Musical Chrysalis
A series celebrating Canada’s finest artists through …
OPERA, MUSIC THEATRE & SONG REPERTOIRE
WHAT is an Opera NUOVA Dinner Cabaret?

Photo by Nanc Price (Nanc Price Photography)
Join us once again for this treasured tradition in the Edmonton arts community. Savour a four course dinner prepared by some of the top chefs in some of Edmonton’s favourite restaurants.
As we look back on the past 20 years, we have asked our artists to look back on their artistic transformations. Find yourself immersed in the splendor of singers from across Canada, and get to know them as they share their personal musical memoir. Each cabaret guarantees to be a unique and touching as our artists share their stories using musical classics, art songs and musical theatre standards, interspersed with jewels of new music and hidden gems.
One of Edmonton’s best kept secrets!
WHEN do the cabarets take place?

Photo by Nanc Price (Nanc Price Photography)
Doors open at 5:15 pm
Dinner & entertainment start at 5:45 pm
Evening ends at approximately 9:00 pm
See the full event calendar below for dates.
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale September 1st at 10 AM over the phone or online!
- Tickets are $95 (CAD) per person for each event.
- Ticket price includes a 4-course meal, tax, gratuity & a $25 charitable tax receipt.
- Buy a Subscription Pack and save BIG!!!
Purchase 4 or more events and receive a discount off your order- 4 event pack – $345 ~ SAVE $35 per person
- 5 event pack – $430 ~ SAVE $45 per person
- 6 event pack – $515 ~ SAVE $55 per person
- Order By Phone through the opera NUOVA box office at (780) 487-4844 or online (follow the links below)
We are really looking forward to seeing you at the Cabarets!
Now you can buy your PAKS ONLINE!
2017 / 2018 Dinner Cabaret Performers
October 1, 2017
Anne Marie MacIntosh
with Shannon Hiebert, pianist
Oliveto Trattoria
500 Riverbend Square
Praised by Opera Canada for her “effervescent coloratura,” “stratospheric notes” and “dramatic vivacity,” soprano Anne-Marie MacIntosh is an exciting new face in Canada’s opera scene. Currently based in Calgary, Ms. MacIntosh will be returning to Calgary Opera in the 2017-2018 season for a second year as one of their Emerging Artists. Anne-Marie’s love of opera has taken her on a whirlwind journey across Canada, China and Europe, with two important stops at Opera NUOVA along the way. Join Anne-Marie as she shares the music that has continued to spur her on for every step of this journey.
November 5, 2017
Mallory Chipman
SOLD OUT
Normand’s Bistro (Citadel)
10177 99 St. NW
With two albums to her name and numerous international appearances on her resume, award winning jazz vocalist, Mallory Chipman, is now considered one of Edmonton’s finest musicians, but how did she get there? Before Mallory established herself as a jazz musician and improviser, she explored singing numerous styles: choral music, musical theatre, classical, rock, and folks; all of which culminate and find balance in Mallory’s unique sound.
We regret that due to unforeseen health issues, Tommy Banks will no longer be performing on November 5th. Instead the incredible pianist Chris Andrew will be playing alongside Tommy’s granddaughter Mallory Chipman at this marvelous cabaret. Opera NUOVA is extremely grateful to Mallory for agreeing to perform during this difficult time, and looks forward to this magical evening.
Chris Andrew:
CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at 2008 National Jazz Awards!
Since graduating from Grant MacEwan College in 1990, Chris has become a key player in the Alberta music scene. His musical diversity can be seen through his numerous performances over the years in genres such as jazz, funk, pop, latin, or musical theatre. He has studied in Cuba and has toured across Canada countless times in a number of bands in various musical styles.
Although well known as a jazz educator in Alberta, Chris is best known for his ability to play. In the jazz vein, Chris’ resume lists a veritable who’s who of jazz. Chris has performed with Joshua Redman, Sonny Fortune, Bud Shank, Pete Christlieb, Joe LaBarbera, P.J. Perry, Kirk MacDonald, Paquito D’Rivera, Brad Turner, and Steve Wallace just to name some highlights.
On the local scene, Chris has performed or recorded with numerous well known groups including The Jump Orchestra, Maracujah, Bomba, Kelly Allana, Tim Tamashiro, The Swinging Bovines, The Edmonton Symphony, Phatty, and The Devoties.
Chris spent the first half of 2005 as the Musical Director for the Decidedly Jazz Danceworks show: ?BULLA!, in which the song ‘3 Corners of Emotion’ from the Hutchinson Andrew Trio was featured. Chris was honoured with the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award in 2008 for his virtuosic talent. He also won the 2013 TD Grand Jazz Award with the Hutchinson Andrew Trio.
December 3, 2017
Frédérik Robert
with Leanne Regehr, pianist
SOLD OUT
Select Restaurant
10018-106 St. NW
The eclectic artist, Alberta-born tenor Frédérik Robert, has performed with numerous Canadian opera companies and symphonies over his 20 year career. Join him as he shares his story of transformation from his humble beginnings in the small farming town of Falher, Alberta, to touring North America for nearly a decade with The Canadian Tenors and Romanza Tenors, to creating and touring a live cinematic theatrical piece inspired by the music of Edith Piaf. As a special treat hear Frédérik share some of his original compositions that he has performed at the Vancouver International Song Institute over the past few years.
February 11, 2018
Aidan Ferguson
with special guest Lara Ciekiewicz
& Leanne Regehr, pianist
SOLD OUT
Normand’s
11639 Jasper Avenue NW
Aidan Ferguson is gaining a strong reputation for her beautiful artistry and ability. She has performed with leading opera houses and symphonies all over the world. With the help of her dearest friend, the “mesmerizing” and acclaimed soprano Lara Ciekiewicz, Aidan will share her journey that began here in Edmonton singing in choirs, took her to France to be a nanny, Montreal for her training, around the world performing, and back to Edmonton.
March 18, 2018
Adam Fisher & Rebecca Cuddy
with Shannon Hiebert, pianist
Sorrentino’s Downtown
10162 – 100 St.
Adam Fisher & Rebecca Cuddy come together to offer you a wonderful cross over cabaret.
May 6, 2018
Songs in the Key of Life
Renée Brad & Maura Sharkey Pryma
LUX STEAKHOUSE
10150 101 Street NW
Hold on to your wine glasses as long-time friends (who met once-upon-a-time at NUOVA) share their artistic journeys that have taken them across North America. They will dish up a delicious feast of fabulous songs in an evening that will certainly entertain.
Presenting an eclectic cocktail of opera, classical and musical theatre selections, mezzo sopranos Renée Brad and Maura Sharkey-Pryma will reunite for an evening of song, friendship, wit and humour – performing memorable melodies that will satisfy your senses.