Opera Lyra and McCaffrey Haute Couture invited the media to attend a fitting, a pre-wedding event in celebration of their new production of The Marriage of Figaro, opening March 21st at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Figaro marries Susanna.  They’re servants to the Count and Countess, who offer a wedding present to Susanna: a dress much nicer than what Mr & Mrs Figaro would otherwise be able to afford, at least in Opera Lyra’s new production.

Of course the Count is generous to Susanna because he desires her for himself.

Baritone James Westman (photo: Dario Acosta), who plays the Count

And Wallis Giunta play Cherubino, a young man who also desires Susanna, as well as the Countess: and every other female in sight.  Although the role calls for trousers (and male attire), she was at the event wearing a beautiful beaded gown designed for her by McCaffrey for concert performances. Ms. Giunta has worn McCaffrey’s gowns for concert performances around the world.

Wallis Giunta

Yesterday the bride-to-be, Susanna (soprano Sasha Djihanian), had her last fitting before opening night.  Her elegant wedding dress was created by David McCaffrey specifically for Opera Lyra’s production of Mozart’s sumptuous social satire set in Edwardian England.

Bride-to-be Susanna (Sasha Djihanian) with designer David McCaffrey

Mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta, who is the face of McCaffrey’s bridal line, approached David McCaffrey about collaboration with Opera Lyra. Instead of picking a dress from his bridal line, McCaffrey decided to design an original for the production. McCaffrey has a long history of creating dresses and costumes for performers.

(left to right) David McCaffrey , Wallis Giunta and
Kevin Mallon, Opera Lyra’s Interim Artistic Director & the conductor of Marriage of Figaro.

David McCaffrey is tall and thin and wearing a white and black shirt.
Kevin Mallon, Opera Lyra’s Interim Artistic Director has small round glasses and brown spiky hair.  Wallis Giunta has red hair and is wearing a McCaffrey Haute Couture gown.

Sasha Djihanian tried on her bridal gown, and then sang an aria for guests and media.

Champagne and mimosas were served.

Photo Credits: TWENTY YORK STREET / MASHAELL Photography

Susanna (Sasha Djihanian)