TORONTO — The Canadian Children’s Opera Company announces the return of its annual main stage production with its latest commission, “The Nightingale of a Thousand Songs,” based on a beloved Armenian folk tale, by Juno award-winning composer Serouj Kradjian and Dora award-winning playwright and librettist Marjorie Chan.
The opera is based on a fairy tale, known in Armenian as “Hazaran Blbul.” The story follows the journey of two siblings, Leah, and Ari, as they emerge from a tragedy in their homeland. They embark on an adventure to find the Nightingale of a Thousand Songs to bring back life and joy to their world. Along the way, the children remember their lost friends and family and face many challenges and obstacles.
The story is one of healing and hope and exploring what it means to be able to move on from a terrible event; to honor those who are no longer with us and celebrate what is still to come.
The opera will be performed by 70 young people between the ages of 7 to 18 in English, Armenian and Arabic.
The CCOC is happy to welcome back a CCOC alumna, Armenian-Canadian soprano Lynn Isnar, to the role of The Nightingale. CCOC Music Director Teri Dunn, will lead a professional chamber orchestra, including the duduk, an ancient Armenian double-reed wind instrument that has been compared to the human voice in its expressiveness and ability to convey deep emotion. The duduk will add an extra layer of depth and meaning to the performance with its hauntingly warm tone, evoking the rich cultural heritage of Armenia and immersing audiences in an unforgettable musical experience that will reflect both Armenian and Western sonorities and musical traditions.