30pm
A highlight of the festival is the world premiere of “Come Closer,” a new Canadian opera composed by Ryan Trew with a libretto by Rachel Krehm. The narrative is inspired by Krehm’s personal experience of losing her sister, Elizabeth, to addiction. The opera delves into themes of nostalgia, joy, connection, and reflection, following the protagonist, Big Sister, as she navigates a series of waking dreams ignited by her late Little Sister’s poetry. Through these dreams, Big Sister revisits their shared past, exploring their relationship from innocent childhood to more fragmented adolescence, seeking understanding and a path forward. Performances are scheduled for June 13, 14, 18, 19, and 21, 2025, each beginning at 7:30 PM. The show has a runtime of 120 minutes, including an intermission.
Elegies: A Song Cycle
June 15, 2025 – 2:30pm | June 17 & 20, 2025 – 7:30pm
The festival also features “Elegies: A Song Cycle” by William Finn, performed by Opera 5’s Portfolio Artist Interns. This 75-minute musical revue pays homage to Finn’s family members, friends, and even pets who have passed away. Through poignant and heartfelt stories, the performance aims to evoke a range of emotions, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own experiences with loss and the importance of community in the grieving process. Performances are on June 15 at 2:30 PM, and June 17 and 20 at 7:30 PM. There is no intermission for this show.
Content Advisories: “Come Closer” contains themes of death, grief, and references to drugs and abuse. “Elegies: A Song Cycle” includes themes of death, grief, and some strong language.
Tickets for each event are available for purchase, with a special offer of a 40% discount if booked before April 30. The festival is recommended for audiences aged 12 and above.
Opera 5’s Toronto Opera Festival presents a unique opportunity for audiences to experience a diverse range of performances that honour the traditions of opera and musical theatre while introducing contemporary narratives and compositions. The festival not only showcases the talents of emerging artists but also provides a platform for new Canadian works, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of the performing arts in Toronto.
