Institute for Music in Canada

Welcome to our first official episode of Riel Opera Talk! We are your hosts, Taryn and Sarah (UToronto)! This week we briefly introduce Louis Riel the man and the opera based on his life, and preview the format of future episodes by interviewing ourselves.

Next week’s episode will feature a conversation with Métis scholar Adam Gaudry (UAlberta) and will explore the historic figure of Riel’s use in nationalizing projects.

Episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays here and on SoundCloud. Follow us on Twitter @RielOperaTalk and if you have any comments or questions, we would love to hear from you at LouisRielPodcast@gmail.com.

Check out other University of Toronto C15o events and projects at http://canada150.utoronto.ca/

Hosted by Taryn Jackson and Sarah Koval, both graduate students in musicology at the University of Toronto, this podcast series focuses on the many facets of Canada’s nationalizing opera, Louis Riel. Combining the perspectives of performers, scholars, and community leaders, this podcast series on Louis Riel will examine the man and the opera in the context of the 1885 rebellions, 1967 Centennial opera and upcoming 2017 Canadian Opera Company production. The podcasts will be used as a pedagogical tool for students in HMU 240, Music of North America to re-contextualize themes of community, rebellion, exile and diversity in the opera. Additionally, the podcasts will contribute to the ongoing discussions among First Nations and Metis on Louis Riel, as well as the impact of Louis Riel’s voice on all Canadians. We will be speaking with performers past and present, as well as scholars in music, aboriginal studies and other fields. Finally, after 2017 and the conclusion of C150 celebrations, this series will serve as an archive of the dialogue and perspectives surrounding Louis Riel and Canada’s Sesquicentennial activities.

Our first official episode will be released on March 1, 2017! Stay tuned.