Heather Walker is a professional horn player and a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. She will be performing in Johann Strauss’s famous operetta “Die Fledermaus” this fall.
Composer – Johann Strauss II
Libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée
DATES October 26 – November 3, 2024, Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC
RUNNING TIME Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission.
Join the party: Strauss’ most-beloved operetta kicks off a celebratory 65th anniversary with laughter and mischief. With a title that translates to “The Bat” (sometimes even presented as “The Revenge of the Bat”), you’d be forgiven for expecting some ominous dark fluttering while gravel-strafed voices say intense things indecipherably. But with its huge chorus, boisterous party scene, and rousing songs like “King Champagne”, Strauss’ beloved operetta absolutely radiates charm, wit, and good-natured mischief! An audience favourite since its 1874 premiere, Die Fledermaus remains the most-performed operetta in the world for good reason. This vaudeville and farce-inspired comedy masterwork revels in effervescent odes to drinking, dancing, dining, laughing, and, well, more drinking, while a madcap plot pinballs through masquerade and mistaken identities, romantic dalliances, pranks and payback. Ashlie Corcoran returns to direct her second Vancouver Opera season opener in a row, having helmed the fantastical Magic Flute in 2023, while the high-spirited score is conducted by Vancouver Opera Music Director Jacques Lacombe. (Sharp-eyed audience members might recognize some special guests during the gala scene…but we’ll say no more for now!)
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.
