Opera Atelier’s 2013-2014 season begins with Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, a colourful comedy that tells of the charming antics of Belmonte and Pedrillo, a master and servant who must rescue their beloveds from the harem of the Pasha Selim.

A revival of Opera Atelier’s highly successful production, this opera features some of Mozart’s most demanding arias and is grounded in the commedia dell’arte tradition, making it the perfect showcase for our artists’ vocal prowess and comedic acting chops. This production aims to appeal to children, youth and families, and it forms part of Opera Atelier’s ongoing commitment to cultivate the opera-lovers of tomorrow.

Abduction from the Seraglio will feature Lawrence Wiliford as Belmonte, Ambur Braid as Konstanze, Carla Huhtanen as Blondie, and Adam Fischer as Pedrillo. They will be joined by Gustav Andreassen (Osmin) and Curtis Sullivan (Pasha Selim), reprising their roles.

Abduction from the Seraglio will be directed by Marshall Pynkoski and choreographed by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, with set design by Gerard Gauci and lighting design by Bonnie Beecher. The production will feature the Artists of Atelier Ballet and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under the baton of David Fallis.

Gauci has devised three settings for the opera; the first for the overture, is a classic European shipboard scene on a British frigate dominated by an immense Union Jack (minus the cross of St. Andrew that in 1782 was not yet included as part of the flag). The second features the forecourt of Pasha Selim’s palace. And the third and final setting concludes in the most exotic locale of all, the palace garden, dominated by a luxurious pavilion set with wine and pomegranates, surrounded by golden hills, cypresses and flowering fruit trees. From the sounds of it, the production will not only be a musical treat but also a visual one as well.

Abduction from the Seraglio runs October 26, 27, 29, 30, November 1 and 2 and is sung in German with English dialogue and English surtitles. Performances for Opera Atelier’s new season will take place at the Elgin Theatre; with evening performances at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinee performances at 3:00 p.m. Single tickets are now on sale. For more information visit operaatelier.com.