Les Dala and Morris Panych on the Power of 'Flight'
The opera's conductor and director compare notes on Jonathan Dove's modern masterpiece.
Today we’re thrilled to spotlight Flight, once again, Jonathan Dove’s groundbreaking opera. Leading today’s conversation is Flight’s conductor, and Vancouver Opera’s Head of Music/Associate Conductor, Les Dala. Joining him is Flight’s acclaimed Director, Morris Panych, whose vision is bringing this unique production to life. Together they dive into the themes, artistry, and creative process behind this stunning work.
Flight is taking stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from February 8th to 16th. For tickets and more information visit VancouverOpera.ca.
Relevant Links
(00:45) Ken and Morris’ The Barber of Seville
(01:59) The Older Woman and the Minskwoman
(05:23) Les Dala on Postcard from Morocco
(06:06) The Controller’s Coloratura
(06:22) Tytania and Oberon from Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night's Dream
(08:03) ‘Scherzo’ in Classical Music
(09:17) Ken and Morris’ The Marriage of Figaro
(10:13) Ken and Morris’ Macbeth
(12:40) Ken and Morris’ The Overcoat with music by James Rolfe
Morris Panych - Director of Flight
Morris is one of Canada’s most celebrated playwrights and directors. His plays have garnered countless awards, including two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Drama (for The Ends of the Earth and Girl in the Goldfish Bowl), fourteen Jessie Richardson Awards (Vancouver), and five Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto). His plays have been produced in over two dozen languages and across the globe. He has directed over ninety productions across Canada and the US. Morris was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in 2021 for his CBC Gem webseries “Hey Lady!”
Leslie Dala - Guest Host and Conductor of Flight
Conductor and pianist, Les enjoys a multifaceted career spanning the genres of opera, symphonic music, choral and contemporary works. Leslie presently holds the positions of Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Choir, the Associate Conductor and Chorus Director of Vancouver Opera, and the Music Director Emeritus of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra.
Ashley Daniel Foot - Host of Inside Vancouver Opera
Ashley is Vancouver Opera’s Director of Engagement and Civic Practice and host of Inside Vancouver Opera. Boundlessly creative and fascinated by the way that art is created and presented, Ashley has guided arts organizations across Canada to craft messages and tell unique stories.
Mack McGillivray - Editor
Mack is a media producer, creating shows for radio and podcast. He is passionate about cultivating local community and a lifelong lover of opera.
Such a fantastic opera! Toi toi toi!