As part of its popular Free Concert Series, the Canadian Opera Company marks a major milestone with the 25th anniversary performance of Dean Burry’s The Brothers Grimm. Presented on Wednesday, March 18 at 12 p.m., this Vocal Series concert celebrates a Canadian operatic success story that has enchanted generations of young audiences and their families since its premiere in 2001.

Commissioned by the COC, The Brothers Grimm has become a true phenomenon in the world of children’s opera. With more than 600 performances to its name, it is widely recognised as the most-performed Canadian opera ever written. Its appeal has reached far beyond national borders, touring extensively across North America and travelling as far as Brazil and Wales—an extraordinary achievement for a work created specifically to introduce younger listeners to opera.

At its core, the opera offers a lively and imaginative narrative centred on the famous storytelling brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Through music that is playful, expressive, and immediately engaging, audiences follow the brothers on a fantastical journey as they uncover and bring to life some of the world’s best-loved fairy tales. Familiar stories such as Rapunzel, Little Red Cap, and Rumpelstiltskin are woven together in a way that feels both fresh and reassuringly familiar.

A Gateway to Opera for Young Audiences

What has made The Brothers Grimm endure for a quarter of a century is its rare ability to balance accessibility with artistic integrity. Dean Burry’s score speaks directly to children without talking down to them, while remaining musically rich enough to captivate adults. The opera’s humour, clarity of storytelling, and memorable melodies make it an ideal first operatic experience, often sparking a lifelong interest in classical music and live performance.

The 25th anniversary performance also underscores the Canadian Opera Company’s dedication to education and community engagement. Offered as a free midday concert, the event removes barriers to participation and welcomes families, students, and newcomers to opera into an inclusive and relaxed environment. These community-focused performances play an essential role in nurturing future audiences while celebrating Canadian creativity.

Beyond its role as an educational work, The Brothers Grimm stands as a testament to the strength of Canadian composition and storytelling. Few operas enjoy such longevity, and fewer still manage to remain relevant and beloved across generations. Its continued popularity reflects not only the timeless appeal of fairy tales, but also the skill with which Burry translated those stories into a compelling musical language.

This anniversary concert is more than a celebration of the past—it is a joyful reminder of opera’s power to inspire imagination, curiosity, and wonder. For families seeking a cultural outing, educators looking to engage young minds, or opera lovers eager to revisit a Canadian classic, The Brothers Grimm remains a magical and meaningful experience, 25 years on.