Notebook

high profile opera events was the Toronto premiere of Canadian composer Julien Bilodeau and librettist Roger Waters’ , which played Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre) for five performances. ‘50% off’ ads were ubiquitous online throughout the run, and a cursory glance at Ticketmaster hinted ticket sales were not meeting expectations. was a box office hit at its 2017 outside an established opera company season can’t be underestimated. Without the ballast of the subscriber base larger companies can offer, one is tempted to question who exactly the Toronto target audience was supposed to be? Fans of Pink Floyd (on whose iconic rock album the piece is based)? Canadian Opera Company patrons? Fans of new opera? Not even a reasonable cross-section of these audiences seemed willing to pay the not-insubstantial ticket price to see the show.