Special Matinee: The Bremen Town Musicians- presented by Vancouver Opera

*We've just added a special matinee - it is by donation or pay what you can to help offset the cost of some of the free shows we have been offering.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11 AT 1:30pm at MLH Rehearsal Hall at 1955 McLean Drive

Join Vancouver Opera for a joyful, family-friendly opera adventure presented by the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program.

Based on the beloved Grimm fairy tale, The Bremen Town Musicians follows four unlikely friends — a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster — who set off to build a new life filled with music, friendship, and belonging.

Composed by award-winning Canadian composer Dean Burry, this vibrant 45-minute opera is specially crafted for young audiences while delighting viewers of all ages. With playful theatricality, humour, and heart, it’s a perfect introduction to opera — whether it’s your child’s first experience or your own.

This intimate production showcases emerging professional artists at the beginning of their careers and highlights Vancouver Opera’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

CAST
Donkey – Mihnea Nitu
Dog – Marianne Bertrand
Cat – Julia LoRusso
Rooster – Lyndon Ladeur
Robber (and others) – Henry Chen
Pianist – Derek Stanyer
CREATIVE TEAM
Music Director – Derek Stanyer
Stage Director – Tayte Mitchell
Production Designer – Stephen Field Elgar
Lighting Designer – Nicole Lamb
Fight Director – Nicholas Harrison
Stage Manager – Emma Hammond
Apprentice Stage Manager – Kady Yeung
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Program Director – Leslie Dala
Principal Coach – Tina Chang

About VOICES: VOICES is a free concert series that showcases the power of the human voice, supported by TD. This unique event offers an intimate and immersive opera experience, right where Vancouver Opera prepares all its productions.

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Bremen Town Musicians is a one-act opera for young audiences composed and written by Canadian opera creator Dean Burry. Inspired by the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the opera follows four ageing animals — a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster — who set out on their own in search of a fresh start and a life filled with music and friendship. Along the way, the friends use their voices and ingenuity to outwit a band of robbers, discover community, and find a place where they truly belong.

Originally commissioned and premiered by Opera Lyra Ottawa in 2009, The Bremen Town Musicians blends humour, heart, and vibrant musical storytelling in English for school groups, families, and first-time opera-goers. While playful and engaging, the opera also gently explores themes of self-worth, teamwork, resilience, and the joy of creative expression.

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Host or Publisher Vancouver Opera