VISIONARY ARTISTIC PATRON
Programming Partners
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
@operademontreal
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 in 3 acts Premiere: April 25, 1926, in Milan Composer: Giacomo Puccini / New ending: Christopher Tin Librettists: Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni / New ending: Susan Soon He Stanton Language: Italian with English and French surtitles Duration: 2:30 (including a 25-minute intermission) TURANDOT CALAF LIÙ TIMUR CHANCELLOR MAJORDOMO HEAD CHEF EMPEROR ALTOUM A MANDARIN THE PRINCE OF PERSIA
MAIDA HUNDELING ANDREA SHIN KIRSTEN MACKINNON RAYMOND ACETO NATHAN KEOUGHAN ROCCO RUPOLO ANGELO MORETTI RICHARD MARGISON COLIN MACKEY* THOMAS MACLEAY
MUSICAL DIRECTION STAGE DIRECTION ASSOCIATE STAGE DIRECTION SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN VIDEO DESIGN ASSOCIATE VIDEO DESIGN CHOREOGRAPHY CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANT CHORUS DIRECTION REHEARSAL PIANIST REHEARSAL PIANIST ASSISTANT
PAOLO ARRIVABENI FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO ANNA-MARIA BRUZZESE WILSON CHIN LINDA CHO AMITH CHANDRASHAKER S. KATY TUCKER BLAKE MANNS JESSICA LANG & KANJI SEGAWA RACHEL SECREST CLAUDE WEBSTER JEROME DE LOS SANTOS TONY STAUFFER* Chœur de l’Opéra de Montréal
A coproduction of Opéra de Montréal, the Washington National Opera, and the Dallas Opera. Scenery for this production by the Washington National Opera and is jointly owned by Opéra de Montréal, the Washington National Opera, and The Dallas Opera. Costumes for this production were constructed at the Washington National Opera Costume Studio and are jointly owned by Opéra de Montréal, the Washington National Opera and The Dallas Opera. Projected English surtitles design by Kelley Rourke originally.
September 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., September 29 and October 1, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., and October 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER, PLACE DES ARTS * Artist-In-Residence at the Atelier lyrique
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 Council for the arts, Canadian Heritage, the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the City of Montreal, and Emploi Québec.
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Complice de l’Opéra de Montréal
A word from the General Director NESSUM DORMA: THE ARIA WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR It is with a spectacular Turandot that the Opéra de Montréal opens its 2026-2027 season, my first as General Director. I won't hide the fact that I am deeply moved. And proud, too. Proud, because behind the curtain before you, over 150 artists are preparing to bring to life this monumental work, which premiered at La Scala in Milan exactly a century ago. Proud, because we made the bold choice to present the reimagined version by Christopher Tin and Susan Soon He Stanton, featuring a new ending. As you may recall, Puccini passed away before completing this opera, and the epilogue was originally composed by Franco Alfano. As you will see, this change paves the way for a completely new experience. But you’re used to this by now: bringing opera to life differently has become our signature!
This Turandot is the final production spearheaded by Michel Beaulac, who, after 37 years of service to the Opéra de Montréal, including 20 as A rtistic Director – Zhao-Ionescu Family, is taking his final bow for a well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Michel, for your passion, your dedication, and your artistic vision. Over the years, you have helped shape the identity of the Opéra de Montréal, championed local
artists and new works, and cemented the company at the very heart of the Quebec and Montreal cultural ecosystem, all while contributing to its international reach.
And now, in the third act, you will hear one of the most famous arias in the repertoire: Nessun dorma, "Let no one sleep." For us, this Nessun dorma is more than an aria; it is a promise made to Montreal for the years to come: to never rest on our laurels or past successes, to innovate relentlessly, and to be a flagship institution playing a major role in our city's cultural future. With the Opéra de Montréal, the metropolis will remain wide awake. Nessun dorma. It will sing, vibrate, and shine. It will spread its talent and creativity to the four corners of Quebec and the world. It will dream big and live intensely. To live intensely is exactly what I wish for you as soon as the performance begins in just a few minutes. Enjoy the show and have a wonderful season with us!
JEAN-PIERRE PRIMIANI 5
Your idea
of you
happens here
® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.
132895 (09/2025)
A word from the Artistic Director
— Zhao-Ionescu Family
This production of Turandot holds a very special place in my journey, as it marks my final production as Artistic Director. It felt only natural to conclude my two-decade adventure with a work of such magnitude, where the power of a legend, the richness of Puccini’s music, and the beauty of great voices come together. This season opener boldly reaffirms our commitment to expanding the reach of opera by collaborating with other prestigious houses on co-productions. Featuring a new ending composed by Christopher Tin, this unfinished opera by Puccini reveals, once again, the dynamic spirit of our company. We have brought together exceptional talent for this Turandot to offer you a production worthy of this monumental work. I am particularly proud of the international cast, in which Canadian singers shine so brilliantly.
As I turn this important page in my professional life, I feel immense gratitude toward the artists, the artisans, the administrative teams, our volunteers, our partners, and to all of you, our loyal audience. Every production is a collective endeavor, and it is thanks to everyone’s passion and dedication that we are able to bring these exceptional moments to life. I hope this Turandot will move you and remind each of us of opera's unparalleled power to bring people together. Long live opera. Long live the Opéra de Montréal!
MICHEL BEAULAC
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Votre rendez-vous culturel
Chaque jeudi, Sortir vous ouvre les portes de la scène culturelle d’ici, pour renouer avec le frisson de l’art vivant.
Découvrir
Synopsis ACT I
In a crumbling, heavily policed city, a crowd witnesses the execution of the Prince of Persia, who has failed to solve the Princess Turandot's riddles. Prince Calaf arrives as a refugee and is reunited with his exiled, blind father, Timur, and the loyal slave Liù. When Princess Turandot emerges, Calaf is instantly captivated. Disregarding the warnings of the crowd and his companions, Calaf strikes the gong, declaring his intention to solve the riddles and win her hand.
ACT III
Turandot decrees that no one in the city shall sleep until the stranger's identity is discovered, inspiring Calaf to sing the famous aria “Nessun dorma”, confident in his ultimate victory. Guards drag in Timur and Liù. Despite brutal torture, Liù refuses to reveal the prince's name and ultimately kills herself to protect him. Moved by her unwavering devotion, the court and the crowd mourn Liù.
THE NEW ENDING
ACT II
Inside the brutalist palace, the Chancellor, Majordomo and Head Chef lament the loss of the peace that preceded Turandot’s reign of terror. Turandot explains the reasons behind her cruelty: she is avenging the historical abduction and murder of her ancestor, Princess Lo-u- ling. Calaf is brought before her and successfully solves the three riddles. Turandot is horrified and begs her father, the Emperor, not to force her into the marriage. Seeking to offer her an honourable way out, Calaf proposes a riddle of his own: if she can discover his true name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.
Unlike traditional versions where a kiss magically transforms Turandot, Francesca Zambello's production features a finale composed by Christopher Tin with a libretto by Susan Soon He Stanton. This updated conclusion explores the roots of Turandot’s icy demeanour, revealing trauma from both her ancestor's death and the abuse she suffered during a palace attack. Persuaded by Calaf to abandon vengeance, she transforms into a compassionate leader who honours Liù by burying her alongside Lou- ling. Ultimately, she opens her heart to love, subverting the traditional damselin-distress archetype in favour of a true, mutual partnership.
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Composers
Giacomo Puccini (1858 – 1924)
GEORGES BIZET (1838-1875)
Giacomo Puccini is one of the most illustrious Italian opera composers, renowned for his melodic genius and dramatic power. Heir to the romantic tradition, he defined the repertoire with timeless masterpieces such as La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. His style combines poignant lyricism with rich, innovative orchestration. His final opera, Turandot, testifies to his musical audacity, integrating complex harmonies and exotic colours. Left unfinished at his death, this colossal work illustrates the constant evolution of his musical language and remains one of his most fascinating and celebrated achievements.
NEW ENDING
Christopher Tin
(1976 – )
Christopher Tin is a two-time Grammy Award-winning American composer known for his sweeping choral and orchestral writing. First gaining global acclaim in video game music with the historic theme Baba Yetu (Civilization IV), he seamlessly bridges musical genres, from film scores to classical concert halls. His unique ability to fuse contemporary elements with grand classical structures led to a monumental commission: composing a new ending for Puccini’s Turandot. This modern conclusion provides a fresh psychological and dramatic resolution to the epic tale, cementing Tin’s position as a major, innovative voice in contemporary vocal and operatic music.
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Librettists
Giuseppe Adami (1878 – 1946)
Renato Simoni
GEORGES BIZET
(1875 – 1952)
Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni are the Italian librettists behind Puccini’s final masterpiece, Turandot. Adami, a playwright and music critic, was a long-time collaborator of Puccini, having previously co-authored La Rondine
and Il Tabarro. Simoni, a highly respected journalist, playwright, and scholar, brought essential expertise in Asian culture and theatre, which was crucial for adapting Carlo Gozzi's original fable. Together, they successfully translated the composer's ambitious vision, combining the tradition of commedia dell'arte with intense psychological drama, thereby providing Puccini with one of his richest and most spectacular texts.
NEW ENDING
Susan Soon He Stanton
(1976 – )
Susan Soon He Stanton is an acclaimed Hawaiian playwright, screenwriter, and librettist known for her complex and nuanced storytelling. She is widely celebrated for her work as a writer and producer on HBO’s hit television series Succession, which earned her multiple Emmy Awards. In the theatre world, her plays frequently explore themes of identity, power, and cultural dynamics. Collaborating with Christopher Tin, she makes a striking foray into the operatic world by writing the libretto for the new ending of Turandot. She brings a decidedly modern perspective, redefining the classic tale's conclusion with unprecedented emotional depth and clarity.
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Artists Maida Hundeling
TURANDOT
Andrea Shin
CALAF
Kirsten MacKinnon
LIÙ
German soprano Maida Hundeling has built her career on major dramatic roles including Turandot, Elisabeth and GERMANY Venus in Tannhäuser, Elsa and Ortrud in Lohengrin, Senta, Sieglinde, Brünnhilde, Isolde, Elektra, Salome, Ariadne, Leonore in Fidelio, Marie in Wozzeck, Tosca, Aida and Abigaille. She has appeared on stages worldwide, including Covent Garden, Arena di Verona, Staatsoper Hamburg, Teatro La Fenice, Houston Grand Opera, and NCPA-Beijing. Recently, she sang her signature role of Turandot at Covent Garden (2026) under Maestro Daniel Oren, made her Maltese debut with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and appeared at Landestheater Linz and Prague National Theatre. Highlights of her 2026-2027 season include her Canadian debut in Turandot at Opéra de Montréal, and Brünnhilde in Wagner's Ring cycle at NCPA-Beijing. Last OdM appearance: The Flying Dutchman (2012) Soprano
Born in Seoul, Andrea Shin studied at Accademia della Scala, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Prayner Konservatorium SOUTH KOREA in Vienna, and has won prizes at Voci Verdiane in Busseto and the Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition in Vienna. A former ensemble member of Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, he sang roles in operas such as Un Ballo in Maschera, Rigoletto, Tosca, Carmen and Boris Godunov, with further guest engagements in Hannover, Stuttgart, Erfurt, Mainz, Münster and Aachen. In 2018, he debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, later returning as Rodolfo in La Bohème. His Calaf in Turandot has taken him to Dortmund, Darmstadt, Oper im Steinbruch, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hong Kong and Festival Luglio Musicale Trapanese, and he has performed in Aida, Don Carlo, Il Trovatore and Norma across Germany, Korea and Finland. First OdM Appearance Tenor
Described by Opera UK as a heroine with poise, expressive singing, excellent vocalism, and a dark and full tone, CANADA Canadian soprano Kirsten MacKinnon has captured the attention of audiences across North America and Europe. Recent performances include her company debuts with Pacific Opera Victoria for Britten's Turn of the Screw (Governess), Vancouver Opera for Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (Pamina), and both Opéra de Montréal and Teatro Regio Torino for Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro (Countess). She has also been engaged by the Canadian Opera Company, Glyndebourne Festival, Oper Frankfurt, Garsington Opera, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival, for repertoire including Strauss' Capriccio, Bizet's Carmen, and Mozart's Così fan tutte. Last OdM appearance: The Marriage of Figaro (2023) Soprano
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Artists Raymond Aceto
TIMUR
Nathan Keoughan
CHANCELLOR
Rocco Rupolo
MAJORDOMO
American bass Raymond Aceto has established a commanding presence among the world's leading opera UNITED STATES companies, earning acclaim for signature roles including Baron Scarpia in Tosca and Warden George Benton in Dead Man Walking, which he sang at the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. A graduate of the Met's Young Artist Development Program, he has appeared there regularly since his 1992–1993 debut, alongside engagements at Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna Staatsoper, and Teatro Real Madrid. A frequent concert soloist, his repertoire includes Verdi's Requiem, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with major orchestras across North America. Last OdM appearance: Fidelio (2019) Bass
Baritone Nathan Keoughan is a rising Canadian star to watch, praised for his “booming, rich voice” and CANADA “charismatic, frightening, and empathetic” performances (Broadway World). Career highlights include his American debut with Cincinnati Opera for Bilodeau’s Another Brick in the Wall in the leading role of Pink, his role and company debut with Vancouver Opera for Bizet's Carmen as Escamillo, and his Canadian Opera Company debut in Bilodeau’s La Reine-garçon as Karl Gustav. Nathan subsequently returned to the COC for both Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Verdi’s Rigoletto, for which he returns to Opéra de Montréal this season. His discography includes Tiefenbach’s The Long Walk Home, released by the Canadian Art Song Project, and a studio recording of Jeffrey Ryan’s one-act opera, The Laurels. Last OdM appearance: Roméo et Juliette (2018) Former member of the Atelier lyrique. Baritone
Tenor Rocco Rupolo holds an Opera Diploma and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. After CANADA graduating in 2013, he spent two years in Vancouver Opera's Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program, performing Anthony in Sweeney Todd and Remendado in Carmen. In 2017, he joined Opéra de Montréal's Atelier lyrique, singing Borsa (Rigoletto), Benvolio (Roméo et Juliette), and Spoletta (Tosca). He returned to OdM in 2019 for Lucia di Lammermoor and again in 2022 for the world premiere of Julien Bilodeau's La beauté du monde. As Alfredo in La Traviata, he made his Opéra de Québec debut in 2019, followed by his international debut in 2022 with Iceland Opera, reprising the role in 2025 with Kelowna Opera. He was a finalist in the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio Competition. Last OdM appearance: Carmen (2026) Former member of the Atelier lyrique. Tenor
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Artists Angelo Moretti
HEAD CHEF
Richard Margison
EMPEROR ALTOUM
Colin Mackey
A MANDARIN
Canadian-Italian tenor Angelo Moretti, from Toronto, made his professional debut in 2022 at Opéra de ITALY/CANADA Montréal as Ruiz (Il Trovatore). He has since performed on the company's mainstage as Don Basilio and Don Curzio (Le nozze di Figaro), Gastone (La Traviata), Le petit vieillard and La théière (L'enfant et les sortilèges), and Parpignol (La Bohème), as well as the title role of Tito (La Clemenza di Tito) with the Atelier lyrique. After three formative years in Montreal, he joined the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio in 2025/26, singing Benvolio (Roméo et Juliette) and Count Almaviva (The Barber of Seville). Recent engagements include Handel's Messiah with Orchestre Classique de Montréal and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Last OdM appearance: La Bohème (2025) Former member of the Atelier lyrique. Tenor
Hailed for his ringing top notes and spine-tingling power, Canadian tenor Richard Margison is one of the most CANADA critically acclaimed opera singers Canada has ever produced. An Officer of the Order of Canada and recipient of three honorary doctorates and two lifetime achievement awards, he has performed as a principal artist for over two decades at the world's leading houses, including fifteen consecutive years at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as La Scala, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna Staatsoper, and Opéra de Montréal. His signature roles include Calaf in Turandot, Manrico in Il Trovatore, Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Bacchus in Ariadne auf Naxos. In 2007, he co-founded the Highlands Opera Studio, a summer training program for emerging Canadian singers. He now devotes much of his time to teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. Last OdM appearance: Un ballo in maschera (2007) Tenor
Newfoundland baritone Colin Mackey enjoyed a dynamic first year with l’Atelier lyrique, covering Don Giovanni, CANADA debuting as Rychtář in Jenůfa, collaborating with the Orchestre classique de Montréal, and taking part in a workshop of Jonathan Dawe’s Atys. In 2026–27, he will sing the Mandarin in Turandot, perform Mozart’s Requiem with the Orchestre de l’Agora, make his Salle Bourgie debut in a Schubert Lieder recital, and appear in the Opéra de Montréal production of Atys. A former McPhee Artist with Calgary Opera, he attended the Franz Schubert Institute in Austria and holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School and a master’s degree from McGill University. Last OdM appearance: Jenůfa (2025) Baritone
A member of the Atelier lyrique, Colin Mackey’s residency is made possible through artistic sponsorship by Joan Vogelesang & Fred Heese †*.
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Artists Thomas Macleay
THE PRINCE OF PERSIA
Canadian tenor Thomas Macleay has been hailed as a revelation for his beautiful sound, gorgeous phrasing and CANADA musical instinct. Notable performances include Turiddu (Cavalleria Rusticana) and Cavaradossi (Tosca) with the Italian Week festival, Faust with Festival de Musique de Saint-Eustache, and Rodolfo (La Bohème) with Sinfonia de Montréal. He has sung Pylade in Iphigénie en Tauride, the title role in Acis and Galatea with Toronto's Opera Atelier, and Alfred in Die Fledermaus with Opéra de Montréal. He was Charlie in Pacific Opera Victoria's world premiere of Mary's Wedding (CBC broadcast), created Algernon in Earnest with Toronto Operetta Theatre, and created Abel in L'hypothèse Caïn by Michel Gonneville. His concert repertoire includes Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Handel's Messiah, and Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde. He trained at the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, CNIPAL in Marseille, and McGill University. First OdM Appearance. Former member of the Atelier lyrique Tenor
The Designers Paolo Arrivabeni
MUSICAL DIRECTION
One of the most in-demand Italian opera conductors of his generation, Paolo Arrivabeni's repertoire ranges from the great 19th-century Italian composers to Wagner, Strauss and Mussorgsky. His recent seasons have included Simon Boccanegra at Opernhaus Zürich, Madama Butterfly at Opéra de Marseille and Semperoper Dresden, Maria Stuarda at the Royal Danish Opera, Il Trovatore at Staatsoper Hamburg, and Aida and Nabucco at Deutsche Oper Berlin. Highly regarded by German houses, he is a frequent guest at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Semperoper Dresden, as well as at Wiener Staatsoper, Opéra Bastille, Teatro San Carlo, Teatro La Fenice, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, the Metropolitan Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. First OdM Appearance
ITALY
Francesca Zambello
STAGE DIRECTION
Francesca Zambello has been the Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera since 2013 as well as the Artistic & General Director of the Glimmerglass Festival, Emerita. She has staged new productions at major theatres and opera houses in Europe, Asia, Australia, Russia, and the U.S. She has worked at more than 50 international opera houses. Her theatrical work has been performed on Broadway and in Europe. She is a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy and received the Russian Federation’s Arts Medal for her service to culture. Other honours include Olivier Awards, Evening Standard Awards, French Grand Prix des Critiques and Green Room Awards as well as the Medallion Society Award from the San Francisco Opera, recognizing 30 years of work for the company, including directing the Ring cycle twice. Last OdM appearance: Thérèse Raquin (2002)
UNITED STATES
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The Designers Anna Maria Bruzzese
ASSOCIATE STAGE DIRECTION
After training at the Accademia Regionale di Danza in Turin, Anna Maria Bruzzese danced with several companies and festivals across Europe and Japan. In 2004, she began her career as a choreographer and opera director, reviving productions for major theatres including Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Wiesbaden Festival, Warsaw's Opera Narodowa, Muscat Royal Opera House, Washington National Opera, and San Francisco Opera, collaborating with directors such as Laurent Pelly, Francesca Zambello, William Friedkin and Christopher Alden. Her new productions include Children's Crusade, Carmen, Rigoletto, Le nozze di Figaro, L'elisir d'amore, Pagliacci, Cavalleria Rusticana, La Fille du régiment and Tosca. Since 2022, she has served as associate director and choreographer for Francesca Zambello's Carmen at Washington National Opera and San Francisco Opera, and Turandot at Dallas Opera. First OdM Appearance
ITALY
Wilson Chin
SET DESIGN
New York-based stage designer Wilson Chin's Broadway and touring credits include Cost of Living by Martyna Majok (Pulitzer Prize winner, five Tony nominations), Pass Over by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu (Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Henry Hewes nominations), the Annie international tour, and Next Fall (two Tony nominations). His opera credits include Turandot (Washington National Opera), Lucia di Lammermoor (Lyric Opera of Chicago), and Eine Florentinische Tragödie and Gianni Schicchi (Canadian Opera Company, Dora Award winner). He has served as associate designer on over a dozen Broadway productions, most recently Sunset Blvd., A Doll's House, and & Juliet. Wilson holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MFA from Yale School of Drama. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
Linda Cho
COSTUME DESIGN
Linda Cho is a two-time Tony Award-winning costume designer based in New York City, honoured for The Great Gatsby and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and nominated for a Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award for Anastasia. Her work has been seen extensively across the U.S. and internationally in Europe, Asia and South America, including ballet and opera productions at The Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and American Ballet Theatre. She has received Theatre Development Fund's Irene Sharaff Young Master Award and the Ruth Morley Design Award, and serves on the American Theatre Wing's Advisory Committee. Linda holds a BA from McGill University in Montreal and an MFA from Yale School of Drama. First OdM Appearance
SOUTH KOREA/UNITED STATES
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The Designers Amith
LIGHTING DESIGN
Chandrashaker Amith is a Tony-nominated lighting designer working
across theatre, opera and dance. His Broadway credits include Prayer for the French Republic (Tony nomination) and Merrily We Roll Along; Off-Broadway work spans The Public, Playwrights Horizons, NYTW, The Atlantic and The Signature, alongside regional credits at Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, The Geffen and The Huntington. In opera, he has designed for The Glimmerglass Festival, Houston Grand Opera and Washington National Opera, and in dance for Staatstheater Nuremberg, The Lyon Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet of New Zealand, The Joyce, and The National Dance Company of Wales. A Drama Desk and Henry Hewes Award recipient, he holds an MFA from NYU Tisch and is on faculty at the University of Maryland. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
S. Katy Tucker
VIDEO DESIGN
Katy Tucker is a New York-based video and projection designer who began her career as a painter and installation artist, exhibiting at venues including The Corcoran Museum and Artists Space. She has collaborated with musicians such as Paul McCartney, Helga Davis and Pamela Z. Her live performance work has appeared on Broadway and OffBroadway, and at The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, Carnegie Hall, the Park Avenue Armory, BAM, the Kennedy Center, San Francisco Opera, Dutch National Opera, Sydney Opera House and Houston Grand Opera, among others. Recent and upcoming projects include Smash on Broadway, Tannhäuser at Houston Grand Opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs at Washington National Opera, Siegfried at Teatro alla Scala, Turandot at Washington National Opera, Medea at the Canadian Opera Company, and Florencia en el Amazonas at The Metropolitan Opera. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
Blake Manns
ASSOCIATE VIDEO DESIGN
Blake Manns is an Austin, Texas-based video and projection designer. Recent credits as Projection Designer include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Roméo et Juliette (Washington National Opera), and The Anonymous Lover (Atlanta Opera). As Animator, his work has been featured on the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, the BET Awards, and the American Music Awards. As Associate Projection Designer, credits include SMASH on Broadway, Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, and Siegfried at Teatro alla Scala, Medea (Metropolitan Opera/PBS Great Performances, Greek National Opera, Canadian Opera Company), Bye Bye Birdie (The Kennedy Center), and Skeleton Crew on Broadway. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
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The Designers Jessica Lang
CHOREOGRAPHY
Jessica Lang is an American director and choreographer based in New York City, currently Resident Choreographer at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Artist in Residence at Sarasota Ballet. Since 1999, she has created more than 100 original works for companies worldwide, including American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the National Ballet of Japan. In opera, she directed and choreographed Pergolesi's Stabat Mater at Glimmerglass, choreographed San Francisco Opera's Aida (directed by Francesca Zambello), and, in 2024, co-choreographed Zambello's new productions of Turandot for Washington National Opera and Salome for Des Moines Metro Opera. She led Jessica Lang Dance from 2011 to 2019, touring over 85 cities. Her honours include the Martha Hill Mid-Career Award, the Arison Award and a Bessie Award. Lang trained at The Juilliard School and was formerly a member of Twyla Tharp's company. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
Kanji Segawa
CHOREOGRAPHY
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Kanji Segawa began his dance training with his mother, Erika Akoh, before studying ballet with Kan Horiuchi and Ju Horiuchi in Tokyo. In 1997, he received an artist scholarship from the Japanese government to train at The Ailey School. A former member of Ailey II and Battleworks, he danced extensively for Mark Morris and performed as a principal dancer in John Adams' Nixon in China at The Metropolitan Opera. Since 1999, he has been artistic associate to Jessica Lang, assisting her creations for companies including American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and the National Ballet of Japan. With Lang, he co-choreographed the world premiere production of Turandot for Washington National Opera. He danced with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2011 to 2023, becoming assistant rehearsal director in 2024. First OdM Appearance
JAPAN/UNITED STATES
Rachel Secrest
CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANT
Rachel Secrest is a performer, choreographic assistant, and stager whose work spans concert dance and opera. Originally from Carmel, Indiana, she performed with Jessica Lang Dance for three seasons, touring nationally and internationally. She performed featured roles in Lang’s choreography for Aida, directed by Francesca Zambello, with Washington National Opera and Los Angeles Opera, later serving as dance captain and stager. She now stages and assists Lang’s work worldwide, including for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bruce Wood Dance Dallas, Indiana University, LA Opera, and WGRUV. As a performer, she has also worked with BODYTRAFFIC, Parsons Dance, and River North Dance Chicago, and currently performs with BOCA TUYA, also serving as Company Manager and creative collaborator. First OdM Appearance
UNITED STATES
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In Rehearsals Claude Webster
CHORUS DIRECTION
For 30 years, Claude Webster has been working both internationally and at the Opéra de Montréal, where he became chorus master in 2007 after 20 years as the Atelier lyrique's principal vocal coach. He is also an accredited Professional Certified Coach and holds a certificate in psychology from the Université du Québec à Montréal. For the past fifteen years, he has used his knowledge and expertise to support musicians, giving regular workshops and lectures on stress management and mental preparation for performance, at home and abroad. These trainings gave rise to a book, Atteindre sa zone d'excellence, published by Éditions de l'Homme, followed by The Performance Handbook for Musicians, Singers and Performers. Last OdM appearance: Carmen (2026) Former member of the Atelier lyrique.
CANADA
Jerome de los Santos
REHEARSAL PIANIST
Originally from Los Angeles, Jerome de los Santos is a Montreal-based collaborative pianist and répétiteur specializing in opera, vocal repertoire, and dance accompaniment. He is currently a resident pianist of the McGill–Université de Montréal Piano-Vocal Arts Residency and a recent graduate of the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, where he worked on productions including L'enfant et les sortilèges, L'elisir d'amore, The Barber of Seville, La Traviata, L'incoronazione di Poppea, La serva padrona, and The Medium. As a soloist, he recently appeared in La Virée Classique with Ensemble Obiora at the Maison symphonique de Montréal under Rafael Payare. He also appears regularly as a ballet accompanist with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Ballet Jazz Montréal, and Danse à la Carte. He is a former Piano Fellow at the Music Academy of the West and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Last OdM appearance: Carmen (2026) Former member of the Atelier lyrique.
UNITED-STATES
Tony Stauffer
REHEARSAL PIANIST ASSISTANT
French-born pianist and opera coach Tony Stauffer holds a doctorate in vocal accompaniment from the Université de Montréal, where he studied with Francis Perron and Liz Upchurch. A graduate of the UdeM McGill residency for vocal accompanists, he specialized in vocal arts. In 2024 and 2025, he participated in the Lehrer Vocal Institute at the Music Academy of the West, working on Carmen, L’Enfant et les sortilèges, and Don Giovanni. Winner of the First Prize at the 2025 Marilyn Horne Song Competition, he also trained in German lied at the Franz Schubert Institute in Austria. During his first year at the Atelier lyrique, he served as rehearsal pianist for Jenůfa and Carmen. In the summer of 2026, he joins the Merola Program in San Francisco, working on Ariadne auf Naxos and La tragédie de Carmen. In 2026–27, he will be assistant rehearsal pianist for Turandot and Der Rosenkavalier, and principal rehearsal pianist for Rigoletto and Atys. Last OdM appearance: Carmen (2026)
FRANCE
A member of the Atelier lyrique, Tony Stauffer’s residency is made possible through artistic sponsorship by Antje Bettin, in honor of Chantal Lambert.
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Musicians
First Violins
Yukari Cousineau Johanne Morin Julien Oberson Florence Mallette Carolyn Klause Alexander Lozowski Ariane Bresse Marie-Claire Cousineau Isabelle Bélanger-Southey Yu Bin Kim Solange Bouchard Marianne Di Tomaso
Second Violins
Nancy Ricard Uliana Drugova Dominic Guilbault Sylvie Harvey Lizann Gervais Marie-Claire Vaillancourt Diane Rodrigue Claudio Ricignuolo Flavie Gagnon Taylor Mitz
Violas
Elvira Misbakhova Thierry Lavoie-Ladouceur Pierre Tourville Brian Bacon Gérald Daigle Julie Dupras Frédéric Lambert Élisa Boudreau
Cellos
Christopher Best Amos Friesen Agnès Langlois Thérèse Ryan Marie-Michel Beauparlant Carla Antoun
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Double basses
Trombones
Flutes
Saxophone
Marc Denis Gilbert Fleury Catherine Lefebvre Yannick Chênevert Ariane Brisson Jocelyne Roy Caroline Séguin
Oboes
Léanne Teran-Paul Marjorie Tremblay Mélanie Harel
Clarinets
Simon Aldrich François Martel Martin Carpentier
Bassoons
Lise Millet Gabrièle Dostie-Poirier Carmelle Préfontaine
Horns
Louis-Philippe Marsolais Simon Bourget Noah Larocque Xavier Fortin
Trumpets
Antoine Mailloux Lise Bouchard Benjamin Raymond
Patrice Richer Madeleine Doyon-Robitaille Matthieu Bourget Trevor Dix Jean-François Guay
Timpani
Julien Bélanger
Percussions
Corinne René Vincent Séguin Olivier Maranda Catherine Meunier Catherine Varvaro Léo Guiollot
Harps
Robin Best Matt Dupont
Keyboards
Jennifer Bourdages
Nurturing and visionary support for future opera stars
Thank you to Vanda Treiser Initiatives for helping propel the careers of
emerging artists at the Atelier lyrique!
Chorus singers Opéra de Montréal Chorus
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Sopranos
Mezzos
Tenors
Valérie Bélanger Nadya Blanchette Pascale Brigitte Boilard Susan Brown – Chorister-soloist Sophie De Cruz Marie-Claire Drolet Catherine Dupressoir Julie Ekker Marie-Claire Fafard Blais Meghan Fleet Nadine Guertin Olivia Haramis Isabelle D. Leclerc Marie-Ève Mathon Léa Weilbrenner
Mireille Bériault Sarah Bissonnette Chantal Denis Marie-Christine Duplessis Zanga Elizabeth Ekholm Anne Julien Rosalie Lane Lépine Marie-Chantal Lemieux Marie-Claude L'Heureux Isabelle Ricard – Chorister-soloist Gilda Salomone Stephanie Sedlbauer Béatrice Stoklas Laurie Tremblay
Mathieu Abel Jean-Sébastien Allaire Marc-Antoine Brûlé Bernard Cayouette Éric Gauvin Julien Girard Andoni Iturriria Nathan Lelièvre Thomas Macleay – Chorister-soloist Mike Melino Dominic Poulin Gustave Richard David Trower René Voyer
Baritones
Basses
Matthew Adam Jonathan Bédard Simon Chaussé Alain Duguay Alexandre Duguay John Giffen Étienne Guertin Emanuel Lebel Kevin Marimbu
Pierre-Étienne Bergeron Victor Chisholm Jordan Delage Michel Duval Gabriel Frank Luc Saucier
Children's Choir, Dancers & Supernumeraries
Florane Bayard Simone Bernier Olivia Daoust Marie-Ève Derré Boivin Mei Désourdy Clémentine Drouin Kateri Duran Aguilar Clara Espinoza Éloane Gamache
Patricia Herreman Margot Pereira Florence Pinard Clara Saint-Jacques Charlotte Thérien Alexia Tremblay
Dancers
Supernumeraries
Natsumi-Sophia Bellali Dance Captain Claudia Colonna Alexane DepelteauLacassagne Élodie Scholtes-Labrecque Sarah-Maude Laliberté Cassandre Leroux Bailey Madill Kate Manns Florence Proulx Anna Sanchez Stephania Suarez Zelaya
Pauline Ben Guigui Anne Dryburgh Olivier Hardy Siméon Lavoie Clémence Léveillé Cassandre Loiselle Jean-Louis Luque Marilou Maheux Théa Paradis Caroline Payeur Camille Petit Jeanne Plourde Léa St-Pierre Billie Thurber
Artistic and Musical Direction: Philippe Ostiguy
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The Philanthropic Community
DIRECTOR CIRCLE $5,000,000+
Le Fonds OVI, Fondation de la famille Zhao-Ionescu*
$1,000,000+
Thank you, dear donors, for supporting the Opéra de Montréal with such passion and generosity!
Fondation Sandra & Alain Bouchard* Power Corporation du Canada* Initiatives Vanda Treiser*
$250,000+
Azrieli Foundation* René Branchaud* Services financiers André Ferraro/ Industrielle Alliance* Tony & Betty Infilise Family Foundation* Elizabeth Wirth
$100,000+
BMO Banque de Montréal Sigrid & Gilles Chatel* Hydro-Québec Dr François Loubert* Sheila and Paul Martin Family Foundation* RBC Foundation Ruth & David Steinberg Family Foundation*
$50,000+
Andrée Boucher & Louis Georges Ste-Marie** Fonds CAVA* CGI Patrick Corrigan & Marc Poliquin* Fondation J.A. DeSève Fondation Jacqueline Desmarais pour les jeunes chanteurs d'opéra canadiens* Claude Leblanc* Sylvie Samson & Guillaume Marion Marcia McKenzie* Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites Carolyn & Richard J. Renaud Louise Roy O.C., O.Q.* Succession de feu Anne-Marie Trahan Joan Vogelesang & Fred Heese†* Vickie Vouloumanos
$25,000+
This list celebrates the generous donors who made gifts between September 1, 2025 and September 9, 2026. * Multi-year pledge ** Piano donation
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Famille Andrea Alacchi* Naomi & Eric Bissell Normand Cardella* Françoise P. Chagnon VOCALEX INC. Me Bruno-Étienne Duguay Blakes, Cassels & Graydon, Law firm Ossama el Naggar Fasken Fondation Stéfane Foumy Joyce Fung, in memory of Theodore Fung IA Groupe Financier
John Farrell & François Leclair The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation Fondation Marie-Christine Tremblay & Jacques Marchand McCarthy Tétrault LLP Isabelle Murray & Dominic Chalifoux Robert Nadeau & Dre Marie Léonard* TD Canada Trust Nestor Hugo Valencia, à la mémoire de Guy Joron Sue & Soren Wehner* Christopher Winn* Dre Nathalie Zan Anonymous (1)
$15,000+
The Adair Family Foundation Antje Bettin, en l'honneur de Chantal Lambert* Rosanne Boisvert & Arto Imamedjian Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l. Valeurs mobilières Desjardins inc Caisse de la culture Desjardins Famille Dupont In memory of Beryl Goldman The Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation Lise Laberge & Daniel Labrecque Fondation Famille Laoué Cerceau Jean-François Painchaud Québecor Média inc. Monique Roy Sagard Anonymous (1)
$10,000+
Felicia & Arnold Aaron Foundation Fondation Famille Bertrand Clear Skies Foundation Fonds Cogeco Desjardins entreprises des caisses de groupe Fondation Famille Lavigne Fondation Famille Le Blanc Fondation Famille Lupien Marc-André Nantais Stella Gignac & Patrick Ouellet Marie-France Ouimet & Ricardo Pascoe Thérèse & Peter Primiani Mike James Ross Leonard Sanders Family Foundation Leslie Silver & Laurent Ferreira Stingray Group Inc. Merle & Bernard Stotland Banque TD - Fondation de dons particuliers Anonymous (1)
AMBASSADORS' CIRCLE $5,000+
Doron Altman Claudette Belliveau Danielle Blouin Fondation Famille Carré-Tremblay Isabelle Westwick & François Carrier Mme Joanne Pelletier & M. André B. Charron Fondation Pierre Desmarais Belvédère Joanne Kydd & Gustel Fischer† Hoogan et Beaufort Événement Marjory Jolicoeur Inc. Nathalie Labrecque Jean-Pierre Le Clerc & Mario Ménard Stéphane L'Espérance & Carmen Hernandez Sylvie Marois Ronald Ouellette Jean-Pierre Primiani & Christine Paulino Isabelle Brassard et Claude Rivard Dr. W. Mark Roberts & Roula Drossis Lesley & Mark Robinson Mike & Valeria Rosenbloom Foundation Jane M. Skoryna Éric Martel & Josiane Lamy Daniel Turp Lillian Vineberg-Goodman Anonymous (1)
$3,000+
Levon & Ana Afeyan Frédéric Bouchard Louis Bouchard Dominique Chatel Vincent Compagnat Alain Desmeules Jill de Villafranca & Dr. David Kostiuk Michel Drapeau Fonds Famille Jacques L'Écuyer Elmag Investissements Inc. Ann & Andy Ip Marie-Anick & Jean Eric Laferrière Nan & Bill Lassner Raymonde Lavoie À la mémoire de Monique Lussier Eunice Mayers Partenaire-Conseils Groupe Financier & Gestion Privée Vincent Picard-Dufresne & Amélie Michaud Julie & Pierre Pomerleau Éric Richer La Flèche Emmelle & Alvin Segal
Howard Stotland Susannah Tam & Peter Ko Vogelesang Dancik Family
$1,200+
Louise Ahdoot Philippe Alcouffe Munirah Amra Micheline & Raymond Bachand Howard Bergman & Colette Pilon Dr François Bertrand, Mdcm, Inc. Carole & Myer Bick Céline Blanchet Hy & Joan Bloom Jill Bodkin Pierre-Yves Boivin Mathieu Bouchard Yves Boulanger Me Luc Bourbonnais Gestion Raymond Brodeur Inc. France Caron Jean Charbonneau Toxicologue Inc. Francyne Anne Charbonneau François-Pierre Chevalier Dr J.P. Chiasson, MD, F.A.S.A.M. Dr Richard Cloutier Richard de Blois Pascal de Guise Isabelle Demers - idmrs James Dorff/Laurent Thibault Fondation Martineau Drapeau Fondation Emet David Essiambre CPA Lucy Fellowes Pierre Filiatrault & Lucie Gauthier Me Stephen James Fogarty & Christine Clarke Yvon Fournier & Douglas Nemish Claire Fournelle Marie-Hélène Fox Antoine Gervais, à la mémoire de Raymond Gervais Mouna & Elias Ghannoum Émile Ghattas & Mona Latif-Ghattas† Julius H. Grey & Lynne-Marie Casgrain Marina Gusti Eren Halil Philippe Harvey Designer Linda Houle Peter Hunt Louise Julien Calvin Kalman & Marilyn Cooperman Sia Maniatakos & Constantine Kyres Denise Lambert Diane Lanctôt Jocelyne Langevin Honorable Charles Lapointe, c.p. Martin Lépine Thomas Leslie, MMM, CD
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The philanthropic community (continued) Kejun Liang, in honour of Frédéric Antoun Fondation Mackay/Belec Francis Malka & Marie-Claude Poupart Dr. Jacqueline McClaran & Dr. Jonathan Meakins Elizabeth Constance McCormack Diane Ménard Louise Joly & Catherine Mirchandani Caroline Montminy Dana Even & Antonella Pagano, thanks to Vanda Treiser Famille Pierre Provencher Ginette Quintal en l’honneur de Vanda Treiser Marie Christine Torchio & Louis Racine Pierrette Rayle Drs. Alexandra & Mark Reich Carolina Richer La Flèche Catherine Rowe & John Di Gironimo Madeleine Roy Henriot M. Sabourin & Pierrette Couture Dr. Jinder Sall SDBL Administration & Comptabilité inc. Marie-Élodie Serfati Bernard St-Pierre-Marcotte & Francine Ouellette Karim Talaat Tony & Ruth Terenzi Robert Thibaudeau Famille Vossos Diana C. Wall Martin Watier Fangbin Xia Dre Marie Youssef Tamara Zakon Linda & Joe Zalter Anonymous (5)
FRIENDS OF THE OPERA $600+
Paul Barré Paul Benoit Marie Blouin Anne-Marie Boucher Martin Bowman Claude Briand Peter Chiotis & Anthi Balafoutis Maryse Chynchuck Fonds Micheline & Pierre L. Comtois Serge Depatie Denis Faucher
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Claude Gagliardi Laurence Green John Higginson Lucile Horner La Cecil House Mario Lafond Stephanie Laichi Élaine Lalonde Claude Lamonde Frédéric Lesage George E. Lovick Richard Margison & Valerie Kuinka Allan Marr Suzanne Masson Serge Meunier Milos Montréal MJ Fiscalité inc. Eric & Jane Molson Famille Morisset Noppen Chantal Pagé Jean-Pierre & Marie-Rose Paradis David Paulhus Michel Perrault & Joanne Bazinet Lorenzo Savonitto Frank Schlesinger Fondation St-Germain Kavanagh Maison St Raphaël Anonymous (10)
$300+ Ahmed Alzaidi Jocelyne Antille Alexandre Barradas Robert Bélanger Mona Benm'Rad Michel Bertrand Louise Blain & Lionel Lambert Alexandre & Julia Catta Olivia Charette Linda Cochrane Berney Creighton Lucile Cyr Marc-Antoine D'Aragon Danielle Daveluy Jean-Pierre Deschamps Jan De Smet & Suzanne Venne Charles Draimin Claude Dumas Hélène-Louise Dupont Élie Janka Dvornik Bernd & Margaret Filzer Faustine Fournier Thérèse Gagnon Giasson Neil Gaul Peter D. Hannen Margaret Henri Nathalie Ishak
Vincent Jean-François Philippe Labelle Denise Laferrière Gaudet Mélanie LaRoche-Boisvert Julie Laurence Arthur LeBlanc Jean-Charles Le Brun & Normand-G. Robert Audrey Le Cour Nacia Faure & Georges L'Espérance Jacob T. Levy & Shelley Clark Martin Liu René Marineau Murielle Matteau & Daniel Ladouceur, à la mémoire de Jacqueline Ducas (1931-2024 ) Jean-Philippe Migneron Mirziyod Mirakhmedov Hadrien Montagne Malcolm F. Neill Jennifer Paquet Juan Peralta Marie-Soleil Pichette John Bossange & Lynne Poteau Margot Provencher & Richard Lafaille Antoine Saati Bahjat Salem, à la nourriture de l'âme Adrienne Savoie Pierre Simard V. Sirois Lisa Stotland Marilyn Thomas Anonymous (11)
$120+
Ginette Allaire Karine Arakelian Nancy Atkins Adam Atlas Jocelyne & Louis Audet Valentin Bachelier André Beauchamp Gilles Beauregard Alex Becerescu Francine Bélanger Jocelyne Belanger Marie-Claude Belzil À la mémoire de Jean-Guy Benoit Martine Bergeron Marie-Claude Bérubé Rafik Berzi Francesco Biondi Morra Di Belforte À la mémoire de Normand Blais Jacqueline A. Boissonneault Eileen & Herb Borsuk
Denise Bourgeois Maya Bourjaily Michelle & Guy Bouthillier Susan Brown Natalie Bussière Heloise Cardinal Mariette Cardinal Marie-Andrée Champagne Fannie Charron Moy Fong Chen Adèle Chené Elena Chirokova Philippe Cloutier Dre Michelle Comeau Concours Musical International De Montréal Miriam Cooper Jean Cormier Line Coulombe Teodor Gabriel Crainic Suzanne Cummings à la mémoire d'Hélène Dagenais Luc Dagenais Marie-Edwige Danican Simon Dauphin Michael Davis Ute & Michael Davis France De Garie Laurie-Anne Deilgat Élaine Demers Micheline Desgagné En l’honneur de Youssoupha Mamadou Diallo Luc Doray Louise Dulude Gagnon Stephanie Dunglas à la mémoire de Catherine Duong Stéphanie Eyton-Jones Nathalie Fernando Fiorilli Family Sylvie Fontaine Marie-Fabienne Fortin Laurent Garel Pascale Garneau Famille Labrecque-Gautrin À la mémoire d'Hélène Dagenais Gabriel Gheorghiu Magella Girard Martin Girard Naomi & David Goltzman Pierrette Gravel Shedleur Jocelyne Guay Omar Hammoud Sherley Henry Thérèse Hudon Kim Huynh Gordana Jovanovich & Charles Kaplan Louise Kearns
Thomas Kelly Yasmine Khalil Daniel Kinsella Aline Kutan Jean-Marie Lacoste Francis Lafrance Pauline Lafrenière Carolle Lamontagne Diane Lampron & Marc Beaudoin Adrienne Landry Claude Laneuville Jacques Laparé Pierre Laporte Olivier Laurendeau Genevieve Lauziere Marie-Pierre Lavallée France Lavoie Christina Lazarova Dany Leblanc Le cercle canadien des femmes de Montréal Marie-Claude Le Clair Francis Lecomte Sylvia L'Écuyer Dave Lefrançois Andrée Lemyre Jacques Leroux Les Agents Doubles Productions Inc Danièle Letocha Robert Lorange Lucie Malenfant Noël Mallette Marie Maous Serge Marceau Sylvie Marchand Dr. Gilles Marcil Maryse Martin Simon Martin Pamela McGovern Scott Mckay Chantale Mercier Joseph Mereb Jean-Pierre Montpetit Jocelyne Morin Youmna Mourad Stéphan Nadeau Jean-Jacques Nattiez Françoise Noël Alexander Nudelman Orchestre National De Jazz De Montréal (Onj) Alain Orvoine Olga Ouspenskaia Monique Pagé Johanne Pagé À la mémoire de Claire Parenteau Abbott Linda Paris
Desiree Park Monique Pauzé Jacques Piché Lise Pierre Pierre Leblanc Henri Pilon Suzanne Plamondon François Poirier Jason Poirier Lavoie Serge Poisson-de-Haro Victoria Popovskaia Nicole Blanchet, pour les 25 dernières années d'abonnée Laurie-Anne Preiato Zineb Qannousse Jean-Pierre Racette Agathe Rhéaume Mario Rigolli Guillaume Rivest Marc-André Roberge Audree Robidas Racine Madeleine Rocheleau Renée & Joseph Rouleau† Hélène Roy Walid Sahyoun Linda Salvail Lucie Sanfaçon Julie Sauvageau Marianne Schlegel Michel Scott Thomas Shaw-Stiffel Hugo Sierra Colette Sills William Skiff Jérémy Spellanzon Patricia Spry Thomas Stewart Raymonde St-Pierre Dr. Jean Taillefer Zivojin Tanich Simon & Mathilde Tinawi Martine Tremblay Anna-Maria Tsanaclis Gabrielle Turcotte Suzanne Vadboncoeur Magdalena Valdes Oxana Velitovskaya Susan Vincelli Colleen & Mirko Wicha Nan & Jack Wiseman Georges Zaccour Anonymous (56)
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Benefit Event
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the generous supporters of our Nessun Dorma benefit event.
Presenting partner
Supporting partners
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Benefit Event
Donors Alysia Yip-Hoi Martin Ana & Levon Afeyan André Ferraro André Morrissette Antje Bettin Arto Imamedjian & Rosanne Boisvert Blakes, Cassels & Graydon, Law firm Céline Blanchet Claudette & André Belliveau Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l. Daniel Turp Dino & Sheena Ionescu Donna & Bernard Stotland Marie Youssef Joyce Fung and Hing-Sang Hum Famille Andrea Alacchi Fasken Fondation Ionescu- Xiao Fonds Olive Lane Fondation Roasters France Carron Frank Schlesinger Frédéric Bouchard Guylaine Bachand & Bruno Duguay Howard Stotland Isabelle Murray & Dominic Chalifoux Jinder Sall Joan Vogelesang
Kathy & Harold Stotland Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites Lise Laberge & Daniel Labrecque Louise Roy & Richard Bruno Stéphane L’Espérance de la compagnie Construgep Margot Provencher Marina Gusti Mario J. Ménard & Jean-Pierre Le Clerc Marjory Jolicoeur inc Mathieu Bouchard McCarthy Tétrault LLP Joanne Pelletier et André B. Charron Monique Roy & Claude Chevalier Nadine Cassiani & François Loubert Nan & Bill Lassner Normand Cardella Partenaire-Conseils Groupe Financier Patrick Corrigan & Marc Poliquin René Branchaud Stella Gignac & Patrick Ouellet Thérèse & Peter Primiani Vanda Treiser W. Mark Roberts & Roula Drossis Yves Boulanger This list recognizes the generous Nessun Dorma donors who confirmed their contributions by September 20, the publication date of this program.
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Visionary Artistic Patron
Public Partners
Programming Partners
Production Partner
Quebec New Work Partner
Civic Impact and Education Partners Major Partner
Program Partners
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Atelier lyrique Partners Major Partners
Program Partners FONDATION GILLES CHATEL
National Audition Partners MRS. VANDA TREISER AND IN MEMORY OF M. BENJAMIN TREISER
Aria Circle - Women In Harmony Partner
Media Partners
Services Partners Advini
Hôtel Saint-Sulpice
Oxygène
Annexe communications
Hôtel Zéro 1
Pâtisserie MG
Chocolaterie Damien André
Justine Marie Paquette, photographe
Place des Arts
Eltoro Studio GRDN Hoogan & Beaufort Événements Hôtel Double Tree Montréal by Hilton
La Cité / Le Mille Neuf Malinki Marie-Claude Paquette, graphic designer
Shoot Studio Tam Photography tök communications Vivien Gaumond, photographe
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Portrait of a Philanthropic Family
The Alacchi Family THE SPIRIT OF THE NEXT GENERATION!
On the evening of November 10th, don’t go looking for Antoinette Labbiento and Andrea Alacchi at their company’s offices in Boisbriand: they’ll be at Opéra de Montréal’s Talent Gala. They wouldn’t miss this annual benefit event for anything in the world. “It’s like a grand wedding where everyone’s dressed to the nines and we’re celebrating a love of opera and the talent of young artists. And then, having dinner on the stage at WilfridPelletier is simply magical.”
It all began with Aida Both engineers, the Alacchis only became opera enthusiasts later in life. A pop singer and guitarist in his spare time, Andrea spent many years entertaining at weddings. But as he approached his forties, he turned instead to an amateur choir in Lorraine to practice his art, because it was “more compatible with my family and professional life.” Two weeks before his first concert, his father-in-law passed away. “He was an opera enthusiast who adored Aida. At the funeral, the family played The Triumphal March. I hadn’t been told about this choice of music, and it came as a huge shock, because it was precisely the piece I was rehearsing with the choir. I saw it as a sign. From that day on, opera has never left us.”
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Andrea Alacchi, Antoinette Labbiento and Camila Montefusco, artist in residence at the Atelier lyrique from 2024 to 2026.
From amateur choir to the Director’s Circle But how did an amateur chorister become the committed patron we know today, who, together with his wife, sponsors artists from the Atelier lyrique year after year? Once again, the key lies with Verdi! “My vocal coach told me one day that he was singing in Falstaff at Opéra de Montréal. We booked tickets straight away.” “I’ll never forget that moment, because that’s when I realized that opera is so much more than just music. It’s an experience to be savoured, a magnificent art form which, 300 years before the invention of cinema, had the genius to set a story to music.” — Andrea Alacchi
Portrait of a Philanthropic Family Following that evening, Antoinette and Andrea bought a season subscription, “and we’ll have our seats until candles are burning in front of our photos,” they say with a laugh. Little by little, they’re getting to know the company: its behind-the-scenes operations and the work involved. They started making donations. When the Opera presented them with its sponsorship program, they said yes straight away. “As a singer, I know how difficult it is to achieve the level of perfection required to perform on stage. There’s so much to learn – the music, the stage presence, the confidence – so my wife and I wanted to give young talents a helping hand, to help them become global stars.”
Camila Montefusco, artist in residence at the Atelier lyrique from 2024 to 2026.
For them, sponsoring artists is a human commitment rather than merely a financial one.
Antoinette and Andrea, a huge thank you for your commitment, your loyalty and all the love you so generously spread around you!
“We are more than just sponsors to the residents of the Atelier lyrique. We are true sponsors, in the family sense of the word. We take them under our wing, invite them into our home and look after them. As they often come from far away, we are their family here in Quebec.” — Antoinette Labbiento
- Let’s give a round of applause to Andrea, who is also one of the amateur singers in the Chœur Métropolitain and who sang in Macbeth at the Festival de Lanaudière this summer.
Over time, the couple have formed friendships with the artists they support, and they go to cheer them on almost everywhere they perform. “Between the artists and the other donors we meet regularly, the Opera has truly become our second family.” “They say money can’t buy happiness,” concludes Andrea. “That’s true, but it can help create happiness for others. Opera is an incredible source of wonder and wellbeing for everyone, and we’re proud to play our part. And besides, if we don’t support the Atelier Lyrique, who will be on stage in 20 years’ time?”
- There’ll be plenty of applause at the next Opéra de Montréal Talent Gala, taking place on Tuesday, November 10th from 5:30 p.m. Tickets on sale here
Are you interested in sponsoring an artist-in-residence at the Atelier lyrique? Please feel free to contact: ANTOINE GERVAIS Manager, Philanthropy and Partnerships agervais@operademontreal.com 514-318-5391
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operademontreal.com/programmation/gala-talent
operademontreal.com/en/programs/talent-gala operademontreal.com/programmation/gala-talent operademontreal.com/programmation/gala-talent
operademontreal.com/en/programs/talent-gala operademontreal.com/en/programs/talent-gala
Spotlight
Michel Beaulac: a career in the spotlight As he takes his final bow after 37 years at the Opéra de Montréal, including 20 years at the helm as Artistic Director, we sat down with Michel Beaulac to look back at the highlights of an exceptional career.
creators by presenting works like La Beauté du monde, La Reine-Garçon, Le Flambeau de la nuit, Le Phare, and Clown(s).
Which creation left the biggest cultural mark on you? Les Feluettes by Kevin March and Michel Marc Bouchard holds a special place. It was the very first time an opera was presented in Montreal where the main characters, Simon and Vallier, discovered a love for one another that was as incandescent as it was tragic. This creation was a massive success, for the company of course, but also for Quebec culture.
How have you seen the Opéra de Montréal evolve over 37 years? There’s definitely been an evolution in the repertoire: moving from the great classics to less frequently performed works like La Fanciulla del West, Kát’a Kabanová, or Simon Boccanegra, and then going on to offer more contemporary pieces like Dead Man Walking, Silent Night, and Champion. That being said, the great classics remain essential to a season’s programming: Carmen, Madama Butterfly, or Aida are still the gateway for anyone wanting to discover opera. So, we’ve been bold over the last fifteen years and the movement has accelerated: more new creations and a priority given to local artists. My vision was quite simple: to Montrealize the company, to give it the colours of its city. Today, I’m proud to see what it has become: an innovative company that trusts local
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Les Feluettes
Credit : Yves Renaud
Spotlight What was a pivotal moment in your career, on a human level? Putting on the first Canadian production of Porgy and Bess, alongside Dr. Trevor Payne and his Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, remains a deeply moving memory. Rehearsals had started nine months in advance. The result exceeded our expectations: a public and critical success, but above all a human triumph, since Montreal’s Black community was front and centre. Equally memorable was the company’s first Elektra: Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium, his Orchestre Métropolitain in the pit, and on stage, that giant Agamemnon by Victor Ochoa.
Dead Man Walking
Credit : Yves Renaud
heard the Jobins, Savoies, and Rouleaus repeat that in Quebec, you couldn't have a career as an opera singer unless you first gained recognition in Europe. I am therefore wrapping up my tenure with two brilliant local artists, Étienne and Sarah, who prove that the future prospects for Quebec artists have truly changed.
Michel, a voice for the future of the Opera Porgy and Bess
Credit : Yves Renaud
How is your career coming full circle? I am leaving the artistic directorship with a new production of Rigoletto led by Étienne Dupuis, an Atelier lyrique alumnus who now enjoys an exceptional international career; the stellar Sarah Dufresne, also trained here, will be Gilda. Étienne truly embodies my journey: it was his talent that gave me the audacity to stage Dead Man Walking, my first contemporary work as Artistic Director. Twenty years later, I’m finishing with him, on the same stage. This cycle connects with another: in my youth, I often
Michel’s 37-year journey of artistic courage would not have been possible without a community that believes in opera created here, by and for our community. As he likes to say, the circle never really closes—it gets passed on. Your gift today becomes part of what comes next: the next young artist stepping onto the stage, the next extraordinary creation born here in Montréal, and the next unforgettable production that will move audiences long after the curtain falls. Make a gift today to support your opera house!
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PERMANENT TEAM
Show Crew
PRODUCTION
Patrick Loubert, Production Director / Marie Hélène Larivière, Operations and Production Director / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Drew Lyall, Technical Coordinator / Seoyoung (Sosso) Park, Assistant Technical Director / Olivier Ouellet, Video Project Manager
Jean-Pierre Primiani, General Director / Michel Beaulac, Artistic Director / Louis Bouchard, Organizational Development Director / Malorie Thiais, Executive Assistant / Nicolas Bourry, Artistic Administrator Patrick Loubert, Production Director / Marie Hélène Larivière, Director of Production Operations / Geneviève Lessard, Associate Producer / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Seoyoung Park, Assistant Technical Director / Laurence Pronier, Head of Stage Management / Bethzaïda Thomas, Artistic and Stage Management Coordinator / Dominique Guindon, Head of Wardrobe / Sonya Bayer, Wardrobe Administrator / Sandra Chirico, Wardrobe Supervisor ATELIER LYRIQUE DE L’OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL Jennifer Szeto, Director / Marie Maous, Program Manager / Martin Dubé, Head Vocal Coach/ Martin Davout, Coordinator
Administration
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Stéphanie Laichi, Director / Marie-Pier Perron, Marketing Manager / Darnyse Memnon, Client Services Manager / Alice Menut, Communications and Partnerships Advisor / Claire Ing, Sales Coordinator / Clara Deblaton, Social Media Coordinator / Sophie Jarjat, Communication Coordinator / Ambre Vigier, Natasha Henry, Client Services Assistant Coordinators / Naureen Hossain, Maxime Ianniciello, Élizabeth LeBlanc, Mackenzie Mclean, Client Services Agents PHILANTHROPY Dianne Fagan, Head of Philanthropy / Antoine Gervais, Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager / Audrey Le Cour, Philanthropy and Partnerships Advisor / Amy Grainger, Philanthropic Operations and Communications Manager (on maternity leave) / Mia Pearson, Acting Philanthropic Operations and Communications Manager / Géraldine Leong Sang, Philanthropic Operations and Communications Coordinator / Marion Malon, Events Manager / Micol Battaglia, Philanthropic Events and Communications Coordinator / Pierre-Antoine Ferracin, Philanthropy and Partnerships Coordinator SOCIAL IMPACT AND EDUCATION Pierre Vachon, Director / Charlotte Gagnon, Manager / Trycia Paquin, Lucie Biason, Coordinators FINANCE Alexandre Isoz-Vaillancourt, Director / Jessica Demers, Payroll Consultant / Clément Moreno, Accounting Clerck HUMAN RESOURCES Elisabeth Malo, Director
PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGEMENT Laurence Pronier, Stage Director / Bethzaïda Thomas, Stage Manager / Caroline Yergeau, Assistant Stage Manager / Emlyn vanBruinswaardt, Assistant Stage Manager / Constance Malenfant, Assistant Stage Manager / Flavie Choinière, Children's Stage Manager SURTITLES Laetitia Mallette, Projectionist / Christine Archambault, Proofreader / Mélanie Caillierez, Proofreader / Elaine Normandeau, Translator COSTUMES Dominique Guindon, Head of Wardrobe / Sonya Bayer, Wardrobe Administrator / Sandra Chirico, Wardrobe Supervisor / Cassandre Josépovic, Wardrobe Technician / Anne-Sophie Boucher, Marie-Claire Doyon, Sandrine Moreau, Asami Rey, Caroline Rioux, Christine Tremblay, Mireille Tremblay, Seamstresses / Melanie Richard, Cutter / Richard Provost, Hatter / Guylaine Gagnon, Shoemaking / Geneviève Fortin, Head Dresser (PDA) / Salle WP PROPS Madeleine Saint-Jacques, Head Prop Master / Philippe Pointard, Distinguised Props Master MAKEUP & HAIR
THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATORS: SoftBox intégration inc.: Lighting equipement rental Les Entreprises Truck N'Roll inc.: Transport
Board of Directors INTERIM PRESIDENT Vickie Zhao Philanthropist VICE-PRESIDENT Vickie Zhao Philanthropist TREASURER Guillaume Marion Sagard MEMBERS François Carrier Desjardins, Marché des capitaux Antoine Chagnon Lallemand Bruno-Étienne Duguay NOVACAP Lise Laberge Philanthropist Nathalie Léveillé Philanthropist François Loubert Angus medical Clinic Isabelle Murray Philanthropist
Julie Casault, Head of Makeup, Wigs, and Hair Department / Manon Alexandre, Karine Deest, André Duval, Fani Desbiens, Emilie Labellevie, Marie-Ève Ménard, Kimberly Murphy, Ghislaine Sant, Hair Stylists / Jacques Besner, Johanne Doyon, Alexe-Rose Francoeur, Camiel McLean, Stéphanie Villemaire, Célia Stoeckel, Catherine Hamel, Alex Lambert, Make-up Artists
Louise Roy, O.C., O.Q. C.O.M. CIRANO
RUNNER
Joan Vogelesang Joan Vogelesang (JV) Consultant
Tyler Parent
Bernard Stotland , FCA, FCPA Richter Vanda Treiser Philanthropist Daniel Turp Université de Montréal
Stage Technicians OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Daniel Masse, Head Carpenter / Julie Latulippe, Martin Jannard, Head Carpenter Assistants / Pierre Véniot, Head of Sound / Olivier Venne, Head of Sound Assistant / David Leblanc, Isabelle Gagnon, Head Prop Masters / Nicolas Bernier, Head Prop Master Assistant / Charles Denis, Head Flyman / Eric Piché, Head Flyman Assistant / Saturnin Goyer, Head Electrician / Chantal Dostie, Head Electrician Assistant / Liam Senteni-Nguyen, 2nd Head Electrician Assistant / Maxime Grenier Beaudoin, Head Video Technical stage services provided by IATSE Local 56 / PDA Unit.
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Event Calendar Mozart's Requiem
OCTOBER 21 AND 22 AT 7:30 P.M. SALON RICHMOND 1861
The Orchestre de l’Agora and the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier lyrique invite audiences to experience Mozart’s Requiem in an extraordinary, immersive setting at Salon Richmond 1861, a former church in Little Burgundy. Far from a traditional concert, this production transforms listening into a fully sensory journey. Staged by Thomas Lussier, the Requiem unfolds around and among the audience, carried by the voices of the Ensemble ArtChoral and soloists Grace Budoloski, Ellita Gagner, Jeremy Scinocca, and Colin Mackey. Under the direction of Nicolas Ellis, this production offers a powerful encounter with a timeless masterpiece. Tickets: https://lepointdevente.com/operademontreal
Talent Gala
NOVEMBER 10 AT 5:30 P.M. SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER
On November 10, 2026, Opéra de Montréal invites you to the Talent Gala, held on the stage of Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. The evening begins with an intimate cocktail, followed by the Atelier lyrique National Auditions finals, where you’ll discover Canada’s brightest rising opera stars competing for a place in our residency program. After the performance, enjoy an exclusive gourmet dinner on stage alongside the artists. It’s an unforgettable night celebrating the future of opera while supporting Opéra de Montréal’s artistic vision. Tickets: https://operademontreal.com/en/programs/talent-gala
Massenet's Werther NOVEMBER 21, 26 AND 29 SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER
Coproduced with the Canadian Opera Company and Vancouver Opera, Werther features an exceptional cast, marking the grand return of Julie Boulianne to the Opéra de Montréal and the Montreal debut of the rising French tenor Julien Dran. The production, true to late-18th-century Germany, is built around a central scenic element: an operademontreal.com/programmation/ operademontreal.com/en/programs/tale engraving of the city of Wetzlar, where the story unfolds. It is the perfect showcase for this emblematic French opera, one of the most beloved in the repertoire.
Tickets: https://operademontreal.com/en/programs/werther
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