Title of stamp: Opera
Issue date: October 17, 2006

Hitting a high note

Opera is considered by lots of people to be an acquired musical taste. But the truth is that opera has something for everyone, even young people. The beauty of this amazing theatrical experience is that it brings together lots of different art forms, such as song, drama and the visual arts, to make one incredible performance. Opera also combines intriguing stories and a range of passions worthy of a prime-time soap opera, including love, jealousy and deception. If you like films, theatre, music or dance, you’re sure to find something you like in opera.

Canadian opera has a long and wonderful history—going back to almost 100 years before Confederation. Since the 1780s, extraordinary Canadian musical and theatrical talent has excited audiences across the country and in leading opera houses around the world.

On October 17, 2006, Canada Post issued five commemorative domestic rate (51¢) stamps to celebrate the operatic talents of six Canadian performers. These great singers—Raoul Jobin, Maureen Forrester, Jon Vickers, Edward Johnson, and Léopold Simoneau and his wife Pierrette Alarie—have contributed much to Canada’s cultural tapestry and have also played pivotal roles on the world stage.