The Llandovery Castle brings to life an important an important but little-known part of Canadian history. It is a beautifully-expressed tribute to Canadian nurses in particular, and healers in general who for millennia have put themselves in harm's way to serve their communities and humankind.

During this period of confinement and social isolation many of us are looking for signs of hope and joy, and for new ways to connect with art and culture.

The first fully-staged performance of the Llandovery Castle, staged by the talented students at Wilfrid Laurier University, is available on YouTube. the performances received rave reviews in February, 2020.

Click here to view

The opera also had two workshop performances in Toronto on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the hospital ship Llandovery Castle.

Click here to watch excerpts of the Toronto workshop performances.

Throughout the Great War dozens of Canadian nursing sisters worked at the front in dreadful conditions tending to the wounded and dying. In a time of great darkness, they chose to walk in the light. This is their story.

The Llandovery Castle is a new Canadian opera by composer by Stephanie Martin and librettist Paul Ciufo, created as an act of remembrance to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the hospital ship Llandovery Castle on June 27, 1918.

The opera focusses on the lives and service of 14 Canadian Nursing Sisters who died in the tragedy. The calm confidence, skill and selflessness of Canadian nurses during the Great War stand in stark contrast to the chaos and violence that surrounded them. From the horrors inflicted by inhuman trench warfare, the Sisters offered healing and compassion to soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

The work premiered in two workshops performances in Toronto in June, 2018, to enthusiastic audiences and critical praise.