Opera Atelier holds a unique place in the North American theatre community, producing opera, ballet and drama performances that draw upon the aesthetics and ideals of the 17th and 18th centuries. Featuring acclaimed international soloists, period ballet (Artists of Atelier Ballet), original instruments, elaborate stage décor, exquisite costumes and most importantly, an imaginative energy, Toronto-based Opera Atelier has attained international recognition. Under the direction of co-founders Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Zingg (stage director and choreographer respectively), the creative team includes resident music director David Fallis, set designer Gerard Gauci, costume designer Dora Rust-D’Eye, prop maker Karen Rodd, lighting designer Kevin Fraser, photographer Bruce Zinger and fight director Jennifer Parr. Opera Atelier’s 20th-anniversary exhibition features the set and prop designs of Gerard Gauci and production photographs by Bruce Zinger, supplemented by prints and set designs from Toronto Reference Library. Toronto artist and resident set designer for Opera Atelier, Gerard Gauci has been associated with the company since its first production of Monteverdi’s Orfeo in 1986. Having graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1982, Gauci has pursued a career as a painter, illustrator and theatre designer. His particular interest in the art and design of the 17th and 18th centuries has made for a long and fruitful collaboration with Opera Atelier’s artistic directors. The designs showing in the gallery are the end product of many hours of research and development, much of that accomplished with the aid of the collections housed in the Toronto Reference Library. Unless otherwise indicated, all works are from the collection of the artist.