OperaFive
Member since: June 12, 2012
A Little About Me
Opera Five is set to change opera as you know it. As a new Toronto-based troupe, Opera Five is ready to challenge your senses – all five of them – with compelling takes on classic stories.
IT’S OPERA WITH A TWIST
Opera Five’s performance arts company follows new industry directions: We’re making opera accessible, we create powerful, emotional experiences and we’re advancing the limits of our art form in imaginative, thought-provoking ways. We’ve already seen this move toward a more user-friendly experience with current trends favouring cheaper tickets, under 30s-themed events and innovative venue options in bars, subway cars and pop-up operas in parks. By re-envisioning classic stories in modern spaces, opera is now resonating with new groups of people.
At Opera Five, we want to reach out and share our love of musical drama. We believe when opera is approachable our culture grows and our minds broaden. We can communicate on a whole new level – one that incorporates all the senses.
We aren’t looking to take the shine off opera or detract from its tradition of prestige. But there’s something to be said about an approach to storytelling without airs, one that’s natural and unaffected. We’ll still bring all the glitter and glam. We’re giving opera a makeover, and we’re changing the face of the audience’s experience for good.
MAKING OPERA MAKE SENSE
The team behind Opera Five makes our productions special. The founding members all met during their studies at McGill University, and bring with them talented backgrounds and unique perspectives. We are:
Rachel Krehm, General Director – A Toronto native, and accomplished soprano with a keen dramatic sense, and excellent musicianship. Rachel is at the helm when it comes to keeping us on track and getting the word out. Beyond this, Rachel has experience working as a property manager for a local property management company so she knows how to make every penny count!
Aria Umezawa, Artistic Director - Half-Japanese, entirely dedicated. Aria is our stage director and creator/writer of Opera Cheats. Though initially trained as a singer, Aria has spent the last few years travelling North America directing, assisting, or stage managing at every opportunity. She still performs, though mostly afrocentric/gospel music, and brings this eclectic understanding of art and culture to her theatrical work.
Catharin Carew, Production Manager – Our Guildhall graduate, with an interesting case of colour-word synaesthesia. Catharin is no stranger to the full sensory experience. A critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Catharin thrives in contemporary opera and brings an intellectual approach to her performances. With a unique visual style, Catharin can make props and sets out of just about anything.
Mai Nash, Music Director – Bringing some Hawaiian attitude, and years of musical experience, Mai is quickly establishing himself as one of the top vocal coaches in Toronto. To think he also had a previous career working for a marketing firm, and gave it all up for the love of vocal music. He truly understands how to create the total package performer.
