The Canadian Children’s Opera Company of Toronto, Ontario is celebrating 50 years of achievements. Founded in 1968 by singer, broadcaster, and impresario Ruby Mercer and Music Director Lloyd Bradshaw, the CCOC has been the longest running opera of its kind in Canada. The company was created to give Canadian youth the privilege to experience opera, theatre and performance, while providing some of the very best opera training in Canada. Back 50 years ago, the company started with 38 members. The CCOC has now come to welcome 200 students in the company.
Since its development, the CCOC has extended their programing to 6 levels, so that ages 5 to 18 can participate. These classes range from beginner to senior level, kindergarten to high school. Children and youth in the CCOC have the opportunity to grow as young performers through each program level. Members also have the chance to express themselves dramatically, using the theatrical side of opera.
In the very beginning, the CCOC started composing and producing operas for children and youth. At present day, the CCOC has released 12 operas, including Chip and His Dog (1979), The Snow Queen (1993), Laura’s Cow: The Legend of Laura Secord (2012) and Alice in Wonderland (2015). The CCOC is also known to collaborate with many great Canadian musical influences, such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Art of Time Ensemble, and the Esprit Orchestra.
This upcoming season, the CCOC will hold it’s 25th Annual Winter Concert, they’ll partner with the Art of Time Ensemble to bring you To All A Good Night, and in February of 2019, the CCOC will thrill audiences with their original production, The Snow Queen.
The CCOC is always looking for new members! Auditions are available by private appointment. Visit https://www.canadianchildrensopera.com/ for more details.