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An aging writer in crisis seeks salvation in the light and splendour of Venice. Confronted instead with a decaying city, and thwarted in his search for creative inspiration, he becomes bewitched with the vitality and beauty of a young boy. Based on Thomas Mann's novella, Death in Venice was Benjamin Britten's final opera. The world premiere in 1973 was conducted by Steuart Bedford, who will lead the COC production.


Oct. 16 to Nov. 6, 2010


On stage at the Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto. Performance time is approximately two hours, 50 minutes with one intermission. Sung in English with English SURTITLES™.

Conductor: Steuart Bedford
Director: Yoshi Oida
Set Designer: Tom Schenk

Gustav von Aschenbach: Alan Oke
The Traveller: Peter Savidge          
Apollo: William Towers


Co-production of The Aldeburgh Festival, Opéra national de Lyon, Bregenz Festival and Prague State Opera.
Alan Oke, seated, as Gustav von Aschenbach in a scene from the Canadian Opera Company production of Death in Venice. Photo: Michael Cooper © 2010

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