Submitted by Suzanne Boyd, Director of Development, Calgary Opera
Calgary Opera is celebrating a half century of bringing opera to the people of Southern Alberta. Did you know the company’s founder, Maurice Lorieau, lives right here in our community!
Fifty years ago, Mr. Lorieau headed up a small but determined group of visionaries who had a dream to bring professional opera to Southern Alberta. They gave their time, talents, and finances to establish what is known today as Calgary Opera.
From the very beginning, the founders of the organization wanted to make sure that the opera would be for everyone. La Bohème, the company’s debut production in March 1973, was the most exciting musical event Southern Alberta had seen in years. Thus, began the tradition of bringing the beauty of opera in real and living form to the people of Calgary. Today the company continues its mandate to present high-caliber opera and develop new audiences and looks forward to the next 50 years with great anticipation.
A long-time resident of the Kingsland community, Mr. Lorieau has lived at the same address for over 56 years and raised his family of 12 children, all of whom attended both St. Augustine and Our Lady of the Rockies Schools. At 92, he continues to keep Calgary Opera on its toes, both from the audience and behind-the-scenes.
This past spring, Maurice Lorieau was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) to honour his contribution to the Province of Alberta as the founder of Calgary Opera. He was also the honoured guest at Calgary Opera’s 50th Anniversary Founder’s Dinner and attended the anniversary season opening production of Carmen with four generations of the Lorieau family represented.
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