Behind the Scenes The Opera Experience
August 3-9, 2026
Behind the Scenes: The Opera Experience
Behind the Scenes: The Opera Experience translates the multi-disciplinary art form of opera into enriching experiences for people who are interested in learning how students are trained to become opera singers or in the case of pianists, vocal coaches for vocalists (repetiteurs).
Running concurrently and in collaboration with the St. Andrews Arts Council Opera Studies Program, directed by Anne Larlee and Dr. Betty Allison, the public now has access not only to formal performances by faculty and students but also are able to sit in for free in formerly closed courses, masterclasses and lectures to gain a better understanding of this multifaceted art form.
Schedule
Monday, Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Singing to Know You, Wesley United Church — Free
Opera Workshop students introduce themselves through musical selections that are meaningful to them.
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Monday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m., Acting for Opera Singers, Tom Diamond, class observation, Greenock Church Hall— Free
Watch internationally recognized acting coach Tom Diamond work with opera students as they learn to portray characters convincingly in opera scenes.
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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Moonlight Melodies, All Saints Anglican Church Hall -$25 Cash/cheque (please). Children Free
The 2026 Opera Studies Benefit Concert Starring program faculty: Dr. Betty Allison, Soprano. Anne Larlee and Rachael Kerr, pianists.
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Wednesday, Aug. 5, 5–7 p.m., Anne Larlee, Repetiteur Masterclass, Wesley United Church Sanctuary — Free
Learn how pianists are coached to work with singers.
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Thursday, Aug. 6, 1-4p.m. Voice Masterclass, Wendy Nielsen, Wesley United Church -Free
Renowned New Brunswick soprano works with individual Opera students.
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Sunday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. Celebration of Music Wesley United Church. By free-will donation
Annual collaboration between Wesley United Church and the St. Andrews Arts Council. Starring Opera Studies students