Oct./Nov. 2025 – Vancouver Opera performs Verdi’s Rigoletto at QE Theatre
Rigoletto
Composed by Giuseppe Verdi, Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Premiered 1851 in Venice Sung in Italian with English Projected Titles
DATES October 25th, 30th, and November 2, 2025
VENUE Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC
RUNNING TIME Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 25-minute intermission.
The tragic tale of a father’s desperate love for his daughter—and the dangerous double-edged sword of vengeance—set against a backdrop of decadence and dark intrigue. The jester Rigoletto had long enjoyed the privilege of mocking the Duke of Mantua’s adversaries, but when his beloved daughter becomes the target of the morally corrupt Duke’s abuse, Rigoletto sets in motion a revenge plot that careens with the propulsive energy of an edge-of-the-seat thriller while bringing themes of opulence and oppression into sharp focus. Under director Glynis Leyshon (Flight of the Hummingbird) and the baton of Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe, unforgettable pieces like “La donna è mobile” and the heartwrenching “Caro nome” will soar to life, sung by extraordinary voices like the sought-after American baritone Michael Chioldi as Rigoletto, and, as Gilda, the award-winning UK-based Canadian soprano Sarah Dufresne, who Opera Canada praised for her “tremendous dramatic presence,” and “astonishing vocal dexterity.” In a new production built in partnership with Pacific Opera Victoria, our 2025–2026 season opener will push this tense tragedy’s boundaries while staying true to Verdi’s immortal story of love and revenge.
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. When not playing her horn, she teaches the Alexander Technique, a unique method for changing movement habits, improving posture, increasing awareness and avoiding tension and injuries. Please contact her for more information.
October 2025 – Ravel Piano Concerto, Dvorak Symphony and Rossini with VIS
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony. Join them for the 25/26 season opening concerts at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on October 18th and the Farquar Theatre in Victoria on October 19th.
Immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant and lively orchestral masterpieces that promise to captivate and delight. Experience the playful spirit of Rossini’s “L’italiana in Algeri Overture,” where humour and energy take centre stage. Revel in Ravel’s “Piano Concerto,” a dazzling blend of jazz influences and lyrical beauty that showcases his innovative style. Finally, let the cheerful and uplifting melodies of Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8” transport you to a world rich with Bohemian folk influences and natural splendour. This concert is a celebration of rhythm and colour, offering a dynamic journey through the unique voices of these master composers.
CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés
GUEST ARTIST: Stewart Goodyear, piano
PROGRAMME
G. ROSSINI: L’italiana in Algeri overture
M. RAVEL: Piano Concerto in G Major
A. DVOŘÁK: Symphony 8, op. 88, B. 163, G Major
For more information: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-26-goodyear-plays-ravel/
For tickets: https://www.porttheatre.com/choose-seats/?id=13801
When not performing music professionally, Heather Walker teaches the Alexander Technique, and amazing tool for changing our habits of movement and thought to become more efficient, natural, and full of ease and poise. It can help with all sorts of postural re-training, repetitive strain injuries, tension, pain, and balance issues. For more information on lessons, workshops, and group classes, please contact Heather at 250-716-3464.
September 2025 – Jaeden Izik-Dzurko plays Chopin piano concertos in Kamloops
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a frequent performer with the Kamloops Symphony. Join her as she performs the opening concert of the Kamloops Symphony season. Soloist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, fresh off winning the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition, returns to the BC Interior to perform both of Chopin’s Piano Concertos in Kamloops and Salmon Arm.
September 27, 2025 / 19:30, Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops
September 28, 2025 / 15:00, Nexus @ First United, Salmon Arm
Michael Newnham, conductor, Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, piano
PROGRAM
Donkin: Three Autumn Scenes
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
When not performing music professionally, Heather teaches the Alexander Technique, a method for becoming aware of harmful movement habits and posture and re-learning how to move with ease and efficiency. Heather teaches private sessions, group classes, and introductory workshops. Please contact her for more information at 250-716-3464.
July 2025 – Vancouver Opera performs free outdoor concert at Deer Lake Park
Free Event! Sunday, July 13 | Deer Lake Park, Burnaby: Concert starts at 7:30PM
Music Director Jacques Lacombe leads the Vancouver Opera Orchestra in an evening of duets, arias, and timeless music, featuring highlights from Verdi’s eternally thrilling Rigoletto, Mozart’s light-hearted Così fan tutte, Puccini’s most enduring story, La Bohème, and more!
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. When not playing her horn, she teaches the Alexander Technique, a unique method for changing movement habits, improving posture, increasing awareness and avoiding tension and injuries. Please contact her for more information.
April/May 2025 – Vancouver Opera performs Puccini’s classic Madama Butterfly
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Join them this April & May for performances of the beloved opera “Madama Butterfly”
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Composer – Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Premiered 1904 in Milan DATES April 26 – May 4, 2025
VENUE Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC
RUNNING TIME Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
Stunning visuals, transcendent melodies, and a timeless tale of love and loss make Madama a must-see season finale. Puccini’s sublime masterpiece closes out our celebratory 2024–2025 season in grand style, with five performances conducted by VO’s Music Director, Maestro Jacques Lacombe.
This extended run boasts a double cast bursting with world-class talents, including Tokyo-born soprano Yasko Sato. Praised for her “disarming, honest, refined and authentic” approach, she makes her VO/Canadian debut as Cio-Cio-San, having previously explored the role’s complexities in performances throughout Italy, the US, Belgium, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, and Japan.
The story of Pinkerton, an American Lieutenant stationed in Nagasaki, who marries a young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San. For him, it’s a marriage of convenience, a touristic fantasy abroad before he finds himself a “real” (American) bride. For Cio-Cio-San, it begins her story of tragically unrequited love.
One of the greatest works in operatic history, Puccini’s poignant, deeply emotional music steers Madama Butterfly through love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy.
When not performing music professionally, Heather Walker teaches the Alexander Technique, and amazing tool for changing our habits of movement and thought to become more efficient, natural, and full of ease and poise. It can help with all sorts of postural re-training, repetitive strain injuries, tension, pain, and balance issues. Please contact Heather for more information.
March 2025 – Vancouver Island Symphony, Favourite Composers, Episode 2
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony, based in Nanaimo, B.C. Join her for this upcoming concert at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on Saturday March 8th and the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay on Sunday March 9th. more information: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/
With a great response from last season Maestra Justo Valdés brings back Favourite Composers. In Episode 2 the orchestra plays Mozart, Haydn and Ravel. VIS member Mark D’Angelo performs Vivian Fung’s Trumpet Concerto, a virtuosic tour-de-force displaying the capabilities of the Eb Trumpet and Flugelhorn.
CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés
GUEST ARTISTS: Mark D’Angelo Trumpet
PROGRAMME
MOZART Le Nozze di Figaro
RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin
Vivian FUNG Concerto for Trumpet
When not performing music professionally, Heather teaches the Alexander Technique, a method for becoming aware of harmful movement habits and posture and re-learning how to move with ease and efficiency. Heather teaches private sessions, group classes, and introductory workshops. Please contact her for more information at 250-716-3464.
February 2025 – Kamloops Symphony: Duparc, Mendelssohn, Wagner
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a long-time performer with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy the next KSO concert on Saturday February 8th in Kamloops and Sunday February 9th in Salmon Arm. more info: https://www.kamloopssymphony.com
Witness a rising Canadian star shine! Elisabeth St-Gelais probes the emotional depths of Wagner’s reflection of unrequited love and longing. Then take a journey across Scotland’s misty highlands in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3.
Featuring
Dina Gilbert, conductor
Elisabeth St-Gelais, Innu soprano
PROGRAMME
Bacewicz: Concerto for String Orchestra
Duparc: Phidylé
Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3, “Scottish”
Heather Walker is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique. Please contact her to find out how the technique can help you change tension, bad posture, and inefficient movement habits for the better.
January 2025 – Vancouver Island Symphony: Morlock, Beethoven, Mendelssohn
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Island symphony. Join the symphony for their upcoming show: Second Guessed: Unpublished, Unfinished. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025 | 5:00 pm or 7:30 pm | Port Theatre, Nanaimo and SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Sid Williams Theatre, Courtenay
Second Guessed: Unpublished, Unfinished: VIS shares the hidden treasures in these works, offering a glimpse into the creative process of the composers. It is fascinating to think about the stories behind these pieces and why they were not finished, remained unpublished or not performed during the composer’s life… yet they have become beloved pieces in the orchestral repertoire.
CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés
PROGRAMME
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 10
Jocelyn MORLOCK Interloper
Charles IVES The Unanswered Question
Felix MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4 “Italiana”
When not playing music professionally, Heather teaches the Alexander Technique, a unique method for movement and postural re-education. Please contact her for more information about the technique.
January 2025 – The Who and Led Zepplin with Kamloops Symphony
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a frequent performer with the Kamloops symphony. Start off the new year with this special concert!
The Who & Led Zeppelin
Friday & Saturday, January 10 & 11, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Sagebrush Theatre
1300 9th Avenue, Kamloops
Featuring
David Bui, guest conductor
Jeans ‘n Classics: David Blamires, vocalist; Dave Dunlop, guitar; Steve Lucas, bass; Jeff Christmas, drummer; Steve Holowitz, keyboards
Get set for an electrifying evening at the Sagebrush theatre with the legendary anthems of The who & Led Zeppelin. Feel the beat of Baba O’Riley, the grit of Black Dog, and the timeless allure of Stairway to Heaven. Join us for a night where the spirit of rock meets the power of a full symphonic orchestra, brought to life by Kamloops favourites, Jeans ‘n Classics.
When not performing music professionally, Heather teaches the Alexander Technique, a method for becoming aware of harmful movement habits and posture and re-learning how to move with ease and efficiency. Heather teaches private sessions, group classes, and introductory workshops. Please contact her for more information at 250-716-3464.
December 2024 – Christmas with the Kamloops Symphony & Chorus
Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a frequent performer with the Kamloops Symphony. Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14, 7:30 PM, Sunday December 15th, 2:00 PM, kid’s show and relaxed performance, Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops.
The cherished holiday tradition returns to warm our hearts and lift our spirits. Join us for an unforgettable evening of joyful holiday classics, the angelic voices of the KSMS Children’s Chorus, and your favourite carol sing-alongs.
Featuring
Maria Fuller, conductor
Anika Howell, soprano
KSO Chorus, Tomas Bijok chorusmaster
KSMS Children’s Chorus, Rachel Casponi conductor
Heather Walker is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique. Please contact her to find out how the technique can help you change tension, bad posture, and inefficient movement habits for the better.