Music and Opera Appreciation Inc.

11/03/2026

On Nov. 3, MOA patrons were delighted by Sergei Rachmaninoff’s ALEKO, a tragic one-act opera about love, jealousy, and betrayal. Aleko, a man who has abandoned civilized society to live among a group of Gypsies, falls in love with the beautiful Zemfira. When she falls for a younger man, Aleko becomes consumed by jealousy and murders them both. Horrified by his actions, the community banishes him, leaving Aleko alone and devastated.
The opera explores the destructive power of jealousy, possessive love, and the conflict between freedom and obsession.

11/03/2026

Congratulations, winner, winner, chicken dinner! Margaret Duboyce was the lucky winner of the Nov. 3 draw supporting the Kelly Walker Bursary, to be donated at the end of the 2026 Fall series. Only two more weeks of draws , so get your tickets in support of this worthy Bursary. Thank you everyone for your support.

10/28/2026

Congratulations, winner, winner! Laurie Colbeck, seen posing with MOA President Michelle Deitrich, was the lucky winner of the draw supporting the Kelly Walker Bursary to be donated at the end of the 2026 Fall series. Thank you everyone for your support.

10/27/2026

October 27, 2026 : This afternoon we saw the last half of the opera, Eugene Onegin.
ACT II — JEALOUSY AND TRAGEDY
At a celebration for Tatyana's name day, Onegin becomes bored and irritated by provincial society. To amuse himself and provoke Lensky, he begins flirting with Olga. Lensky is deeply offended and challenges his friend to a duel.

Before the duel, Lensky sings the poignant aria Kuda, reflecting on his youth, his love for Olga, and the possibility of death. Despite their friendship, neither man can overcome his pride. Onegin shoots and kills Lensky, an act that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

ACT III — LOVE TOO LATE
Several years later, Onegin returns to St. Petersburg, troubled by guilt and disillusionment. At an elegant ball, he encounters Tatyana, now a poised and beautiful woman married to the distinguished Prince Gremin.

Onegin suddenly realizes that he loves her and desperately seeks her affection. In their final emotional meeting, Tatyana admits that she still loves him but refuses to betray her husband or abandon her principles. She leaves Onegin alone, overwhelmed by the realization that he has lost his chance for happiness.

THE OPERA'S ENDURING MESSAGE
Eugene Onegin explores the consequences of pride, missed opportunities, and love discovered too late. Unlike many grand operas, its drama lies in deeply personal emotions and the choices that shape our lives.

The central irony is unforgettable: Tatyana loves Onegin when he rejects her, and Onegin loves Tatyana when she can no longer accept him.

10/21/2026

2026 Oct. 20 MOA presentation of the Opera, EUGENE ONEGIN
An Opera in Three Acts by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky-Metropolitan Opera Presentation

Set in 19th-century Russia, Eugene Onegin tells the poignant story of a young woman's rejected love, a friendship destroyed by jealousy, and a man who discovers the meaning of love only when it is too late.
Act I — Love and Rejection
On a country estate, the shy, romantic Tatyana meets the sophisticated and emotionally detached Eugene Onegin, who arrives with his friend Lensky, a poet engaged to Tatyana's lively sister, Olga.
Tatyana falls deeply in love with Onegin and pours her feelings into a passionate letter. In the celebrated Letter Scene, she reveals her hopes and vulnerability. Onegin, however, coolly rejects her, explaining that he is unsuited to marriage and advising her to control her emotions.
Central theme: The innocence of first love meets the coldness of indifference.
The second half of the opera will conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 28 starting at 1:30 pm.

10/16/2026

Surprise patron at the concert. Mezzo Soprano Maria Soulis with Vlad an Emily.

10/16/2026

Some pictures from the concert.

10/16/2026

What a fabulous opening to the 32nd year of Music and Opera Appreciation!

Our opening concert, The Shape of a Dream, featuring MOA Artistic Director Vlad Soloviev at the piano, accompanying the exceptionally talented soprano Emily Rocha of the Canadian Opera Company, was a truly memorable afternoon of beautiful music.

Together, these two outstanding artists took us on a captivating musical journey through love, memory, and longing. Emily's expressive voice, complemented by Vlad's masterful piano accompaniment, created a performance filled with emotion, artistry, and musical brilliance.

What a wonderful way to launch our 32nd season! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Emily and Vlad for sharing their extraordinary talents and providing such an inspiring start to another exciting year of Music and Opera Appreciation.

Excite • Educate • Entertain

10/08/2026

Final call for tickets to the MOA Fall Series, starting Oct. 13 with a live concert. See the poster for this Series' theme: Pushkin and the Russian Soul.
Series price is $75 for the Series including the Oct. 13 Concert.

09/27/2026