The first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international fame, Portia White had a voice described by one critic as “a gift from heaven.” This June, a bold new opera from HAUI and Sean Mayes reclaims her remarkable life story and celebrates her legacy in a production that blends spoken word, rap, folk songs, R&B, soul, jazz, and classical opera.

Read on for 5 Things to Know About Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White before joining us for the world premiere of this landmark presentation!

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is today announcing that General Director Perryn Leech will be moving on from the organization by mutual agreement. David C. Ferguson has been appointed as Interim General Director, effective immediately. We thank Perryn for his contributions to the organization over the last three years.

David brings a strong record of professional accomplishment to this interim role and has a commitment to the COC that extends to his time as both President and Chair of the Board of Directors. Prior to his retirement, David served as Executive Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BMO Capital Markets.

Opening Friday, June 14 at the Canadian Opera Company Theatre, Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White is a bold, new Black opera that sets out to reclaim the story of Portia White,  the first Black Canadian concert performer to achieve international fame in the mid-20th century. 

In this article, hear from the show's Director and Librettist, HAUI, as he explores the show's creation ahead of opening night!