Voice of a Nation

This past weekend, audiences were treated to the Voice Of A Nation presentation, an incredible array of poetry, music and dance. The Opera House is very proud to have collaborated with the Muskoka Concert Association on this incredible creation by First Nation composer Ian Cusson featuring the Toronto Concert Orchestra Ensemble under the direction of Maestro Kerry Stratton.

Lead by theatre veteran Maja Ardal, Voices of Muskoka Women presented their first public and very moving performance of River’s Breath written by one of their members, Rachelle Robinson. Another local highlight was the performance by the Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School Choir from Rama First Nation who first performed an Ojibwe piece written by former Chief, Lorraine McRae followed by Different Perspectives, text by Couronne de Canada, and music by Ian Cusson with members of the Toronto Concert Orchestra under the direction of Mayumi Bailey.

Dance artists, Syreeta Hector, Mayumi Lashbrook and Raelyn Metcalfe performed L’Histoire du soldat, with choreography by Aria Evans, accompanied by members of the Toronto Concert Orchestra.

Canadian/Métis Mezzo-Soprano,Rebecca Cuddy beautifully performed Five Orchestral Songs on Poems of Marilyn Dumont, composed by Ian Cusson.

The talent on the stage was second to none and we’re very grateful for the Canada 150 funding that allowed us the opportunity to have this performance in our theatre. Thank you to all those who participated and worked on this project.