AN EVENING OF OPERA AND MÉCÉNAT
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fundraising
Support Jamii's Free Arts Programs!
AN EVENING OF OPERA AND MÉCÉNAT
May 30, 2025 - 7pm
You’re invited to an evening of opera on the theme of joyful nostalgia featuring timeless classics by acclaimed soprano Jonelle Sills and mezzo-soprano Queen Hezumuryango, accompanied by pianist Timothy Cheung.
This special night features selections from the Juno-nominated Colour of Joy alongside beloved classics such as Édith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose, the dreamy Barcarolle from Les contes d’Hoffmann, and Rossini’s dazzling “Nacqui all'affanno... Non più mesta” from La Cenerentola.
Experience opera like never before! Up close and personal, in the warm and intimate setting of The Jamii Hub. After the performance, enjoy a lively Q&A with the artists, sip a glass of wine, and take the opportunity to mingle with the performers and the Jamii team.
This event is part of Jamii’s Mécénat Series. “Mécénat” is a French word meaning patron of the arts, a nod to the role you play by attending! A portion of your ticket is a donation that directly supports Jamii’s free arts programming for the community.
What could be better than an evening of opera, meaningful conversation, a glass of wine, and knowing you’re uplifting community arts through your presence?
Your ticket includes:
A live performance by world-class opera artists.
One complimentary drink (wine, beer, or non-alcoholic) - Additional drinks are available to be purchased at the event.
Light snacks throughout the evening.
The opportunity to support Jamii’s mission of making the arts accessible to all.
About Jamii
Jamii is a Toronto-based arts organization dedicated to fostering togetherness through the arts. Proceeds from this event directly support free arts programs that bring creative experiences to people of all ages in our community.
Tickets: $75, including a $50 charitable receipt.
Get your tickets now - only 40 seats available.
Performers:
Jonelle Sills, soprano
Queen Hezumuryango, mezzo-soprano
Timothy Cheung, piano*
*Pianist Timothy Cheung will be performing vocal accompaniment on a Yamaha digital piano for this performance.
Charitable Tax Receipt: Each ticket is eligible for a $50 charitable tax receipt, plus any additional donations you have made. You will receive a charitable tax receipt within one month after the transaction is completed. Donations are non-refundable.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: Concert tickets ($25 value) are refundable up to 24 hours before the event starts. Please email info@jamii.ca to cancel your ticket and request a refund.
All proceeds will support Jamii’s free arts programming, enriching lives throughout the St. Lawrence community.
With only 40 tickets available, secure your spot today for an evening of opera while supporting free arts programs for the community.
Accessibility Info: The Jamii Hub is a barrier-free space with wheelchair-accessible washrooms. If you require any accessibility accommodations or have questions, please kindly inform us when you are reserving your ticket.
Photography & Videography Notice: This event is being photographed and video recorded for promotional and documentation purposes. Photographer and videographer will be identifiable. By entering the event premise, you consent to be photographed and filmed. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded on video, please kindly inform the photographer and videographer. If you have concerns or questions, please get in touch by emailing info@jamii.ca
Photos by Jae Yang
Jonelle Sills
Canadian Soprano Jonelle Sills (pr. Ya-Nell) is one of the most exciting young sopranos of her generation. A JUNO Award nominee with The Canadian Art Song Project for Known to Dreamers: Black Voices in Canadian Art Song for Classical Album of the Year, she has also been named one of CBC Music’s 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30.
Jonelle has made acclaimed debuts with leading companies, including the Canadian Opera Company as Mimi in La bohème, a performance that was lauded as being a “beautifully sensitive Mimi with careful control and colour” (The Globe and Mail). Other notable roles include Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus) and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Edmonton Opera, Micaëla (Carmen) and Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) with Vancouver Opera, and Anna Glawari (The Merry Widow) with Toronto Operetta Theatre. She has also appeared in recital with the Viano Quartet at the Prince Edward County Chamber Festival. Her company debut with Toronto’s Against The Grain Theatre in Vivier’s Kopernikus earned her a 2019 Dora Award as a member of the ensemble.
Queen Hezumuryango
Originally from Burundi, Queen Hezumuryango holds both her Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Montreal and is a returning member of the Canadian Opera Company’s 2024-2025 Ensemble Studio. Performance credits include Ebba Sparre in La Reine-garçon (COC), Mercédès in Carmen (COC), and Rosina in The Barber of Seville (Highlands Opera Studio). She was a semi-finalist in the OSM Competition in 2021 and won an Encouragement Award at the Eastern Region of the Laffont Competition in 2023. In 2024, she was named one of CBC’s “30 hot classical musicians under 30” and nominated for a Dora Award for her work in Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha.
Timothy Cheung
Born in Hong Kong, Timothy Cheung is a pianist and vocal coach based in Toronto. A graduate of multiple prestigious young artist programs—the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio, the Merola Opera Program, and Music Academy of the West—he has gone on to work extensively in Canada and the United States. At Palm Beach Opera, he served as the Principal Coach and the Head Coach of the Benenson Young Artist Program. At Teatro Nuovo in New York, formerly Bel Canto at Caramoor, he works in a hybrid role of music staff and administrator. He has been the music director for many outreach programs at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. He has also worked as a music staff member for Houston Grand Opera. Mr. Cheung holds a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Western Ontario.