The cast of Arminio during rehearsals
Desautels Chamber Opera Group performs Canadian premiere
Handel’s Arminio is a pertinent story with a contemporary twist
The Desautels Chamber Opera Group presents Handel’s Arminio this Friday and Saturday at the Desautels Concert Hall.
Canadian premiere
One of Handel’s lesser known and seldom performed works, Arminio will be gracing the Canadian stage for the first time in the UM’s very own Desautels Concert Hall. This new venue, praised for its excellent acoustics, is the perfect location for Canada’s first look at this opera. This intimate hall lends itself beautifully to the minute emotions and musical nuances brought by both singers and chamber orchestra.
Audiences will also have a chance to experience the Concert Hall’s state of the art projection equipment as projected imagery and artwork play an important role throughout the production.
A timely story
Arminio’s plot centers around the Roman Empire’s attempted annexation of Germanic states in 9CE, a narrative that feels all too familiar in today’s day and age. Director Katherine Twaddle highlights the parallels between this tale and current world events through the use of modern costumes and an updated setting. Set in a time of war, this tragic story revolves around familial ties and betrayal.
A cast of promising young artists
Handel’s music, with its vibrant arias, is a wonderful vessel to showcase the Desautels Faculty of Music’s flourishing voice area. The cast, mainly comprised of Master’s in Vocal Performance students and accompanied by a chamber orchestra of Desautels Faculty of Music instrumental students, look forward to showcasing their skills and bringing Handel’s story to life for audiences this weekend.
Performances
Friday, November 21, 2025
7:30 p.m. | Desautels Concert Hall
Saturday, November 22, 2025
2:30 p.m. | Desautels Concert Hall
Tickets are $25 general attendees and $12 for students and can be purchased online or at the door.