This timeline tracks the creative development of the operatic adaptation of Empire of Wild, with an opera Cherie Dimaline adapted from her novel, and with music by Ian Cusson.
Timeline
Table of Events
| Date | Event | Created by |
|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2019 | Empire of Wild is publishedEmpire of Wild is published by Penguin Random House Canada. |
Rena Roussin |
| June 1, 2025 | Initial Community Consultation with Members of the Georgian Bay Métis Community in PenetanguisheneOn June 1, 2025, members of the Canadian Opera Company's administrative team, members of the Indigenous Circle of Artists (the COC's Indigenous consulting advisory board), composer Ian Cusson, and director Yvette Nolan met with members of the Georgian Bay Métis Community in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Over a day-long consult, which started with smudging, introductions in the style of Indigenous circle work, a performance of Métis fiddle music, and a shared lunch, COC staff members discussed with members of the community how they hoped to be represented in this opera and what forms of educational outreach they might like to participate in in the lead-up to the opera. |
Rena Roussin |
| November 10-14, 2025 | First Piano Workshop of Empire of WildThe first piano workshop of Empire of Wild. At a piano workshop, the musical score is played by a pianist (as opposed to an orchestra), and vocalists (who may or may not be part of later iterations of the opera) sing through the opera. This helps 'work out' challenging aspects of the opera's plot, music, and vocal lines. |
Rena Roussin |