The music of Vancouver based musician, Small Opera, draws its listeners into an off kilter atmosphere filled with warmth, reverence and familiarity. Led by the multi-instrumentalist Jason Bienia, Small Opera delights audiences with his unique blend of traditional songwriting, wrapped in pitch bended harmonies, abstract lyricism, and modernist aspirations.

Bienia began his musical journey in the early 2000’s as an avid contributor to the art punk/metal scene in Saskatchewan as the principal songwriter and frontman for underground bands Sliver, Samuel the Black Shaman, and Black Autumn. Between 2004 and 2013 Jason gradually transitioned into the jazz world, playing as part of a small trio format in local cafes, and restaurants across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Emerging in 2020 with his debut EP New River, Small Opera has since completed his sophomore EP Sashiko, released in the summer of 2022. Sashiko, once again, features his wife Shadi Toloui-Wallace on back-up vocals and Greg Coles on upright Bass, and was mixed and mastered by Jordan Koop at The Noise Floor Recording Studio on Gabriola Island. Inspired by humanitarian concerns emerging from modern cities as well as the expansive natural surroundings, Small Opera’s music aims to be a mix of love, warmth, immensity, despair, and hope.

Small Opera’s 3rd release is set to come out in early 2025. It was produced and mixed by Joshua Wells(Destroyer, Lightening Dust, Autogramm, and Spun Out) at The Mango Pit in Chicago.

Booking & General Enquiries:

jasonbienia@gmail.com