Opera Ontario is ablaze with Canadian stars.  We have caught sizzling soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian in mid-meteoric rise. She is joined by the formidable James Westman -- Canada’s great Verdi hope -- for their premiere performances in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore,  Oct 13, 18, 20 (Hamilton); Oct 26 (Kitchener-Waterloo)

The finest line-up of soloists ever offered for Popera features baritone Jason Howard, tenor Eduardo Villa, and sultry Canadian mezzo Jean Stilwell.  Our greatest coup is the engagement of Adrianne Pieczonka -- welcome one of the world’s finest artists home.  Nov 29, Dec 1 (Ham.); Nov 30 (KW)

Canada’s beloved Russell Braun sings the Count in an all-Canadian cast of Le nozze di Figaro. With Braun are rising talents Laura Whalen, Jennie Such, Michelle Sutton and Andrew Tees.  Jan 26, 31, Feb 2 (Ham.); Feb 8 (KW)

We close the season with our premiere of The Pearl Fishers.  Eagerly anticipated by audiences, this masterpiece is Bizet’s first jewel.  A French opera with French-Canadians  Lyne Fortin and Gaetan Laperriere.  Apr 20, 25, 27 (Ham.); May 4 (KW).