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Our Soloist– Allison Cecilia Arends
Canadian soprano Allison Cecilia Arends has been praised for her “stunningly beautiful voice” (Hnatyshyn Foundation) and “lyrical upper tones” (Opera Canada). A graduate of the University of Toronto, University of Victoria, and Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program, she has performed leading roles including Violetta (La Traviata), Musetta (La Bohème), and the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte). Arends has appeared with major Canadian ensembles such as the Toronto Concert Orchestra, Regina Symphony, Chorus Niagara, and Toronto Classical Singers, and internationally in China, England, and Jamaica. Her repertoire spans opera, new music, and concert works, establishing her as one of Canada’s most versatile and expressive sopranos.
More Info: www.allisonarends.com
40 & BEYOND
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:00 PM
Martin MacDonald, conductor
Allison Cecilia Arends, soprano
Beethoven Egmont: Overture, Op. 84
John S. Gray Episodes (2003)
Mozart “Ruhe Sanft, Mein Holdes Leben” from Zaide, K. 344
Bellini “Qui la voce” from I puritani
Gounod “Amour, ranime mon courage” from Romeo et Juliette
Puccini “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Celebrate the launch of our 40th anniversary season with a powerful program featuring Beethoven’s dramatic Egmont Overture and the iconic Symphony No. 5. Canadian composer John S. Gray’s Episodes adds a contemporary touch, while acclaimed soprano Allison Cecilia Arends brings operatic beauty with arias by Mozart, Bellini, Gounod, and Puccini. A night of passion, power, and timeless music.
This celebratory program highlights not only timeless masterworks, but also the legacy of our music directors across four decades:
Clifford Poole – Beethoven’s Egmont Overture was the very first piece ever performed by the CBSO on October 19, 1985, and remained one of Maestro Poole’s favourites.
Robert Raines – Episodes (2003) was specially commissioned by the CBSO under his leadership, one of several exciting premieres he championed.
Norman Reintamm – The program’s brilliant soprano arias echo his devotion to vocal artistry. Allison Cecilia Arends, our soloist, is a past winner of the CBSO’s former vocal competition, supported by Norman, and has gone on to perform with us again.
ALL CONCERTS TAKE PLACE AT THE PC HO THEATRE
