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Tenor has roots in rock and folk

One of Canada’s leading tenors touches down at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday, as Richard Margison performs in the next of the Nelson Overture Concerts Society series.
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Outstanding Canadian tenor Richard Margison performs at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday afternoon.

One of Canada’s leading tenors touches down at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday, as Richard Margison performs in the next of the Nelson Overture Concerts Society series.

It will be the third stop in his recital tour of B.C., and follows a couple of weeks performing in Spain.

Although he now lives in Toronto, Margison spent many years in Victoria. For a decade he had his own rock band that performed at coffee houses and clubs. In 1980, he made his operatic debut, and has sung with companies and major orchestras across Canada.

However, he remained fond of the likes of Gordon Lightfoot and Stan Rogers — giving rise to the title of a TV documentary about him last year: The Folk Singing Opera Star. It featured musical collaborations with Bruce Cockburn.

Margison is an officer of the Order of Canada, a recipient of honorary doctorates from three universities, and has been nominated for Juno and Grammy awards.

“He’s a big name,” says Keinan Chapman of the overture society. “Probably one of the most sought-after Canadian tenors. He’s got quite a voice and he’s quite a character.”

Chapman says Margison will sing a “very accessible program” in Nelson.

“It’s not just for big opera fans who know every piece. He’s going to be singing a lot of pieces everybody sort of knows and intersperses it with a bit of chatter. He’s engaging.”

Margison is joined on piano by Kinza Tyrrell, who will also be conducting masters classes with local students.

The show is at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $24 for adults and $14 for full-time students.