Show Program - L'Enfant et les sortilèges + Le Phare
FEBRUARY 6, 8 AND 9,
The presentation of this double bill is generously sponsored by Vickie Zhao and Alex Ionescu
LE PHARE JOBIDON / REVA +
RAVEL / COLETTE
LE PHARE
Premiere: February 6, 2025, Montreal
Composer: Laurence Jobidon
Librettist: Maria Reva
Language: French with English and French surtitles
Duration: 24 minutes
CHILD
L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES
Premiere: March 21, 1925, Monte Carlo
Composer: Maurice Ravel
Librettist: Colette
Language: French with English and French surtitles
Duration: 48 minutes
LUCIE ST-MARTIN MOTHER
MOON / PRINCESS / OWL / SHEPHERDESS
LIGHTHOUSE / ARMCHAIR / TREE
GRANDFATHER CLOCK / MALE CAT
TEAPOT / ARITHMETIC / TREE FROG
CUP / DRAGONFLY
BOAT 1 / FIRE / BAT
BOAT 2 / A SHEPHERD
PASTOURELLE / NIGHTINGALE
FEMALE CAT / SQUIRREL
CONDUCTOR
STAGE DIRECTOR
SET DESIGNER
COSTUME DESIGNER
LIGHTING DESIGNER
HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
VIDEO DESIGNER
MOVEMENT COACH
CAMILA MONTEFUSCO
CHELSEA KOLIĆ
JAMAL AL TITI
MIKELIS ROGERS
ANGELO MORETTI
JUSTINE LEDOUX
SOPHIE NAUBERT
IAN SABOURIN
BRIDGET ESLER
ILANNA STARR
NICOLAS ELLIS
SYLVAIN SCOTT
SYLVAIN SCOTT
MARC SÉNÉCAL
ALEXANDRE PILON GUAY
JUSTINE DENONCOURT-BÉLANGER
GASPARD PHILIPPE
JAMIE WRIGHT
February 6 and 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m and February 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. THÉÂTRE MAISONNEUVE, PLACE DES ARTS
Public Partners
The Opéra de Montréal sincerely thanks the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, the Canada
Experience the magic of the Opera
BMO is excited to present magical moments of the Montreal Opera. Prepare to be enchanted by captivating stories and incredible vocal performances.
Opera is for everyone — and we want to make it a family tradition.
For more than 40 years, we’ve been dedicated to introducing young people to opera. Our programs span every age group and academic level, from preschoolers to university students. Highlights include our initiatives for disadvantaged schools, student dress rehearsals, educational workshops, and more. To learn about all the incredible work our Outreach and Education department is doing, please visit www. operademontreal.com/en/outreach-and-education
The Opéra de Montréal is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive arrays of programming for young audiences. Recently, we’ve expanded our focus to create performances that bring families together — delighting both children and the young at heart.
In February 2023, we staged Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges at Le Théâtre Paradoxe, with the hope of attracting families, to start exploring the idea of “Family Opera.” To our surprise, all the performances sold out within two weeks, before we could even start promoting them! The interest – and enthusiasm – for family-friendly opera experiences inspired us to build upon this success in our own unique artistic way.
Tonight’s performance is an enriched version of that production, paired with a brandnew opera, Le Phare, by Laurence Jobidon and Maria Reva. This project, supported by the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, features the exceptional talent of our Atelier lyrique, our internationally celebrated artist development program.
For the young and the young at heart, we hope tonight’s performance sparks joy and wonder.
I wish you a wonderful time at the opera!
Patrick Corrigan
Complice de l’Opéra de Montréal
A WORD FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Le Phare and L’Enfant
Seasonafterseason,thelightofnewworksilluminatesourstage, attracting brand-new audiences — just like Le Phare, which charms boats and beguiles the Moon. In this operatic fable, its two creators celebrate friendship, and demonstrate once again the full range and depth of our art form.
Twinned with this world premiere, L’Enfant et les sortilèges offers a unique experience for audiences of all ages. Through a score which transitions seamlessly from baroque to jazz, audiences enter the imaginary world of a child faced with the objects and animals he has mistreated.
Young people will be captivated by this magical world, filled with cats, dancing teacups, and talking clocks.
The young at heart will enjoy the work’s subtle humour and its pointed commentary on human nature.
The Child will learn the importance of compassion and responsibility.
We look forward to charming you with these two operas, which together explore friendship, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Michel
Beaulac
SYNOPSES
LE PHARE (THE LIGHTHOUSE)
In the middle of the empty ocean, a Lighthouse blinks his lamp, warning boats to stay away from his rocky feet. The better he is at his job, the further away the boats keep, but he grows lonely. One day, he extinguishes his lamp to attract a friend. This causes an accident: one Boat sinks, and another finds itself in trouble.
Suddenly, a light even brighter than the lamp illuminates the sky. It is the Moon, who is tired of making and remaking tides and dreams of change. Deceived by the Boat that is trying to save its friend, the Moon creates an extraordinarily low tide. The Boats celebrate their reunion but forget to thank the Moon. Insulted, she disappears, leaving the ocean pulled back.
The Lighthouse and the Boats, which are now stuck, realize that they do need the Moon. The Lighthouse calls her back, and together they cure their loneliness by building a new friendship.
L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES
Inside a house, a mother punishes her willful young child for disobedience. This infuriates the child, who throws a tantrum, destroying everything in sight. Furniture, books, objects, and creatures the child has mistreated come to life, forcing him to realize that actions have consequences. Chairs, teapot, cat, and fire express their anger, and the child, now frightened, becomes aware of the enormity of his misdeeds.
In this enchanted world, even nature itself bands together against the child. Trees, wounded by his previous cruelty, and animals, made fearful by his actions, take him to task. Alone in the middle of this unexpected uprising, the child begins to understand the importance of compassion and love. When a small squirrel is hurt, he bandages its wound, proving that he can change. This act of kindness deeply touches the magical beings, who forgive the child. Together, they bring him to his mother, where he finds safety and the hope of a second chance.
LE PHARE
Laurence Jobidon
Laurence Jobidon is a Quebec composer noted for her inventiveness (Jeu, revue de théâtre), her powerful lyricism (Avant-Scène Opéra), and the richness of her language (Folia Organologica). Her works have been presented in North America and Europe, recognized by several national and international competitions, and published by Productions d’Oz and NewMusicShelf (USA), in addition to being the subject of musicological and stylistic analyses in Quebec, France, and Poland.
Trained in organ by Pamela Gill Eby and Danny Bélisle, and by Andrew Paul MacDonald in composition, she has had the pleasure of working with many well-known Canadian musicians and creatives, including recent performances by Les Violons du Roy, the Orchestre de l’Agora, Ensemble Paramirabo, Stick&Bow, Duo Étrange, Musique 3 Femmes, Jacqueline Woodley and many others. Le Phare (“The Lighthouse”) is her second opera, and her first collaboration with Maria Reva.
The participation of Laurence Jobidon is made possible with the generous support of Isabelle Brassard and Claude Rivard.
THE LIBRETTIST
Maria Reva
Maria Reva writes fiction and opera libretti. She is the author of Good Citizens Need Not Fear, a linked story collection shortlisted for the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and Endling, a novel coming out in June 2025. Her work has been featured in The Atlantic, McSweeney’s, Granta, and The Wall Street Journal. Her musical collaborations include a script for City Opera Vancouver (Lost Operas of Mozart, 2016) as well as two operas with composer Anna Pidgorna: Our Trudy (commissioned and premiered by the Ad Astra Music Festival in Russell, Kansas) and Plaything (developed by Musique 3 Femmes and premiered at Berlin’s ufaFabrik in 2022). Reva was born in Ukraine and grew up in Vancouver.
L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES
Maurice Ravel
(1875-1937)
A quintessential French composer of the 20th century, Maurice Ravel is renowned for his exceptional mastery of orchestration and his impressionistic style, often compared to that of Debussy. Born in Ciboure, in the Basque region, he trained at the Paris Conservatory, where he developed a unique musical language blending classical traditions with harmonic innovations. His works, such as Boléro, Daphnis et Chloé, and Ma mère l’Oye, reflect his boundless imagination and refinement. In 1925, Ravel collaborated with the author Colette to create the opera L’Enfant et les sortilèges, a lyrical fantasy that intertwines poetry, magic, and emotion. In this work, he brilliantly brings to life characters and objects through inventive and descriptive music. Ravel’s rich and varied body of work has left a lasting mark on music history.
Colette THE LIBRETTIST
(1873-1954)
French novelist and playwright Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known simply as Colette, is one of the most celebrated literary figures of the 20th century. Originally from Burgundy, she first gained fame with her Claudine novels before becoming an author renowned for her poetic and sensual narratives exploring human nature and relationships. In 1925, she wrote the libretto for L’Enfant et les sortilèges for Maurice Ravel: an imaginative work that brings anthropomorphic objects and animals to life in a fable about childhood and responsibility. A trailblazer in her day, Colette also made literary history by becoming the first woman president of the Académie Goncourt.
CHILD
Lucie St-Martin
Originally from Gatineau, soprano Lucie St-Martin is renowned for her brilliant voice and distinctive stage presence. After studying at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal (CMM), Lucie became an artistin-residence with the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier lyrique, and later at Opera on the Avalon in Newfoundland. She is a member of the Jeunes Ambassadeurs lyriques, with whom she has distinguished herself by winning numerous awards. Lucie is recognized for the realism and depth she brings to her performances, notably in the roles of Elle (La Voix humaine, Quebec-Maritime tour of Jeunesses Musicales Canada), Giannetta (L’Elisir d’amore, Opéra de Québec), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte, CMM), as well as Meg Giry and Christine Daaé (The Phantom of the Opera, EVENKO). Internationally, she stood out in New York as a finalist in the 2023 Lotte Lenya Competition, and during a tour in China in April 2024. She can soon be heard performing at the Sängerwettstreit at the Staatstheater in Meiningen, Germany. Last ODM appearance: L’Enfant et les sortilèges (2023)
MOTHER
Camila Montefusco
MEZZO-SOPRANO
Camila Montefusco is a storyteller at heart. Described as possessing “an instrument of remarkable power and endurance” (L’Opéra, Québec), the Brazilian-born mezzo-soprano is currently a member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, making her mainstage debut as Maman in L’Enfant et les sortilèges. Highlights of Camila’s 2024–2025 season include her portrayal of Madame Flora in Le Medium with the Orchestre classique de Montréal, Annio in La clemenza di Tito and a national tour with Debut Atlantic. Previous seasons featured her in Handel’s Rinaldo, Ana Sokolović’s Svadba, Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and Thompson’s The Mother of Us All. As a co-founder of the Obsidiana Duo, Camila believes in the importance of IberoAmerican musical culture and history. By bringing the music of composers overlooked by history to the stage, she strives to amplify the voices of communities that have long been silenced. Whether in opera or recital, Camila hopes to connect with people through art and inspire a world that hungers for change. First OdM appearance
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by the Andrea Alacchi family.
MOON / PRINCESS / SHEPHERDESS / OWL Chelsea Kolić
SOPRANO CANADA / CROATIA
Croatian-Canadian soprano Chelsea Kolić has gained renown throughout North America and Europe as an exciting young artist. She has received more than ten international awards and four first prizes, which include being named Canada District Winner of the 2021–2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. In the fall of 2023, after seven years of working and studying in Europe, Chelsea returned to Canada to join the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal. In her first season, she successfully performed the roles of La Contessa in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata, made her mainstage debut as Annina in La Traviata, and sang La Virtù and Venere in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea. In the upcoming season, her roles include Mimi in Puccini’s La Bohème (cover), Princess/Shepherdess/ Owl in L’Enfant et les sortilèges, Vitellia in La clemenza di Tito, and The Moon in the world premiere of Le Phare by Laurence Jobidon. Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Sue and Soren Wehner.
LIGHTHOUSE / ARMCHAIR / TREE
Jamal Al Titi
BARITONE
CANADA / BELARUS
Jamal Al Titi is a Belorussian-Canadian whose passion for music spans early works to contemporary opera. In 2023, he made a notable impression by becoming the District Winner for Western Canada at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. He was also awarded the Rumbold Vocal Prize and won the Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition as well as the Stingray AllStar Award at the Opera de Montréal Gala Talent. For the 2024–2025 season, Jamal joins the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier lyrique program. During the 2023–2024 season, he was a Rebanks Fellow in the prestigious Rebanks Family Fellowship Program. His appearances include the title role in Don Giovanni and Tom in Adoration at the Banff Centre’s Opera in the 21st Century, Belcore in L’elisir d’amore at the Highlands Opera, and various roles at the Brott Opera Festival, such as Masetto in Don Giovanni, Schaunard in La Bohème, and Cascada in The Merry Widow. Last ODM appearance: Le Barbier de Séville (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Dr. Joyce Fung.
GRANDFATHER CLOCK / MALE CAT
Mikelis Rogers
BARITONE CANADA / LATVIA
Latvian-Canadian baritone Mikelis Rogers is an artist-in-residence with the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal. Debuts in the 2024–2025 season include Fiorello in Il barbiere di Siviglia with the Opéra de Montréal and Schaunard in La Bohème with the same company. During the 2023–2024 season, Mikelis was called upon at the last minute to perform the role of Germont in the two closing performances of La Traviata with the Opéra de Montreal, stepping in for an indisposed cast member. Winner of the Stingray Rising Star Award at the Opéra de Montréal’s Gala Talent in 2021, Mikelis completed his undergraduate studies in Voice Performance with Jean MacPhail in 2022 at the University of Toronto. Last ODM appearance: Le Barbier de Séville (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Marie-Hélène Fox.
TEAPOT / ARITHMETIC / TREE FROG
Angelo Moretti
TENOR CANADA / ITALY
Italian-Canadian tenor Angelo Moretti hails from Toronto and made his professional debut at the Opéra de Montréal in 2022 as Ruiz in Verdi’s Il Trovatore. He portrayed Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia at the University of Toronto Opera, as well as Martin in Copland’s The Tender Land. In 2023–2024, Moretti’s roles included Nemorino with the Orchestre symphonique de Drummondville, Alfredo (cover) and Gastone in La Traviata, Don Basilio, Don Curzio in Le nozze di Figaro and Remendado in Bizet’s Carmen with the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières. In the 2024–2025 season, Moretti will be the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Orchestre Classique de Montréal. He returns to the Opéra de Montréal as Parpignol in La Bohème, the title role of Tito in La clemenza di Tito, and Teapot, Arithmetic, and Tree Frog in L’Enfant et les sortilèges. Angelo remains dedicated to evoking nostalgia through his artistry, whether on the operatic stage or in intimate settings, through his performances of Italian folk songs. Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Joan Vogelesang and Fred Heese†.
CUP / DRAGONFLY
Justine Ledoux
French-Canadian mezzo-soprano Justine Ledoux is an artist-in-residence with the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal for the 2024–2025 season. Recognized for her “haunting, smoky tonality” and “command of her lower notes and higher register [which make] for thrilling artistry” (Opera Canada), Justine is a graduate of Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artist Development Program. She has performed Wellgunde (Das Rheingold), Marcellina (Le nozze di Figaro), Béatrice and Ursule (Béatrice et Bénédict), and Mercédès (Carmen). In 2024, Justine made her debut as Rosina (Il barbiere di Siviglia) with BrottOpera, earning critical acclaim. During the 2024–2025 season, she covers Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, sings Mrs. Nolan in Menotti’s The Medium with l’Orchestre classique de Montréal, and the Teacup and Dragonfly in Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges with l’Opéra de Montréal. She also debuts as alto soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Brott Music Festival. Under the mentorship of Lena Hellström-Färnlöf, she continues to refine her craft. Justine holds the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. First OdM appearance
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by la Famille Dupont.
BOAT 1 / FIRE / BAT
Sophie Naubert
Sophie Naubert is a young lyric coloratura soprano acclaimed for her “charismatic stage presence, intense emotional performance, sensuality, and vocal luminosity” (Kultur im Netz). Since the age of 23, she has performed internationally, singing with renowned ensembles such as Theater Lübeck (Germany), Orchestre Métropolitain under Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Berlin Konzerthaus, Les Violons du Roy, and Arion Orchestre Baroque, to name only a few. She also contributed to the 2021 recording of Massenet’s complete art songs for ATMA Classique. The proud winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (St. Louis District), the Concours de l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the Herbert J. Frank Prize (George London Competition), Sophie is known for her vocal agility and flexibility. Her repertoire includes roles such as Maria in The Sound of Music (Gregory Charles production), Stella Spotlight (Starmania, Berger) Semele (Handel), Eurydice (Orpheus and Eurydice, Gluck), Adina (L’elisir d’amore, Donizetti), and Annio/Servilia (La clemenza di Tito, Mozart). First OdM appearance
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Monique Roy.
BOAT 2 / SHEPHERD Ian
Canadian countertenor Ian Sabourin was raised in Ottawa and is currently based in Montreal. He was awarded the Fellowship Stingray Audience Award and recently joined the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, as the first countertenor in the history of the program. Performances include recording Bach’s cantatas with Ensemble Caprice for ATMA Classique, the world premiere of Le Phare: a new opera by Laurence Jobidon with the Opéra de Montréal. Sabourin’s 2023–2024 season included a debut role with the Opéra de Montréal as Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with the Ottawa Choral Society, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with The Peterborough Singers, Handel arias with Arion Baroque, and Mozart’s Requiem with the Orchestre Classique de Montréal. Last ODM appearance: Le Couronnement de Poppée (2023)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Dr. Nathalie Zan.
SOPRANO CANADA
PASTOURELLE / NIGHTINGALE
Bridget Esler
Praised for her “enchanting and expressive singing” (Henley Standard) and her “buoyant charm as an actor” (Georgia Strait), Vancouver-born soprano Bridget Esler joins the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal for its 2024–2025 season. Her recent and upcoming roles include Berta in Il Barbiere de Siviglia, Nightingale/Pastourelle in L’Enfant et les sortilèges (Opéra de Montréal), Monica in The Medium (Orchestre classique de Montréal), and the Parrot in the Canadian premiere of Anna Pidgorna’s Plaything (Musique 3 Femmes/Opera America). Experienced in competitions and on the concert and recital stages, Bridget was a recent prizewinner at the Gerda Lissner Foundation Song Competition and the Royal Over-Seas League Competition, and has performed across Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. She is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and of McGill University, and has completed further training at the Marlboro Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, and Samling Artist Programme. Last ODM appearance: Le Barbier de Séville (2024) Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites.
FEMALE CAT / SQUIRREL Ilanna Starr
MEZZO CANADA / UNITED-STATES
Praised for her “perfect vocal efficiency and formidable aplomb” (Le Devoir), Canadian-American mezzo Ilanna Starr is currently an artist-inresidence with the Atelier lyrique at l’Opéra de Montréal, and is thrilled to be returning to the OdM main stage after her debut in the spring as Flora Bervoix (La Traviata). Additional role highlights during the past season include the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Nerone (L’incoronazione di Poppea), and Mercédès (Carmen). After becoming a two-time award winner at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in early 2024, Ilanna earned her place as a semi-finalist at the 2024 International Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition, secured Third Prize in the Opera Category at the 2024 Concours international de Chant de Marmande and most recently was a finalist in the Canadian Opera Company’s 2024 Centre Stage Competition. A lover of dogs and baroque rage arias, Ilanna loves to sing from her heart and laugh from her belly (and vice-versa). Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Elizabeth Wirth.
THE DESIGNERS
CONDUCTOR
Nicolas Ellis
Nicolas Ellis is the Music Director of the Orchestre National de Bretagne and Principal Guest Conductor of Les Violons du Roy. He is also the Artistic Director of the Orchestre de l’Agora, which he founded in Montreal in 2013. As one of the most active conductors on the Canadian music scene, Nicolas has led the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Opéra de Québec, and the Opéra de Montréal. Internationally, he has been invited to conduct the Graz Opera and the San Diego Symphony. During the 2024–2025 season, Ellis will debut with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and will conduct a new production of Die Zauberflöte at the Opéra de Rennes. He is the recipient of the 2017 Fernand Lindsay Career Award, and was awarded the Goyer Mécénat Musica Prize in 2021. Last ODM appearance: Les Noces de Figaro (2023)
STAGE DIRECTOR AND SET DESIGNER
Sylvain Scott
Since graduating from the École de théâtre professionnel at Collège LionelGroulx in 1988, where he trained as an actor, Sylvain Scott has made a name for himself as a performer, singer, director, composer, and scenographer. He is also co-founder and co-artistic director of Théâtre Le Clou, a company dedicated to producing works for young audiences. As a director, he has guided some 20 theatrical productions, focusing primarily on musical theatre. His passion for bringing together multiple disciplines within a single work, and his ongoing interest in developing a unique creative approach, have made him a key figure within Canadian musical theatre. Several of the productions he directed have won the Critics' Award twice for Best Youth Production in Montreal. He is currently developing a new musical theatre creation — Mon père se prend pour Fellini — which will premiere in February 2026. Last ODM appearance: L’Enfant et les sortilèges (2023)
COSTUME DESIGNER
Marc Sénécal
Marc Senécal has worked in the theatre industry as a set and costume designer for over thirty-three years. His work has shone in numerous critical and popular successes, notably Les Voisins and Le dîner de con, directed by André Robitaille, Des souris et des hommes, directed by Vincent-Guillaume Otis, as well as Bonjour, là, bonjour and la Métamorphose directed by Claude Poissant. Marc is a frequent collaborator with several well-known directors. In addition to Claude Poissant and André Robitaille, in his professional career he has crossed paths with Carl Béchard, Normand Chouinard and Lorraine Pintal. Last fall, his work was seen in Faire le bien, and will be seen again in Le Songe d'une nuit d'été, both at Théâtre du Rideau Vert.. His work earned him public recognition in 2018 during the Gascon-Roux awards for his work on Les fourberies de Scapin Last ODM appearance: L'Enfant et les sortilèges (2023)
THE DESIGNERS
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Alexandre Pilon Guay
Soon after graduating from the Theatre program at Collège Lionel-Groulx in 2003, Alexandre began working in Montreal’s dance scene. This association gave him the opportunity to collaborate with several choreographers as a lighting designer, resulting in his work being seen around the world. Whether in theatre, variety shows, or museum installations, the relationship between space and content has always been central to his approach. Formerly a lecturer at UQAM and a mentor for productions at the National Theatre School of Canada, Alexandre returned to his alma mater in 2022. This has allowed him to reexamine his own practice, while also contributing to the development of pedagogy that enables new graduates to showcase Quebec culture. First OdM appearance / Last ODM appearance: L'Enfant et les sortilèges (2023)
HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER
Justine Denoncourt-Bélanger
CANADA
Resourceful and self-taught, Justine Denoncourt-Bélanger started out as an assistant to makeup artist Amélie Bruneau-Longpré (Romeo and Juliet [Just for Laughs and TNM]), and Mary Poppins (Just for Laughs). Although her preferred field is theatre, she also dabbles in television, fashion, music, photography and more. She regularly collaborates with directors such as Catherine Vidal (La Mouette [Prospero]), Alexia Bürger (La Femme qui fuit [TNM]), Louis-Karl Tremblay (Mlle Agnès [Rideau vert]) and Marie-Eve Milot (Mama [Duceppe]). Her talent has also been showcased on Je t'écris au milieu d'un bel orage (TNM), Incendies (Duceppe), Traces d'étoiles (Théâtre du Rideau Vert), Toutes choses (Quat’Sous), to name a few. During the past year, we have seen her work on La dernière cassette (L'Activité), Le Couronnement de Poppée (Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal) and La Famille Addams (Théâtre St-Denis), as well as on 5 balles dans la tête (Du Bunker). Last ODM appearance: Le Couronnement de Poppée (2023)
VIDEO DESIGNER
Gaspard Philippe
Gaspard Philippe is a sound and video designer, who graduated from the Production Program at the National Theatre School of Canada in 2018. Versatile and multifaceted, he has worked on a wide range of productions in theatre, dance, opera, and music. Moving between video design and sound engineering, he has collaborated with numerous companies, including Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Ex Machina, Théâtre Duceppe, and the Opéra du Capitole in Toulouse. More recently, he has contributed to several theatrical works as a video designer. Naturally curious, he constantly seeks to push the limits of technological and artistic tools, bringing fresh energy to his creative work. Last ODM appearance: La beauté du monde (2022)
THE DESIGNERS
MOVEMENT COACH Jamie Wright
Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jamie studied at York University in Toronto, where in 1997 she earned a BFA in Dance. After arriving in Montreal in 1999, she danced primarily with the José Navas/Compagnie Flak company from 2002 to 2008, while also performing in several works by artists such as Ginette Laurin, Estelle Clareton, Dana Gingras and Caroline Gravel. Since 2006, Jamie has collaborated closely with choreographer Frédérick Gravel and the Groupe d'Art Gravel Art Group (GAG), working on more than eight choreographical projects in a variety of roles. She is currently Artistic Assistant for Fear and Greed, and also assisted in the creation of History is Mostly Made of Flesh for tanzmainz in Germany in the fall of 2024. Within the world of theatre, Jamie regularly choreographs and coaches movement, from a student project at the Conservatoire directed by Claude Poissant, to Les Sorcières de Salem at Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, staged by Edith Patenaude. L'Enfant et les sortilèges and Le Phare mark her first collaboration with the Opéra de Montréal. First OdM appearance
IN REHEARSALS
REHEARSAL PIANIST ( LE PHARE )
Martine Jomphe is a versatile and sought-after collaborative pianist from Fredericton, New Brunswick. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University, and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Ottawa. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in vocal accompaniment at the Université de Montréal with Francis Perron and Liz Upchurch. Martine has received many prestigious scholarships for her excellence in piano performance, as well as for her music research. She was recently awarded a doctoral SSHRC grant in support of her groundbreaking primary research on the Jewish composer Eli Rubinstein, and his involvement with the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre in Montreal. Martine’s opera experience includes being répétiteur for the University of Ottawa’s 2021 production of The Turn of the Screw and touring with Jeunesses Musicales Canada for their 2023 production of La Fille du régiment. Martine is thrilled to be a part of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal during its 2024–2025 season. First OdM appearance
Martine Jomphe is generously sponsored by Isabelle Murray & Dominic Chalifoux.
REHEARSAL PIANIST ( L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES )
Jerome de los Santos
Martine Jomphe UNITED
Los Angeles-born pianist Jerome de los Santos is noted for his passionate and deeply personal approach to performance. Currently based in Montreal, he holds degrees from the Schulich School of Music of McGill University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, with further training at the Aspen Music Festival, Todi International Music Masters, Music Fest Perugia, and the Académie internationale vocale de Lachine. This summer, Jerome was a Lehrer Vocal Institute fellow in Vocal Piano, and répétiteur for Bizet’s Carmen at the Music Academy of the West. In addition, he received the Linda Seltzer Yawitz Scholarship in Vocal Piano. A natural collaborator, his career spans opera, art song, instrumental, music theatre, and dance. His skills as a ballet pianist are sought after and he is currently on staff at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Jerome’s 2024–2025 season at the Opéra de Montréal includes his role as assistant pianist for Il barbiere di Siviglia, Le Phare, L’Enfant et les sortilèges, and La Bohème Last ODM appearance: Le Barbier de Séville (2024)
Member of the Atelier lyrique, generously sponsored by Antoine Chagnon and Antonio Vieira.
THE MUSICIANS
FIRST VIOLINS
Chloé Chabanole
TJ Skinner
Isaac Jobin
Veronica Ungureanu
SECOND VIOLINS
Julien Patrice
Lise-Marie Riberdy
Julie Rivest
Roxanne Sicard
VIOLAS
Quinn Robinson
Sarah-Ève Vigneault
Marie Vivies
CELLOS
Thomas Beard
Joshua Morris
Jérémi Desjardins
DOUBLE BASS
Gabriel Rioux
William Boivin
HARP
Juliette Duguay
PIANO / CELESTA
Rebecca Klassen-Wiebe
FLUTE AND PICCOLO
Noémie Caron-Marcotte
OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN
Léanne Teran-Paul
CLARINETS
Antonin Cuerrier
Victor Alibert
BASSOON AND CONTRABASSOON
Jeff Poussier-Leduc
HORN
Guillaume Roy
TRUMPET
Françis Pigeon
TROMBONE
Sébastien Côté
TIMPANI
David Therrien-Brongo
PERCUSSION
Catherine Cherrier
Lucy Chen
Thank you, dear donors, for supporting the Opéra de Montréal with such passion and generosity!
DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
$1,000,000+
Mrs. Vanda Treiser et à la mémoire de M. Benjamin Treiser*
$250,000+
René Branchaud*
Andre Ferraro*
Elizabeth Wirth
$100,000+
Azrieli Foundation
Dr François Loubert*
RBC Foundation
$50,000+
Succession Lise Beauchamp
Fondation Sandra & Alain Bouchard
CGI
Fondation J.A. DeSève
Fondation Jacqueline Desmarais pour les jeunes chanteurs d'opéra canadiens
Tony & Betty Infilise Family Foundation
Claude Leblanc*
Fondation Marie-Christine Tremblay & Jacques Marchand Pascal Lépine
Carolyn & Richard J. Renaud
Colleen & Mirko Wicha
Vickie Zhao & Alex Ionescu
$25,000+
Famille Andrea Alacchi*
Naomi & Eric Bissell
Antoine Chagnon & Antonio Vieira*
Dre Francoise P. Chagnon VOCALEX INC.
Sigrid & Gilles Chatel
Famille Dupont*
Ossama el Naggar
Marie-Hélène Fox*
Joyce Fung, in memory of Theodore Fung*
François Leclair & John Farrell
Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites*
Isabelle Murray & Dominic Chalifoux* Québecor inc.
Un soutien bienveillant et visionnaire pour la relève de l’opéra
Nurturing and visionary support for future opera stars
Merci aux Initiatives Vanda Treiser de contribuer à propulser les carrières des jeunes artistes de l’Atelier lyrique !
Thank you to Vanda Treiser Initiatives for helping propel the careers of emerging artists at the Atelier lyrique!
La Fondation Azrieli est fière de soutenir l’Opéra de Montréal dans la découverte, l’élévation et l’amplification de nouvelles voix.
The Azrieli Foundation is proud to support Opéra de Montréal in discovering, elevating and amplifying new voices.
Programming and Production Partners
Civic Impact and Education Partners
Québec Creation Partner
Partners
Presenting Partners
National Audition Partner
MRS. VANDA TREISER and in memory of MR. BENJAMIN TREISER
DoubleTree by Hilton Montréal
LaCité Le Mille Neuf
PERMANENT TEAM
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
Patrick Corrigan, General Director / Hélène Turp, Assistant to the General Director
ARTISTIC DIRECTION
Michel Beaulac, Artistic Director / Nicolas Bourry, Artistic Administrator
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
Louis Bouchard, Chief Operating Officer
ATELIER LYRIQUE DE L’OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Jennifer Szeto, Director of the Atelier Lyrique / Geneviève Lessard, Production Manager / Marie Maous, Program Manager / Martin Dubé, Head Coach / Julie Abran, Stage Manager
PRODUCTION
Pierre Massoud, Production Director / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Laurence Pronier, Head of Stage Management Department / Marie Hélène Larivière, Production Manager and Coordinator / Drew Lyall, Assistant to the Technical Director / Dominique Guindon, Head of Wardrobe / Sonya Bayer, Assistant Head of Wardrobe / Sandra Chirico, Wardrobe Supervisor
Administration
FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Maria Morse, Director of Finance and Administration / Marie-Claude Lagacé, Accounting Technician / Jessica Yip, Accounting Technician
HUMAN RESOURCES
Elisabeth Malo, Human Resources Director
PHILANTHROPY
Jean-Pierre Primiani, Chief Philanthropy Officer / Antoine Gervais, Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager / Audrey Le Cour, Philanthropy and Partnerships Officer / Amy Grainger, Philanthropic Operations and Communications Manager / Géraldine Leong Sang, Philanthropic Operations and Communications Coordinator / Marion Malon, Project Manager, Philanthropic Events
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Stéphanie Laichi, Director, Marketing and Communications / Daniella Johnson, Communications and Public Relations Manager / Darnyse Memnon, Client Services Manager / Marie-Pier Perron, Marketing Manager / Alice Menut, Project manager / Maïka Bélanger, Coordinator, Client Services / Aliyah Mitchell Richer, Ambre Vigier, Antoine Hatem, Client Services Agents
CIVIC IMPACT AND EDUCATION
Pierre Vachon, Director, Civic Impact and Education / Charlotte Gagnon, Manager, Social Impact and Education / Marie-Line Arragon, Coordinator Social Impact and Education
Current Production Team
PRODUCTION
Pierre Massoud, Production Director / Marie Hélène Larivière, Production Manager / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Drew Lyall, Assistant Technical Director / Olivier Ouellet-Hébert, Video Technical Director / Nataq Huault, Wireless Microphone Coordinator / Geneviève Lessard, 2023 Creative Production Management
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Laurence Pronier, Stage Director / Julie Abran, General Stage Manager / Léa Touzé, Valérie Bélanger, Assistant Stage Managers
Daniel Masse, Head Carpenter / Julie Latulippe, Martin Jannard, Assistant Head Carpenters / Pierre Veniot, Head of Sound / André Corbeil, Assistant Head of Sound / Isabelle Gagnon, David Leblanc, Prop Masters / Martin Turgeon, Assistant Prop Master / Charles Denis, Head Flyman / Eric Piché, Assistant Head Flyman / Saturnin Goyer, Head of Lighthing / Martin Dussault, Assistant Head of Lighting
Stage technical services provided by: IATSE Local 56
THANKS TO OUR COLLABORATORS:
Softbox intégration inc. : Sound & Lighting
Trans Québec : Audiovisual
Les Entreprises Truck'N Roll : Transport
33 Degrés : Graphic Design and Modeling
Juliet Petrus : Language Consultant for L'Enfant et les sortilèges
The Opéra de Montréal thanks the following collaborators for their contributions to the development of Le Phare:
• Tapestry Opera LIBLAB
• Musique 3 Femmes
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• National Arts Centre Orchestra
Design Team
Sylvain Scott, Set Designer / Alexandre Pilon-Guay, Lighting Designer / Marc Sénécal, Costume Designer / Gaspard Philippe, Video Designer / Justine Denoncourt-Bélanger, Hair and Makeup Designer / Jamie Wright, Movement Consultant
Sets created by Atelier Productions Yves Nicol & Atelier Morel Leroux Inc. and costumes created by the Opéra de Montréal Costume Workshop.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT René Branchaud Lavery
VICE-PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Wirth Wirth-Brand Inc., Wirth Rail
SECRETARY
Alysia Yip-Hoi Martin
Maison Alysia
TREASURER
Sylvie Marois
Banque Nationale Gestion privée 1859
MEMBERS
Louis Arseneault Consultant in Communications and Public Affairs
François Carrier Desjardins Marché des capitaux
Bruno-Étienne Duguay NOVACAP
Joanie Lapalme Fasken
François Loubert Clinique médicale Angus Guillaume Marion Sagard
Louise Roy, O.C., O.Q. CIRANO
Bernard Stotland, F.C.A., F.C.P.A. Richter
Vanda Treiser Philanthropist
Daniel Turp Université de Montréal
Joan Vogelesang
Joan Vogelesang (JV) Consultants
Vickie Zhao Philanthropist
FROM MAY 10 TO 20, 2025
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
La Bohème
PUCCINI
OPÉRA
The illustrious filmmaker Baz Luhrmann once said that La Bohème was the greatest love story ever sung. It is certainly a favourite within the repertoire. Staged by François Racine, this production causes us to reflect upon the fragility of love and life. What price do we pay if we try to follow our hearts and fulfill all our dreams? Young Montreal conductor Simon Rivard conducts the Orchestre Métropolitain in his Opéra de Montréal debut.
SUMMARY
Four young artists are living together in Paris’ Latin Quarter. Their dreams are many and their cares are few . . . The night when Mimi knocks on the young poet Rodolfo’s door heralds disruption in the course of their lives. All too quickly, the stark realities of life shatter their illusions.
FEBRUARY 25, 2025 AT 7:30 PM
Opti-Centre de Vaudreuil-Dorion
CONCERT
Rome : d'amour et de sang
IN COLLABORATION WITH GALILEO L’ORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE DE LA VALLÉE-DU-HAUT-RICHELIEU
This concert features post-modern overlays and reconstructions of Baroque songs and airs. Directed by Thomas Lussier, with musical direction by Daniel Constantineau, this performance stars baritone Jamal Al Titi, soprano Bridget Esler, soprano Chelsea Kolic, mezzo Justine Ledoux, mezzo Camila Montefusco, countertenor Ian Sabourin, and narrator Pierre Vachon. A lecture on "Baroque Opera: Instruments of the Period" will precede the performance.
