Offenbach’s fantastical opera kicks off the Metropolitan Opera’s season of Live in HD performance transmissions, starring French tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tormented poet. Joining Bernheim is American soprano Erin Morley as Olympia, South African soprano Pretty Yende as Antonia, and French mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine as Giulietta to complete Hoffmann’s trio of lovers. Marco Armiliato conducts Bartlett Sher’s evocative production, which also features American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as the Four Villains and Russian mezzo-soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya in her company debut as Nicklausse.

Join us for Pub Night at the Dockside, Lower Level of the Blackfin Pub, Comox

The guest speaker at the October 16th regular meeting will be Dr. Terrance James who will be talking about his book Sasquatch Discovered: The Biography of Dr. John Bindernagle, Courtenay resident and friend, known throughout North America for his work on Sasquatch.  Dr. James has given a presentation by the same title at Eldercollege.

Lively discussion of Current Affairs

Film "Arch of Triumph"

(Limited space please contact the Haskin's if you wish to attend)

Join Mary Ann Smith for a fun "fondue Class"

Details to follow.

Film "KARMA"

Indian movie with Subtitles and a little "Bollywood"

(Limited space please contact the Haskin's if you wish to attend)

Join the Strathcona Probus Club for a bus trip to Chemanius, followed by dinner in Coombs Cost: $170

Contact: Judi Murakami   judimm@shaw.ca

Extraordinary Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen stars as the passionate title diva in David McVicar’s thrilling production, transmitted live from the Metropolitan Opera stage to cinemas on November 23. British-Italian tenor Freddie De Tommaso makes his eagerly anticipated company debut as Tosca’s revolutionary lover, Cavaradossi, and powerhouse American baritone Quinn Kelsey is the sadistic chief of police Scarpia. Maestro Xian Zhang conducts the electrifying score, which features some of Puccini’s most memorable melodies.

Liz Datoo has organized tickets to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Victoria Symphony perform the NUTCRACKER. Total cost Up to $165 depending on ticket choice.

ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET + Victoria Symphony CLASSICAL BALLET 

December 1, 2024 • 1:00 PM 

Royal Theatre

Nutcracker 

Choreography: Galina Yordanova & Nina Menon | Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s acclaimed Nutcracker returns to Victoria! Featuring a hockey game, Mounties, polar bears, reindeer, and a battle on Parliament Hill, RWB brings us the wintertime classic we all love – with a Canadian twist. RWB’s Nutcracker continues to be Dance Victoria’s biggest production of all time with close to 100 dancers, including 70+ local youth. The lavish costumes, elaborate sets, and playful storyline will bring magic and cheer to audience members of all ages.

To be held at the Comox Golf Club.   Sign up at the general meetings.

Film "Maria Callas"

(Limited space please contact the Haskin's if you wish to attend)

Lively discussion of Current Affairs

Discussion Group is now full

American soprano Angel Blue headlines as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country in a new production of Verdi’s Aida by Michael Mayer that brings audiences inside the towering pyramids and gilded tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations. Romanian-Hungarian mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi also stars as Aida’s rival, Amneris, alongside Polish tenor Piotr Beczała as the soldier Radamès—completing opera’s greatest love triangle. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct the January 25 performance, which will be transmitted live from the Metropolitan Opera stage to cinemas worldwide.

Theme:  Spanish Wines and Tapas

Sorry Event now full if you have not been notified by Ken.

Try out our first H'appie Hour.  Bring an appetizer to share and your favorite drink.

Darla will be our first host.  If you are interested in hosting in your home for the next one let the Event Committee know.

Following a string of awe-inspiring Live in HD performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns to the Metropolitan Opera as Leonore, the faithful wife who risks everything to save her husband from the clutches of tyranny in Beethoven’s Fidelio. Completing the distinguished cast is British tenor David Butt Philip as the political prisoner Florestan, Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro, veteran German bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco, Chinese soprano Ying Fang and German tenor Magnus Dietrich as the young Marzelline and Jaquino, and Danish bass Stephen Milling as the principled Don Fernando. Susanna Mälkki conducts the March 15 performance, which will be transmitted live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide.

Liz is planning an Irish Hooley to be hosted at their new abode.  Stay tuned for more details and note the date may change.