Oooooooo, a racy photo!

Thought that would get your attention. If Tapestry is the coolest opera company in TO, then Opera Atelier is the most sumptuous opera experience on offer. If you have never been to an Opera Atelier production, you are missing out big time. This company specializes in Baroque opera theatre, and provides the instrumental accompaniment, costumes and choreography to match it. (Even non-opera-lovers--if there be such a thing--would love it). It is always an exquisite experience for the senses, even without the hot young cast! But seriously, some of the best young operatic talent around, like Stephanie Novacek and Olivier Laquerre, is directed by some of the most intelligent artistic directors around, i.e. Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Zingg, and the outcome is always fab-o. Add Artists of Atelier Ballet, David Fallis conducting Canada’s finest renaissance ensemble on period instruments, the Toronto Consort, and waddya get? Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses, that's what. From their site: 'This deeply moving opera recounts the story of the Greek king Ulysses and his return to his homeland after a twenty year absence fighting in the Trojan War. Ulysses’ reunion with his heroic wife, Penelope and his son, Telemachus makes for some of the most poignant moments in operatic history.' If John Terauds likes OA, you know they've got to be impressive (I always trust his musical judgment).

The Return of Ulysses runs October 27, 30, November 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30pm, and October 28 at 3pm. Find out about regular and special ticket prices via (416) 872-5555, in person at the Elgin Theatre Box Office, 189 Yonge St. (Yonge & Queen), or online at http://operaatelier.com/home_ulysses.htm.

Trust me, this is one art offering you can't go wrong with. Do yourself a favour and go. Next week I will report on my experience. (Gee, do you get the sense it will be a positive review?....)