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Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria. kate-cino@shaw.ca

Pacific Opera Victoria presents Rossini's Cinderella at the Royal Theatre September 30 to October 9. For more information visit www.pov.bc.ca or call 250.382.1641

In 2006, Canada Post featured opera stars in a stamp series. The series included Léopold Simoneau and Pierrette Alarie Simoneau. Patrick Corrigan points out the famous couple in a commemorative print. Madame Alarie Simoneau attends each POV production.

After ten years with the company, Patrick Corrigan feels privileged to be the new Executive Director. "POV's productions are highly celebrated across Canada," say Patrick, "Victoria audiences give us the support we need to stage extraordinary entertainment." Patrick describes Cinderella as hilarious and dazzling, a fantastic treat for everyone. The music by Rossini is witty and entertaining and the story is full of meaningful messages. Patrick's passion for music started early and evolved. As a child he studied classical piano, and as a teenager he went on the road with a rock band. While studying singing at McGill University Patrick discovered the power and potential of operatic voice.

Judith Bowden puts finishing touches on two magnificent costumes created for Cinderella.

The award-winning set and costume designer works with major theatres across Canada.

After researching the legendary story, Judith settled on a time period (18th Century) and a fairy-tale genre. The elaborate story book set includes an inkwell fireplace and a giant inkpen. "The set design included energetic discussions with director Tom Diamond," adds Judith. The designer's favourite moment? During dress rehearsal, when she watches her drawings lift off the page and become an ever-changing sculpture.

Judith Bowden and carpenter Phil Shaver with the inkwell fireplace, one of Cinderella's set-peices. Pacific Opera employs over 50 theatre professionals who build sets and make costumes in a large warehouse facility.

Mezzo soprano Julie Boulianne makes her debut at POV as Cinderella.

This is Julie Boulianne's fourth time singing the role of Cinderella. "This is one of my favourites," she says, "Rossini writes skillfully for the human voice." Julie enjoys the psychological aspects of the role which, for her, include Cinderella's passage into adulthood. Both the Prince and Cinderella are interested in finding "true love" beyond the realm of appearances. "I get to be a real person in this drama," she says, "strength and integrity are part of my character."

Tenor Brian Stucki is Prince Ramiro in Cinderella.

This is his third performance as the Prince.

Tenor Brian Stucki grew up singing and playing cello in a musical family. 

"As a singer, I love this opera," he says. "It's an elegant drama that flows along in an intuitive way." Brian concedes there are many rapid passages and high C's to hit. But these vocal fireworks are cleverly woven into the fabric of the opera. "It all works," he says, "and the love duet in the first act is wonderful."

Artistic Director Timothy Vernon speaks at Backstage at the Opera

The pre-Cinderella event showed the skilled teamwork behind the scenes.

Backstage at the Opera guests at Rossini's Cinderella

In 2008, Timothy Vernon was awarded the Order of Canada for his commitment to opera and orchestral music. "It's easy to overlook all the hard work that goes into an opera production," he says. Timothy applauds POV's ace team of artisans and technicians.

"They bridge the big distance between idea and embodiment."

Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia (left) and Artistic Director Timothy Vernon

Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant premiered in Rome in 1817. At age 24, composer Gioachino Rossini had already completed 19 operas, including the Barber of Seville. Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia comments on the sheer magic of the music, as Rossini animates the famous characters. "The crisp, sparkly music bubbles along like champagne," he says, "and florid vocal passages enliven the soundscape." Comic characters in opera traditionally have deep bass voices, explains the conductor. This could explain why the stepmother is now a stepfather, and the Prince's tutor (not a fairy) transforms Cinderella. Giuseppe believes this comic opera will surprise and delight audiences.