In Shakespeare’s most psychologically brutal tragedy, a single lie unravels everything, with music as devastating as the emotions it unleashes.

Poison in the water: Shakespeare's story of paranoia, jealousy, and ambition is brought to new heights in the hands of Verdi and Boito. The two would later collaborate on the operatic adaptation of Shakespeare's Falstaff — Verdi's only comedy.
Otello starts in a violent storm scene — a musical masterpiece in itself — which drops listeners into the wild rage and irrational doubts in the mind of Otello himself.
Is it ambition? Or is it jealousy? When Iago lays the groundwork to destroy Otello's marriage and snatch his rank, it's fascinating to consider why. Is he righting a wrong, removing a volatile man from leadership? Or, is he an insecure monster who can't stomach others' happiness?
Desdemona, Otello's wife, is a culmination of opera's tension between tragedy and beauty. Her signature tune, known as the "Willow Song", comes in Act IV, where she an extraordinary moment where she envisions her own death, and remembers the old song about a woman who loved a man who abandons her.

Cantare Opera Children’s Choir

For over 25 years, our organization has enjoyed a long and rewarding association with Calgary Opera. Over close to 40 productions, we have provided Calgary’s biggest stage with prepared, attentive and focused singers of varying ages who are excellent musicians. Our singers love the experience of being welcomed into a professional organization that gives us the opportunity to share our singing (and acting) skills in an professional environment (costumes/sets/props) while learning about the operatic art form and the stories of the great operas.

In addition, all choristers in our program have the opportunity to attend the Dress Rehearsal for Calgary Opera productions. Learn more about our collaboration with Calgary Opera

Cantare Opera Children’s Choir is a mix of choristers from Cantiga, Cantare, and Cantando. Cantare choristers apply to participate in opera productions on top of their programmed singing in Cantare.

Founded in 1972, Calgary Opera is one of Canada’s leading professional opera companies.

For over 50 years this not-for-profit arts company has made a name for itself nationally and internationally for its commitment to the development of Canadian talent and the creation of new opera works, including six world premieres. Through education and community outreach, Calgary Opera fosters a love of music and theatre in young people and provides opportunities for young artists to develop skills for successful professional careers in the performing arts industry.

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Plot Synopsis: OTELLO

(From The Metropolitan Opera)

Cyprus, late 19th century. During a violent storm, the people of Cyprus await the return of their governor and general of the Venetian fleet, the Moor Otello. He has been fighting the Muslim Turks and guides his victorious navy to safe harbor. In his absence, the young Venetian Roderigo has arrived in Cyprus and fallen in love with Otello’s new wife, Desdemona. Otello’s ensign Iago, who secretly hates the governor for promoting the officer Cassio over him, promises Roderigo to help win her. While the citizens celebrate their governor’s return, Iago launches his plan to ruin Otello. Knowing that Cassio gets drunk easily, Iago proposes a toast. Cassio declines to drink, but abandons his scruples when Iago salutes Desdemona, who is a favorite of the people. Iago then goads Roderigo into provoking a fight with Cassio, who is now fully drunk. Montano, the former governor, tries to separate the two, and Cassio attacks him as well. Otello appears to restore order, furious about his soldiers’ behavior. When he realizes that Desdemona has also been disturbed by the commotion, he takes away Cassio’s recent promotion and dismisses everyone. Otello and Desdemona reaffirm their love.
Iago advises Cassio to present his case to Desdemona, arguing that her influence on Otello will secure his rehabilitation. Alone, Iago reveals his bleak, nihilistic view of humankind. He makes dismissive remarks about Desdemona’s fidelity to Otello, whose jealousy is easily aroused. Otello’s suspicions are raised when Desdemona appears and appeals to him on Cassio’s behalf. Otello evasively complains of a headache, and Desdemona offers him a handkerchief, which he tosses to the ground. Emilia, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s maidservant, retrieves it, and Iago seizes the handkerchief from her. Left alone with Otello, Iago fans the flames of the governor’s suspicions by inventing a story of how Cassio had spoken of Desdemona in his sleep, and how he saw her handkerchief in Cassio’s hand. Seething with jealousy, Otello is now convinced that his wife is unfaithful. The two men join in an oath to punish Cassio and Desdemona.
Iago’s plot continues to unfold as he tells Otello that he will have further proof of his wife and Cassio’s betrayal. When, moments later, Desdemona approaches Otello and once again pleads for Cassio, Otello again feigns a headache and insists on seeing the missing handkerchief, which he had once given her as a gift. When she cannot produce it, he insults her as a whore. Alone, he gives in to his desperation and self-pity. Iago returns with Cassio, and Otello hides to eavesdrop on their conversation, which Iago cleverly leads in such a way that Otello is convinced they are discussing Cassio’s affair with Desdemona. Cassio mentions an unknown admirer’s gift and produces the telltale handkerchief—in fact planted by Iago in his room. Otello is shattered and vows that he will kill his wife. Iago promises to have Roderigo deal with Cassio.
A delegation from Venice arrives to recall Otello home and to appoint Cassio as the new governor of Cyprus. At this news, Otello loses control and explodes in a rage, hurling insults at Desdemona in front of the assembled crowd. He orders everyone away and finally collapses in a seizure. As the Cypriots are heard from outside praising Otello as the “Lion of Venice,” Iago gloats over him, “Behold the Lion!”
Emilia helps the distraught Desdemona prepare for bed. She has just finished saying her evening prayers when Otello enters and wakes her with a kiss to tell her he is about to kill her. Paralyzed with fear, Desdemona again protests her innocence. Otello coldly strangles her. Emilia runs in with news that Cassio has killed Roderigo. Iago’s plot is finally revealed and Otello realizes what he has done. Reflecting on his past glory he pulls out a dagger and stabs himself, dying with a final kiss for his wife.