MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 AT 7:30 PM
ANCASTER MEMORIAL ARTS CENTRE, 357 WILSON ST. E., ANCASTER, ON
HAMILTON, ON, January 23, 2026 — The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) and the Centre for Opera Studies & Appreciation (COSA) are teaming up to share the magic of opera with the Steel City. Experience a fully staged production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:30PM. Acclaimed stage director Melissa Bencic brings Mozart’s masterpiece to life in an accessible and abridged version, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements in her staging. Set designer Meredith Wolting will bring the magic of opera to life with her fairy-tale infused style full of magic and bold colour.
The performance features a chamber ensemble of HPO musicians and an incredible cast of singers: Alexander Hajek (Don Giovanni), Owen Phillipson (Il Commendatore and Masetto), Sydney Baedke (Donna Anna), Jeremy Scinocca (Don Ottavio), Leanne Kaufman (Donna Elvira), Giles Tomkins (Leporello) and Kathryn Rose Johnston (Zerlina).
Now in his second season as HPO Music Director, James Kahane is thrilled to conduct one of Mozart’s best-known operas. “Don Giovanni is a timeless tale about hubris, love, betrayal and revenge, that has moved audiences across the world since Molière’s early version of the popular tale Dom Juan,” says James. “In this intimate rendition, discover or re-discover the story of the serial seducer, always closely followed by his valet Leporello, on his heartless streak of deceptions. As handsome and seductive as he may be, how long can one sustain their own thick web of lies and arrogance before having to deal with the consequences?”
Experience a night at the opera with the HPO! Tickets are available through hpo.org or directly through the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre website: https://www.memorialarts.ca/theatre/mozarts-don-giovanni.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni
February 7, 2026 at 7:30pm
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster, ON, L9G 2C1
Tickets on sale at hpo.org
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
HPO Media Contacts:
Megan Nourse
Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager
289-216-8273
mnourse@hpo.org