Tapestry new opera works  celebrate their second partnership with Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, to present the world premiere of Dark Star Requiem, a dramatic oratorio from poet Jill Battson and composer Andrew Staniland, during the opening weekend of the 2010 Festival. - Which is this weekend!

Dark Star Requiem explores the 25-year history of the AIDS pandemic with astonishing power and hope. Shining a light on those affected by the fear, confusion and devastation that AIDS has wrought, this world premiere features four outstanding soloists and two percussionists alongside two of Canada’s premiere ensembles: the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Gryphon Trio. The four soloists have impressive talent and represent our national, cultural diversity: Neema Bickersteth (soprano), Krisztina Szabó (mezzo soprano), Peter McGillivray (baritone) and Marcus Nance (bass-baritone).

Tapestry Managing Artistic Director Wayne Strongman says: "We are so proud to be producing this important and beautiful new work, with such a brilliant array of artists. The creative team, the performers, and the producers have that rare synergy that comes when a work of such integrity is on the line. For a company like Tapestry, which places collaboration at the top of its mandate, the ongoing partnership with Luminato has also deepened our relationship in our own community as well as abroad. It is a wonderful meeting of creative spirits!"

The world premiere of Dark Star Requiem is commissioned by Luminato, with additional support from the Ontario Arts Council, and co-produced by Tapestry new opera works and Luminato.

premieres June 11 and 12, 2010 at 8pm during the opening weekend of Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity.

Presented in Toronto’s breathtakingly beautiful new Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Dark Star Requiem will be shown on Friday and Saturday night and is sure to garner public and artistic accolades for its power, poetry and poignancy.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: