Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) is thrilled to present An Evening at the Opera on Saturday, January 16 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place). And the HPO is bringing back one of Hamilton’s most iconic figures in the world of opera: Conductor Daniel Lipton.

Maestro Daniel Lipton conducts a recognizable program of music from across the ages, from the bel canto to verismo styles. Enjoy music from Mozart’s masterful dramedy Don Giovanni; the soaring “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot, considered the most famous aria ever written; and the passionate “Seguidilla” from Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time.

Since his arrival in Hamilton in 1986, Daniel Lipton, former artistic director of the now defunct Opera Hamilton, worked tirelessly to bring Hamilton prominence on the Canadian opera scene. Lipton touched the souls of many in his numerous productions of grand opera in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place). Lipton went on to hold the position of artistic advisor for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s 1999-2000 Season, becoming a well-loved member of Hamilton’s music community.

Maestro Lipton regularly guest conducts throughout the world and is known for appearances with Théâtre de l’Opéra de Nice, Concerts Colonne in Paris, Nationaltheater in Mannheim, Sadler’s Wells and the Philharmonia in London, Spoleto Festival and many more. Maestro Lipton was a guest conductor at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin for ten years and was asked to conduct the opening of the First International Opera Festival in Moscow, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Perestroika. As a symphonic conductor, he has made guest appearances with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Hilversum Radio Orchestras, Orchestra of Teatro La Fenice in Venice and Rovigo, Mexico State Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Paris Opera and London Philharmonia, among others.

HPO Principal Double Bass Rob Wolanski has played with the HPO since 1994 and recollects, “It was many years ago, as an engineering student at McMaster, that I first heard the HPO in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) playing Verdi under Daniel Lipton. Then and there I decided to devote my life to music. It’s so wonderful to now be a part of this orchestra and welcome Maestro Lipton back to conduct a concert of operatic favourites!”

This concert also features talented guest soloists including soprano Claire Coolen, tenor Cody Austin and baritone Chad Armstrong. Hamilton based mezzo-soprano Mia Lennox returns to the HPO stage, having performed Sappho de Mytilene with the HPO during their 2014 What Next Festival of New Music. Her career balances opera, concert and recital work, and past seasons included appearances with the Toronto Philharmonia in de Falla’s Three Cornered Hat and soloist with the Kingston Symphony and Peterborough Festival in Handel’s Messiah.

Don’t miss this stunning art form on January 16 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), as Maestro Daniel Lipton returns to Hamilton with the best opera arias and overtures for the HPO stage.

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Ticket Information
Single tickets for An Evening at the Opera are $23 to $67 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) at 10 MacNab Street South or FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) Box Office the evening of the concert.

Special hpoGO tickets for the under 35 crowd are $17 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person.  To receive special discounts and invitations to special events, under 35 patrons can sign up online at staginghpo.wpengine.com.

HPO at the Library
In partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, this FREE program features HPO musicians and guest artists in an intimate community setting. Join us for a Lunch and Learn interview to hear Maestro Daniel Lipton talk about the opera arias and overtures that you’ll hear in An Evening at the Opera.

Friday, January 15, 12:45pm
Central Branch, Hamilton Public Library (55 York Blvd.)

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Media Contact:
Diana Weir, Director of Communications and Development | Tel: 905.526.1677 x230 | Email: dweir@hpo.org

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community.