“Queen of the Night” was the theme for the Canadian Opera Company (COC)’s premiere annual bash and it certainly set the stage for a high-octane evening. This colossal event is consistently known for seamlessly integrating music, art, and fashion into an immersive and unique cultural experience for attendees. Inspired by the villainess of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, guests were encouraged to embrace their dark seductive side with their sartorial choices. Sleek dresses with hints of leather, lace, and soft gold flakes were adorned by numerous gala attendees to complement the theme of the evening.


 

Simone Osborne, hailed as one of the most exciting emerging voices in opera today, hosed the VIP dinner catered by 10tation. Guests also had the chance to sample delectable treats created by Chocolates X Brandon Olson.

Renowned electro-pop group, Dragonette headlined the evening’s musical lineup with an electrifying performance that had the entire atrium of the Four-Seasons Centre (and both upper-level decks) rhythmically swaying to the beat.

Dragonette's Martina Sorbara

Dragonette’s Martina Sorbara

 

Star soprano, Ambur Braid and members of the COC’s Ensemble Studio later joined the headline act on stage, elevating the live musical performance of the night into a cascading crescendo of auditory intensity.

Dragonette performing with the COC Studio Ensemble

Dragonette performing with the COC Studio Ensemble

 
Ambur Braid

Ambur Braid

 

Party-goers also had the opportunity to challenge their own vocals skills at a make-shift karaoke booth inside the opera-house’s very own rehearsal space. This exclusive karaoke experience was hosted by Toronto’s Good Enough Live Karaoke and notable “Queens of the Night,” Tynomie Banks, Allysin Chaynes, and Judy Virago.

 

Art is a very big component of Operanation. The window panels of the Four Seasons Center facing University Avenue was transformed into a canvas for Gillian G’s massive art installation along with a feature live art performance by the artist in attendance.

 

The devil’s in the details and the planning committee went all out with “Queen of the Night” inspired temporary tattoos designed for the event by tattoo artist Curtis Montgomery, multi-displinary artist Shary Boyle, and fashion designer Tanya Taylor. Photo-booths adds a lot of value to events and with the help of LUMAS Toronto, Toronto Life curated this year’s Operanation Lounge on the third floor deck with a feature stop-motion photo-booth complete with COC swag and an exclusive gift item for guests to take home. If that wasn’t enough, Operanation also prepared a parting gift by renowned Canadian artist Samara Shuter: a colouring book with pages inspired by the COC’s production of The Magic Flute’s.

 

Check out more info about operanation and the Canadian Opera Company.

Photos by Nick Lee

Also check out Operanation 2014, Operanation 2013 and Operanation 2012.

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