Fonds MS-680 - Edmonton Opera Association fonds

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Edmonton Opera Association fonds

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  • Textual record
  • Graphic material

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on name of creator.

Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

CA EDM MS-680

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Physical description

29 cm of textual records. - 1 poster

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Archival description area

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Biographical history

The Edmonton Opera Association began in 1963 as the Edmonton Professional Opera Association (EPOA). Produced by ten patrons, their first professional production was Madama Butterfly in 1963. Building on a history of amateur opera in Edmonton, and under the early leadership of Musical Director Jean Letourneau, the EPOA quickly established itself as a major Canadian operatic association with a string of early successes. In 1965 they hired Irving Guttman as the Association's first full time Artistic Director. Following Guttman's appointment, the association shortened its name to the Edmonton Opera Association (EOA). During its first decade of operation, the EOA continued to grow and began to attract world class talent such as Anna Moffo and Jose Carreras (who made their Canadian debuts in 1974 as Violetta and Alfredo in La Traviata) and Marilyn Horne in 1978. Throughout its history the EOA won several awards including a Canadian Music Award for Best Opera Broadcast in 1977 and 1978. The EOA also offered educational opportunities including Edmonton Opera on Tour from 1973 to 1984, a program which brought opera performances to schools.
As of 2011, the EOA was more commonly known as Edmonton Opera (EO). The EO continues to produce full-length operas, as well as smaller operettas for festivals. As of 2022, the EO is located in The Edmonton Opera Centre and aims to make performing arts part of the everyday lives of Edmontonians.

Custodial history

Jane McEwen was a member of the Edmonton Opera Society.

Scope and content

The fonds consists of records pertaining to the Edmonton Opera Association from 1963 to 1996. The materials include programs from Edmonton opera productions, along with invitations, brochures, and newsletters. The fonds also consists of letters wishing congratulations and sending regrets for the Edmonton Opera Association's 25th anniversary celebration in 1988. Also included in the fonds are issues from 1981 to 1983 of Encore, the official publication of The Edmonton Symphony Society, The Alberta Ballet Company, and The Edmonton Opera Association, and a poster of the 1990-1991 Edmonton opera season.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Materials donation to the City of Edmonton Archives by Jane McEwen in 1997.

Arrangement

Materials arranged by archivist by record type.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Location of originals

Availability of other formats

Restrictions on access

There are no restrictions on access.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Copyright may apply. Reproduction restrictions may apply.

Finding aids

Associated materials

Edmonton Opera Association fonds (PR0611) at the Provincial Archives of Alberta.

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Accruals

Further accruals are expected.

General note

Accession number: A97-131

Physical description

Majority of letters are adhered to poster board.

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City of Edmonton Archives

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Rules for Archival Description (RAD)
Archives Society of Alberta Subject Terms

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