Vancouver Opera opens its 2026–2027 season with Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, a gripping thriller of passion, politics, and betrayal set against the turmoil of Rome, circa 1800.

Under the baton of Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe and the stage direction of Brenna Corner, Artistic Director of Pacific Opera Victoria, this acclaimed co-production with Pacific Opera Victoria pairs unforgettable music with edge-of-your-seat theatrical intensity. The story unfolds over a breathless twenty-four hours, as celebrated singer Floria Tosca finds herself caught between the man she loves and a ruthless chief of police determined to possess her. Love, jealousy, artistic freedom, corruption, and personal sacrifice collide as Tosca is forced into an increasingly impossible confrontation with Scarpia.

“Tosca is the fifth-most-performed opera in the world, and we are thrilled to have this Puccini blockbuster return to our stage for the first time in 13 years,” says Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “Working with Pacific Opera Victoria allows us to open our 67th season with a newly imagined production of a masterpiece by one of opera’s greatest composers. From its explosive opening chords to some of the most recognizable and emotionally powerful music in the operatic repertoire, Tosca moves with the intensity of a political thriller.”

Leading the cast is internationally acclaimed Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury, making her return to Vancouver Opera as Floria Tosca. Canadian tenor David Pomeroy returns as her lover, the revolutionary artist Mario Cavaradossi, with Canadian baritone Gregory Dahl channelling one of opera’s most formidable villains, Baron Scarpia. They are joined by Neil Craighead as Cesare Angelotti, Peter Monaghan as Sacristan, Callum Alden as Spoletta, and Mihnea Nitu as Sciarrone, alongside the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, the Vancouver Opera Chorus, and the Vancouver Opera Children’s Chorus.

The production brings a traditional setting to this epic story through set and video design by Scott Reid, costume design by Kevin Knight, and lighting design by Michael Walton.

“With its spectacular setting, theatrical scale, and emotionally charged story, Tosca offers both longtime opera lovers and newcomers an exhilarating entry into Vancouver Opera’s new season,” says Wright.

The 2026–2027 Season at a Glance

Following Tosca, Vancouver Opera continues its season with two further productions at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, both sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™ projected above the stage.

The Barber of Seville, by Gioachino Rossini – details HERE.

La Traviata, by Giuseppe Verdi – details HERE.

Tickets are available through the Vancouver Opera box office, online or by phone at 604-683-0222. Vancouver Opera advises patrons to purchase tickets only through Vancouver Opera, not third-party sellers. For more information, visit vancouveropera.ca.

All photography by David Cooper Photography.

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Vancouver Opera Opens 2026–2027 Season With Puccini’s Tosca