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ArtsceneThe joy of opera brings group together to learn and listenBy Dominik KurekI suspect opera is probablyOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFgrowing, largely as a result of theMetropolitan Opera in New York Though the music genre is far from con-showing some of its productionstemporary, the popularity of opera has notwaned in time.live in movie theatres.Thats evident in groups such as theOakville Opera Guild, which, after moreMargaret Parker, presidentthan 50 years of existence, has a member-Oakville Opera Guildship of nearly 90 people, who come fromOakville and beyond to get together and lis-awarded annually to a young Canadianten to music and discuss it.singer studying at the faculty of music,I suspect opera is probably growing,opera division at the University of Toronto.largely as a result of the Metropolitan OperaA couple of the students that the guildin New York showing some of its produc-supported in the past are now internation-tions live in movie theatres, said the guildsally known opera stars. Not everyone cancurrent president Margaret Parker.hope to meet those heights but you neverShe said the Mets Live in HD presenta-know, theres an awful lot of talent, Parkertions have been very successful but admitssaid.most of the people attending are those whoShe and a few fellow members have seenare middle-aged or older. However she doesthe U of Ts opera productions and she saidsee some younger people attend as well.she was amazed at the level of talent.Im sure the Metropolitan Opera isWe feel that if we can contribute some-doing it with the hope that it will get morething to helping at least one of the studentspeople interested in opera, she said.complete their operatic training withoutFurthermore, according to the Canadiantoo many money worries, were performingOpera Company, which the guild is affiliateda useful service, she said.with, the companys performance atten-This year, the scholarship went to Jessicadance has been at near capacity in recentStrong, who is in the final year of her mas-years. Additionally, the COC does outreachters of music in opera performance pro-programs for youths to help drive interest ingram.opera.I am so grateful to the Oakville OperaThe Oakville group meets once a monthGuild for their generous contribution tofor its Tea With Opera, where membersmy education, Strong wrote in an email.socialize, listen to and learn about the artTheir support has made it possible to excelform, and raise money to help those pursu-in my musical studies with reduced finan-ing an education in opera. The afternoon teacial stress. Music is such an important partevents get an average attendance of about 40of daily life, and I am so appreciative of members, who donate a minimum of $7 perthose people who make musical educationmeeting, which is used for the guilds schol-a priority and a possibility for individualsMICHELLE SIU / OAKVILLE BEAVERarship program.such as myself. Many, many thanks to theEvery year since 1979, the money raisedMUSIC AND TEA: John Rutherford (left) and Margaret Parker (right) pose for a photo during the OOG.has been used for a $1,500 scholarshipOakville Opera Guild's afternoon tea at Oakville Central Library last month.See Opera page 23Visit www.moneyville.ca/nextblogger for a chance to WIN21 Wednesday, May 25, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com