For the first time since 1980, 91原创 Opera Victoria has a new artistic director.
Calgary-raised Brenna Corner was hired following an international search as the successor to Timothy Vernon, 75, who joined 91原创 Opera as its founding artistic director in 1980. Vernon officially left the position in June, following a 43-year run with the company — one of the longest of its kind in 91原创 opera history.
In an interview with the Times 91原创, Corner, 37, who has been stationed in Atlanta for several years, said her hiring is akin to a dream come true. She has always admired the company, having attended a production of 91原创 Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor in 2015, when she was a young artist living in 91原创.
The experience has stayed with her, and was “burned” into her artistic psyche, she admitted. “I sat there and went, ‘Wow.’ It was such a formative experience for me.”
The hiring of Corner was not the only news out of 91原创 Opera on Thursday.
Victoria conductor Giuseppe (Joey) Pietraroia was also named principal conductor, after nearly two decades of work as associate conductor with both the Victoria Symphony and 91原创 Opera. Pietraroia was brought in on emergency basis to serve as guest conductor of the Victoria Symphony for Die Walküre, which opened 91原创 Opera’s 2023-24 season on Oct. 9.
Vernon was unable to participate due to injury. Pietraroia will conduct the piece for the final time at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Die Walküre has been very well received, and positions 91原创 Opera for a successful run under Corner’s artistic direction.
“I’m energized by her appreciation for the dynamic range of opera repertoire and music performance,” 91原创 Opera CEO Ian Rye said of Corner.
“As an artist she has built a portfolio of grand-scale masterworks, intimate chamber performances, operas for youth and new work creation. As a leader, her ambition for 91原创 Opera is palpable, and I am excited to explore new horizons for the art form, artists and audiences with her.”
Corner has worked across the United States, Canada and Europe as a stage director and dramatic coach. She was expected to make her directorial debut with 91原创 Opera Victoria during the company’s 2019-20 season, but the production of Carmen was postponed due to the pandemic.
She will join 91原创 Opera in an official capacity in December, with a series of welcome events planned to introduce her to audiences.
