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We’re thrilled to announce that Against the Grain Theatre has received a digital strategy grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to develop new ways to bring opera online!

This research initiative  aims to advance the ability of Canadian opera companies to produce opera for digital consumption and best practices for digital production and distribution. The research will be led by award-winning cellist Adrian Fung. Recognized as one of the 30 Innovators of the Year by Musical America, Adrian is a former Vice President for Innovation at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra where he led the TSO’s activities in artistic, social, and economic innovation. His work included leading a $10-million budget which saw the launch of a year-long, nationwide Signature Initiative Project. This impressive endeavour reached an audience of over 14.5 million via 50 orchestral commissions and over 40 partner orchestras nationwide. He also created a new multi-camera e-learning platform with self-directed angle toggling, bringing to life over 20 live, full-orchestra video and audio recordings.

Partnering with CBC Arts, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Yukon Arts Centre, AtG aims to improve the current capabilities of opera producers finding themselves in a time where digital distribution of opera is most easily compliant with COVID-19 restrictions. In the era of COVID-19, being able to bring quality online content to the comfort of people’s homes and personal devices has never been more important. It is our goal to help inspire our fellow opera producers and performers to adapt smoothly into this new digital landscape. We hope to be leaders in finding better and easier ways to connect with our audiences online and to be able to continue presenting the innovative style of performing that we are known for!

Against the Grain Theatre would like to formally thank the Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support of this initiative.