NEWS FLASH

Richard Margison Richard Margison: Folk Singing Opera Star

Catch Richard on the BRAVO! original series, Great Canadian Bios, January 24, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT . For a glimpse of the documentary filmed by Harbinger Films, check out this clip or check out the website www.thefolksingingoperastar.com

A triumph as Pollione in the Vancouver Opera's Norma

"Richard Margison, B.C.'s own world-class tenor, filled the shoes of Norma’s illicit partner Pollione with effortless grace. He had the well-rounded tones to test the Queen Elizabeth’s new sound upgrade, and both could be given high marks. If anything, he may have made it sound too easy." (Tyee, 1 December 2009)

"Tenor Richard Margison, fresh from a Metropolitan Opera run of Aida, was the lusty Roman proconsul Pollione, who has left Norma for a novice, Adalgisa. Margison makes a very big sound without distortion." (Globe and Mail, 30 November 2009)

"Hasmik Papian, in the title role, mezzo Kate Aldrich as her rival Adalgisa, and tenor Richard Margison as the object of both their affections. Each was impressive on her or his own; in duets and trios, they were particularly well matched. Margison turned in a strong reading of a mono-dimensional character." (Vancouver Sun, 29 November 2009)

Richard Margison honoured twice in New York

In October 2009 Richard received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the The Giulio Gari Foundation and The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation in recognition to his extraordinary career in opera.

Click on the thumbnails to the right for larger images.

"The Other Side of Richard Margison" Benefit Concert for the Canadian Children's Opera Company - Friday, June 12th

Joining Richard on stage are Jean Stilwell, Lauren Margison, Errol Gay, Patti Loach, Erin Cooper-Gay Ann Cooper Gay and The Canadian Children’s Opera Company in a varied program of opera, jazz, musical theatre, folk Music, country, and cabaret. The concert takes place at Toronto's Crescent School Centre for Creative Learning (2365 Bayview Avenue)

For more information visit: www.canadianchildrensopera.com

In benefit concert for Opera Kitchener

"He had an unmistakable power and vocal strength that commanded attention, though it was both the depth and breadth of expression that kept us listening. There was just enough texture to his voice, to provide uniqueness and a very natural feeling of musical traction. Throughout the evening he would invoke a tender sense of charm and wit, but also managed to plumb the depths of passion and pathos, all of which were needed before the concert was to draw to a close." (Record, 23 March 2009)

As a last minute Florestan in the COC's production of Fidelio

"I went back to see Fidelio a second time on Feb. 12, to hear Richard Margison taking on Florestan. His attack on the opening "Gott!" in his Dungeon Aria was completely pianissimo, without the typical crescendo - it makes for a very interesting effect. He sang very well and received a well deserved ovation at the end." (La Scena Musicale, 14 February 2009)

Richard Margison at his vocal peak as Bacchus

"The part of Bacchus has to be counted as the lead tenor, but he really only shows up for the love duet at the end. It, too, is a very difficult part to make convincing, but tenor Richard Margison, now reaching his vocal peak, certainly could manage the high-flying tessitura without evident strain and was able -- very gradually and with many words of entreaty -- to persuade Ariadne to leave Naxos with him, no mean feat considering Ariadne's continuing resistance." (Calgary Herald, 2 February 2009)

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Last Updated: January 6, 2010