Iron Road (opera)

Iron Road is a historical opera in two acts composed by Chan Ka Nin with a libretto by Mark Brownell. Commissioned by Tapestry Opera, it premiered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in May 2001.

The opera tells the story of the Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. It focuses on the experiences of these immigrants, their hopes, hardships, and the discrimination they faced while working on the "iron road" that connected Canada from coast to coast. The narrative explores themes of exploitation, cultural conflict, resilience, and the personal sacrifices made by these individuals. The opera incorporates elements of both Western operatic tradition and Chinese musical influences.