Essential Opera

​​Essential Opera is based in Atlantic Canada, founded in 2010 by co-artistic directors Erin Bardua and Maureen Batt. Highlights of our company’s history include multiple new commissions, classical rarities and well-known operatic works, EPs and films, and projects addressing issues of equity & belonging in opera. We've been supported by SOCAN, Arts NS, Music NS, Arts NB, Music NB, the Ontario Arts Council, FACTOR, and Canada Council. Essential Opera is one of a small number of East Coast Canada opera organizations commissioning, presenting, and championing works by living composers, especially those from underrepresented groups. We have always believed new compositions are inherently “essential”. Opera is a living art form; what we do and how we do it is a response to the world in which we live.

Our 15th anniversary includes our debut album of operas by Monica Pearce (https://leaf-music.lnk.to/lm279), a new opera with composer-librettist Fiona Ryan, and more films!