Internationally renowned for his work with young musicians, Pacific Opera Victoria Artistic Director Timothy Vernon conducted the McGill Symphony in an ecstatically received performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 5 in Montreal, now released as a CD on the Fonovox label. Previously Vernon conducted the McGill Orchestra in acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Roy Thomson Hall, the National Arts Centre, Le Grande Théâtre de Québec and Montréal's Place des Arts. The orchestra's recording of Korngold's Symphony in F sharp, recorded live in Carnegie Hall, is distributed by Polygram and was nominated for a Juno Award. This is Maestro Vernon’s debut with Calgary Opera.

Glynis Leyshon, Artistic Director of the Playhouse Theatre Company (Vancouver) since 1997, has directed for theatre companies across the country. Ms. Leyshon also has extensive experience directing musicals and opera, having worked with the Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Pacific Opera companies. This season she will be directing Morris Panych in Vigil for the Playhouse and will also direct a new production of Don Giovanni for Pacific Opera Victoria. Last season she directed A Little Night Music and Vincent in Brixton at the Playhouse, Eugene Onegin for Pacific Opera Victoria and Falstaff for Opera Lyra. Ms. Leyshon last directed Cinderella (2006) for Calgary Opera.

Richard Paul Fink has been acclaimed internationally as a leading dramatic baritone in appearances with theatres which have included the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Opera Berlin, Berlin State Opera, Opera National, Paris, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington Opera, San Diego Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, and Sydney Opera. His repertoire comprises of some of the most challenging roles of the baritone canon. This is Mr. Fink’s debut with Calgary Opera.

Coloratura Soprano Tracy Dahl has established herself as an important artist on the international concert and opera stages. Her flair as an actress, as well as her outstanding vocal abilities have received high praise. She has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Washington Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Music Center Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Châtelet in Paris, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival, Ms. Dahl last performed in Calgary as Norina in Don Pasquale (2002).

"Blessed with a rich tenor and thrilling high notes" (Star Phoenix), former Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio Member David Pomeroy has caught the attention of artistic directors in Canada, the U.S and Europe. The Newfoundland native was praised by both audiences and critics when he made his U.S debut in 2004 with The Lyric Opera of Kansas City as Lennie in Carlisle Floyd's Of Mice and Men. Mr. Pomeroy has performed with such companies as Pacific Opera Victoria, Edmonton Opera, The Banff Centre, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Detroit Michigan Opera Theatre. Mr. Pomeroy made his Calgary Opera debut as Stefano in Filumena (2003).

Calgary native Mezzo-Soprano Norine Burgess’ compelling stage presence and beauty of tone have brought her to the attention of major international opera houses and leading orchestras, both national and international. A graduate of the University of Calgary and the University of Toronto’s Opera School, Norine Burgess received additional training as a member of the Canadian Opera Company. Ms. Burgess has performed with such companies as the Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Opera, the Salzburg Festival, Vienna Volksoper, Arizona Opera, and Edmonton Opera. A frequent performer at Calgary Opera, Ms. Burgess last performed in The Tales of Hoffmann (2004).