Opera Laurier presents The Llandovery Castle Feb. 25 to 28 as part of Faculty of Music 50th anniversary celebrations

Feb. 11, 2026
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Opera Laurier will present The Llandovery Castle, composed by alum Stephanie Martin (BMus ’84) with libretto by Paul Ciufo, from Feb. 25 to 28 at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Theatre Auditorium. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

The fully staged opera tells the true story of the sinking of the HMHS Llandovery Castle on June 27, 1918, and honours the 14 Canadian nursing sisters and medical personnel who lost their lives. The production explores themes of courage, compassion and resilience amid the horrors of war.

In advance of each performance, audiences are invited to attend a pre-show talk at 6:30 p.m. in Laurier’s Faculty of Music Mezzanine. Martin will speak on Feb. 25 and 26. Author Nate Hendley, whose book Atrocity on the Atlantic examines the HMHS Llandovery Castle tragedy, will speak on Feb. 27 and 28.

In addition, music from the First World War era will be performed in the Theatre Auditorium lobby beginning at 7:10 p.m. prior to each performance.

The HMHS Llandovery Castle was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland while sailing from Halifax to Liverpool. Clearly marked as a hospital ship, it was carrying wounded patients and medical staff when it was attacked. Only 24 of the 258 people aboard survived and the sinking remains Canada’s deadliest naval tragedy of the First World War.

The production is conducted by Opera Laurier music director Kate Carver and features a chamber ensemble of Laurier alumni musicians. The opera also provides students with hands-on professional training in performance, collaboration and historical storytelling.

“Stephanie Martin’s music has been an absolute joy to discover through this work,” said Carver. “It contains stunning choral moments, intimate scenes and evocative orchestral writing. Our students have engaged deeply with the history and the humanity of this story.”

Reflecting on 'sacrifices of healthcare workers'

Director Mabel Wonnacott said the opera remains deeply relevant today.

“The Llandovery Castle reflects on the sacrifices of healthcare workers, the realities of war and the importance of community in difficult times,” said Wonnacott. “It invites audiences to reflect on how the past can help us understand the present.”

The production features Laurier students in principal roles, including Lucy Gill as matron Margaret “Pearl” Fraser, Susan Taylor as nurse Rena “Bird” McLean and Mackenzie Smith as nurse Christina Campbell.

“Being entrusted with this story is both a profound responsibility and a gift,” said Taylor. “We are honoured to continue the chain of remembrance and to share this powerful history with audiences.”

Smith said the work has been deeply meaningful for the cast.

“The journey of learning about this Canadian tragedy and bringing it to life on stage has been incredibly moving,” she said. “It reminds us of the power of music to unite communities in times of need.”

Opera Laurier previously staged The Llandovery Castle in March 2020. The upcoming performances are part of Laurier’s year-long celebration of the Faculty of Music’s 50^th anniversary.

“It feels fitting in our anniversary year to revisit this powerful work,” said Kimberly Barber, professor of voice, faculty consultant with Opera Laurier, and associate dean of the Faculty of Music. “It speaks to sacrifice, remembrance and the ability of art to give voice to difficult truths.”

Tickets and additional information are available through the Faculty of Music’s Eventbrite page.