+++
author = ["authors/jenna.md"]
categories = "Editorial"
date = "2019-07-20T04:00:00+00:00"
disclaimer = ""
image_gallery = []
postamble = ""
preamble = ""
primary_image = "https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1563757465/media/2019/07/sqOperaInTheVines.jpg"
primary_image_credit = ""
related_articles = []
related_companies = ["scene/companies/odyssey-opera.md", "scene/companies/opera-kelowna.md"]
related_people = ["scene/people/stephanie-tritchew.md", "scene/people/aaron-durand.md"]
short_description = "On the opposite coast, Boston-based Odyssey Opera is set to offer its latest in opera's under-performed masterpieces. Saint-Saëns' 1883 opera, Henry VIII, centres on the famed love triangle between the Tudor king, his first wife Catherine of Aragon, and his soon-to-be second wife, Anne Boleyn. "
slug = "upcoming-of-note-opera-hits-in-bc-henry-viii-in-boston"
title = "Upcoming of note: Opera hits in BC & Henry VIII in Boston"
youtube_url = ""

+++
This month in beautiful British Columbia, [Opera Kelowna](/scene/companies/opera-kelowna/) kicks off its summer line-up. Two concerts featuring the company's Summer Intensive Program on [July 27](https://www.operakelowna.com/2019-opera-at-the-proms/) and [July 30](https://www.operakelowna.com/2019-opera-in-the-park/), and on July 31, Opera Kelowna's young talent is joined onstage by Canadian favourites Steeve Michaud, Aaron Durand, Marie-Josée Lord, and Stephanie Tritchew, for [_Opera Under the Stars_](https://www.operakelowna.com/2019-opera-under-the-stars/). (The above events are free admission, and registration may be required. [Click here for details](https://www.operakelowna.com/the-season/).)

For a full listing of Opera Kelowna's 2019 line-up, [visit their website](https://www.operakelowna.com/the-season/).

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1563757517/media/2019/07/OdysseyOperaCollage.jpg){{% /md %}}

<figcaption>The cast of Odyssey Opera's Henry VIII, clockwise from top left: baritone Michael Chioldi (photo: Peter Konerko), soprano Ellie Dehn (photo: Catherine Pisaroni), and Hilary Ginther. </figcaption>

</figure>

On the opposite coast, Boston-based [Odyssey Opera](/scene/companies/odyssey-opera/) is set to offer its latest in opera's under-performed masterpieces. Saint-Saëns' 1883 opera, [_Henry VIII_](https://www.odysseyopera.org/2019-saint-saens-henry-viii/), centres on the famed love triangle between the Tudor king, his first wife Catherine of Aragon, and his soon-to-be second wife, Anne Boleyn.

"_Henry VIII_ has all the ingredients of a spectacular grand opera," says Odyssey Opera Artistic and General Director Gil Rose. "It has a sensational historical subject and sweeping vocal melodies and rich orchestral writing." The original score saw several cuts after its premiere, but Odyssey Opera is working with Saint-Saëns scholar Hugh MacDonald to put together a recreation that, "for all intents and purposes, represents the world premiere!"

[_Henry VIII_](https://www.odysseyopera.org/2019-saint-saens-henry-viii/), starring baritone Michael Chioldi in the title role, happens September 21 at NEC's Jordan Hall.