Language: French with English and French surtitles
Duration: 2h50 (including a 25-minute intermission)
HAMLET ELLIOT MADORE
OPHELIA SARAH DUFRESNE
QUEEN GERTRUDE KARINE DESHAYES
CLAUDIUS NATHAN BERG LAERTES ANTOINE BÉLANGER
MARCELLUS ROCCO RUPOLO
HORATIO ALEXANDRE SYLVESTRE POLONIUS MATTHEW LI
GHOST ALAIN COULOMBE
CONDUCTOR JACQUES LACOMBE
STAGE DIRECTOR ALAIN GAUTHIER
SET DESIGNER FRÉDÉRICK OUELLET
COSTUME DESIGNER SARAH BALLEUX
LIGHTING DESIGNER RENAUD PETTIGREW
CHORUS MASTER CLAUDE WEBSTER
REHEARSAL PIANIST ESTHER GONTHIER
REHEARSAL PIANIST (CHORUS) PIERRE MCLEAN
Orchestre Métropolitain
Opéra de Montréal Chorus
November 16, 19 and 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m and November 24, 2024 at 2 p.m.
SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER, PLACE DES ARTS
Production: Productions ODM inc. with financial support from SODEC
Opéra de Montréal warmly thanks René Branchaud for his generous sponsorship of this production.
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.
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.
Shakespeare's works have had a profound influence on opera, inspiring composers across the centuries. Among the most notable operatic adaptations of his plays are Verdi’s Macbeth , Otello , and Falstaff , as well as Britten’s brilliant setting of A Midsummer Night’s Dream . Thomas' Hamlet succeeds in capturing the emotional intensity and psychological complexity of the iconic play. Its lush orchestration, memorable arias, and dramatic moments continue to make it a thrilling work within the canon, despite being performed far less frequently than the aforementioned operas.
This rarity may perhaps be why all of our artists tonight are making their role debuts, with the exception of Maestro Lacombe, who has previously performed the work. Even for Opéra de Montréal, with its perticular dedication to the French repertoire, this marks our premiere production of Hamlet .
All of this makes tonight a truly special occasion! We wish you, our audience, a most memorable evening of opera, and to our artists, a hearty "toi, toi, toi!"
Patrick Corrigan
Complice de l’Opéra de Montréal
Hamlet, our contemporary.
They are everywhere.
Some stare at their phone screens, connected but lost. Others crowd our streets like fallen princes.
Hamlet speaks to us all!
Like him, we ask ourselves these questions:
To be or not to be?
Endure or fight?
Our world, like his, is going through troubled times: conflicts, divisions. Truth or lies?
Facts or "fake"?
In Shakespeare's own words:
How to bear the scorn of the world, the insults of the oppressor, the humiliation of poverty, the heartaches of love, the arrogance of unworthy men, the insolence of power, the sluggishness of the law?
How can we not identify with such a relevant character?
We can all boldly proclaim: "I am Hamlet!"
Michel Beaulac
Act I
Claudius and Gertrude are celebrating their wedding. Hamlet, upset by his father's death and his mother's sudden remarriage, is visited by the ghost of his father, who reveals that Claudius murdered him. Hamlet vows to seek revenge.
Act II
Ophelia worries about Hamlet's changeable behaviour. During a banquet, Hamlet hires a troupe of actors to perform a pantomime depicting a murder, exposing the royal couple’s guilt, thus provoking anger and dismay.
Act III
Hamlet contemplates human destiny in the famous soliloquy "To be or not to be." After secretly observing Claudius’ profound remorse, Hamlet pushes Ophelia away and confronts his mother. The ghost appears again to Hamlet, reminding him of his mission of vengeance.
Act IV
Ophelia, spurned by Hamlet, descends into madness. Lost and delirious, she plunges into the deep waters of a lake, haunted by her memories of Hamlet.
Act V
Hamlet reflects upon Ophelia with regret, unaware of her tragic fate. After a confrontation with Laertes, Hamlet learns of Ophelia's death from a funeral procession. As he contemplates joining her, his father's ghost reminds him of his duty. Hamlet kills Claudius, and is proclaimed king of Denmark.
August 5, 1811 – February 12, 1896
Ambroise Thomas, born on August 5, 1811, in Metz, was a French composer best known for his operas. The son of a violinist father and a singer mother, he grew up in a musically nurturing environment that helped shape his talents. In 1828, Thomas entered the Paris Conservatory, where he studied composition under renowned teachers such as Jean-François Lesueur and Ferdinand Hérold. In 1832, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome, allowing him to further refine his skills at the Villa Medici in Rome.
Upon returning to France, Thomas embarked on a successful career as an opera composer. While his early works, such as Le Caïd (1849) and Le Songe d'une nuit d'été (1850), garnered moderate success, it was Mignon (1866) that brought him international acclaim. This opera, based on Goethe’s novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, became one of the most performed works in Europe at the time.
Thomas is also remembered for his opera Hamlet (1868), adapted from Shakespeare’s play, which showcases his ability to transform literary masterpieces into captivating musical dramas. In addition to his operas, Thomas composed symphonic works and chamber music, although opera remained the focus of his career.
In 1871, he was appointed director of the Paris Conservatory, a position he held until his death in 1896. As director, Thomas played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of French composers and contributed significantly to the evolution of the operatic repertoire.
Although his work is performed less frequently today, Ambroise Thomas left behind a significant musical legacy. He is buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, resting alongside many of France’s greatest musical figures.
Ambroise Thomas
HAMLET Elliot Madore
Grammy-winning Canadian baritone Elliot Madore, is renowned for his powerful voice and captivating stage presence. Celebrated for his performances with the world's leading opera houses and orchestras, Madore has made his mark with major roles such as Don Giovanni, Pelléas, and Mercutio. For the 2024-2025 season, he takes on the title role in Hamlet at Opéra de Montréal and sings in Die tote Stadt with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His recent performances include Iphigénie en Tauride at the Opernhaus Zürich, Sweeney Todd alongside Bryn Terfel, and Eurydice at the Boston Lyric Opera. A dedicated educator, he also serves as an associate professor of voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Active in concert as well, Madore has performed with prestigious orchestras, including in Carmina Burana and Buddha Passion. His international career continues to grow through diverse roles with the world's leading musical institutions. Last ODM appearance: GALA (2014)
The participation of Elliot Madore is made possible with the generous support of Vickie Vouloumanos.
Sarah Dufresne
SOPRANO CANADA
Canadian soprano Sarah Dufresne has been celebrated for her “style and elegance” (Bachtrack), and her “richness of tone, some angelic high notes and admirable control” (ArtsDesk). During the 2024-2025 season, sees Sarah make role debuts as Ophelia in Thomas’ Hamlet with Opéra de Montréal, Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto with Pacific Opera Victoria, and Semele in Strauss’ Die Liebe der Danae with Bayerische Staatsoper. On the concert stage, she looks forward to debuting Yvette/Georgette in Puccini’s La Rondine with Sir Antonio Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra. Other recent highlights include appearing as the High Priestess in Verdi’s Aida under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Orchestre Métropolitain at the Festival de Lanaudière and closing her two-year residency in the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Program with acclaimed performances in Bizet’s Carmen (Frasquita), Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore (Giannetta), and Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel (Dew Fairy) at Covent Garden. Last ODM appearance: Riders to the Sea (2021)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
The participation of Sarah Dufresne is made possible with the generous support of André Ferraro.
QUEEN GERTRUDE
Karine Deshayes
Internationally renowned French mezzo-soprano Karine Deshayes is celebrated for her exceptional interpretations of Mozart, Rossini, and French opera roles. Named Lyric Artist of the Year three times at the Victoires de la Musique awards, she began her career at the Opéra de Lyon before shining on prestigious stages like the Opéra de Paris, where she performed roles such as Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro), Carmen, and Charlotte (Werther). She has also appeared internationally, at venues including the Salzburg Festival, Teatro Real in Madrid, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Recently, she triumphed in roles like Elisabetta (Elisabetta Regina d'Inghilterra) and Madame Cortese (Il Viaggio a Reims) at the Pesaro Festival, Valentine (Les Huguenots) at both the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels and the Opéra de Marseille, and Norma at the Aix-en-Provence Festival, the Opéra National du Rhin, and the Opéra de Marseille. An Officer of Arts and Letters and a Knight of the Legion of Honour, Karine Deshayes is set to perform as Gertrude at the Opéra de Montréal, along with several other prestigious roles in France and abroad. First ODM appearance
The participation of Karine Deshayes is made possible with the generous support of Ossama el Naggar.
OPHELIA
CLAUDIUS
Nathan Berg
Canadian bass-baritone Nathan Berg, a Grammy, Juno, and Echo Awardwinning artist, is renowned for his powerful, richly toned voice and captivating stage presence. Praised by critics for his "top-tier voice" and "brilliant theatricality", he stands out with his impeccable technique and ever-evolving career. During the 2024-2025 season, Mr. Berg will return to Theater Basel for Wotan as Wanderer in Siegfried and later, full Ring Cycle. With Opéra de Montréal, he will sing Claudius in Thomas’ Hamlet, and Filippo in Don Carlo with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. In concert, Nathan will sing Walton’s Belshezzar’s Feast with Atlanta Symphony. Last ODM appearance: Das Rheingold (2018)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
The participation of Nathan Berg is made possible with the generous support of Emmelle Segal.
LAERTES
Antoine Bélanger
Canadian lyric tenor Antoine Bélanger is one of the most prominent opera artists in Canada. He has performed a wide range of roles with the country's leading opera companies, including Opéra de Montréal, Opéra de Québec, Vancouver Opera, and Calgary Opera, and also appears with various companies and orchestras in Europe. His repertoire focuses primarily on French and Italian operas, with major roles such as Faust, Werther, Don José (Carmen), Alfredo (La Traviata), Rodolfo (La Bohème), Roméo (Roméo et Juliette), and Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly). In 2023, he created the role of Znorko in the opera Enigma at the Opéra-Théâtre in Metz, which he will reprise with Opéra de Montréal in 2024, followed by the role of Alfredo (La Traviata) with Opéra de Montréal. As a soloist, he regularly performs with orchestras such as the Orchestre Métropolitain and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. His concert repertoire includes works such as Verdi's Requiem, Orff's Carmina Burana, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, and Handel's Messiah Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
The participation of Antoine Bélanger is made possible with the generous support of Daniel Turp.
MARCELLUS
Rocco Rupolo
Tenor Rocco Rupolo graduated in opera and music from the University of Toronto. He has excelled in roles such as Nemorino (L'elisir d'amore), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), and the Lover (Amelia al Ballo). Following his studies, he completed two years in the Emerging Artist Program at Vancouver Opera, where he sang Anthony (Sweeney Todd) and Remendado (Carmen). In 2019, he finished the Young Artist Program at the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, performing roles such as Borsa (Rigoletto), Benvolio (Roméo et Juliette), and Spoletta (Tosca). A finalist in the prestigious Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio Competition, he was also praised for his portrayal of Rodolfo (La Bohème) at the Highlands Opera Studio. Rocco Rupolo made his debut at Opéra de Québec in 2019 as Alfredo (La Traviata), a role he also performed at the Reykjavik Opera in 2021, later returning to Opéra de Montréal to sing Normanno (Lucia di Lammermoor). Last ODM appearance: La Reine-garçon (2024)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
HORATIO
Alexandre Sylvestre
A native of Quebec City, Alexandre Sylvestre studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal where he was awarded the “Premier Prix avec Grande Distinction.” Recent and upcoming engagements include Thomas’ Hamlet with Opéra de Montréal, Mozart’s Requiem with Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Newfoundland Symphony, a program of Bach cantatas with Orchestre Métropolitain, and a program of operatic favourites with Orchestre symphonique de Laval. Recent appearances include Opera Lafayette’s performances and filming of Beethoven's Leonore in New York City and Washington, D.C., Capulet in Roméo et Juliette for Calgary Opera, Baron Douphol in La Traviata for Pacific Opera Victoria, Morales in Carmen for Opéra de Montréal, and Handel’s Messiah in Thunder Bay. Last ODM appearance: Carmen (2019)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
POLONIUS
Matthew Li
Bass Matthew Li, described as having a “vibrant stage presence and a rich, commanding voice” (La Scena Musicale), recently completed his residency at the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal. Notable operatic roles include Don Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore, Seneca in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Polyphemus in Acis and Galatea, Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, and Colline in La Bohème. He has performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, and Mozart’s Requiem. A strong collaborator, he created the baritone-bass role of Xon Pon in the world premiere of Chinatown by Alice Ping Yee Ho and Madeleine Thien with City Opera Vancouver. He also premiered the song cycle Triptych by Roydon Tse. During the 2024-2025 season, Li will be a Rebanks Fellow at The Royal Conservatory of Music, performing Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte and Leporello in Don Giovanni, alongside other major engagements. Last ODM appearance: The Marriage of Figaro (2023)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
GHOST
Alain Coulombe
Bass Alain Coulombe, renowned for the depth and warmth of his voice, has established himself on the international opera scene over a career of more than thirty years. He has collaborated with distinguished conductors such as Seiji Ozawa, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Kent Nagano, and Helmut Rilling. Notable roles include Il Commendatore in Don Giovanni at the Salzburg Festival, Der Doktor in Wozzeck at La Scala in Milan, Geronte di Ravoir in Manon Lescaut at the Dutch National Opera, and Bishop Taché in Louis Riel at the Canadian Opera Company. He has also performed in Quebec premieres, including roles such as Gaston in Messe solennelle pour une pleine lune d’été at the Opéra de Québec and Descartes’ assistant in La Reine-garçon at the Opéra de Montréal. In concert, he has sung L’Enfance du Christ by Berlioz with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic. In 2023, he was nominated for the prestigious Paul de Hueck and Norman Walford Career Achievement Award. Last ODM appearance: La Reine-garçon (2024)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
BASS CANADA
CONDUCTOR
Jacques Lacombe
Jacques Lacombe, Music Director of the Vancouver Opera, has forged a prestigious career marked by collaborations with orchestras and opera companies around the world. He was previously artistic director of the Mulhouse Symphony Orchestra, the Trois-Rivières Symphony Orchestra, and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Lacombe has conducted renowned ensembles such as the Orchestre National de France and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and he has guided opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and the Deutsche Oper in Berlin. He has worked with distinguished soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming and Roberto Alagna. His conducting has been praised as inspiring, earning him an ASCAP award. He has also recorded major works such as Verdi's Requiem and Carmina Burana. He is a Knight of the National Order of Quebec and a member of the Order of Canada. Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
The participation of Jacques Lacombe is made possible with the generous support of François Leclair and John Farrell.
STAGE DIRECTOR
Alain Gauthier
Montreal director Alain Gauthier is recognized for his acclaimed productions in Canada and the United States. At Opéra de Montréal, he has directed major works such as L’Étoile, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Samson et Dalila, Dead Man Walking, and Elektra. His productions of Pagliacci/Gianni Schicchi and Dead Man Walking won Opus Awards in the categories of "Show of the Year" and "Event of the Year." In Canada, he has also directed Carmen in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as several operas at Opéra de Québec. In the United States, he has worked with Cincinnati Opera, the New York City Opera, and other renowned companies. Among his recent achievements is a co-production of La Traviata presented across Canada. Last ODM appearance: La Traviata (2024)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
The participation of Alain Gauthier is made possible with the generous support of Stella Gignac and Patrick Ouellet.
THE DESIGNERS
SET DESIGNER Frédérick
Ouellet
Frédérick Ouellet has been immersed in the performing arts since childhood, distinguishing as an artist and head painter for numerous productions in Quebec and internationally. His expertise includes scenography, artistic direction, and scene painting. He has collaborated with major figures, enriching their artistic processes through his quest for innovation in textures and patinas. Through more than twenty years' experience in opera, Frédérick has developed a rich visual language, giving each production a unique depth while constantly exploring new artistic horizons. First ODM appearance
COSTUME DESIGNER
Sarah Balleux
Sarah Balleux creates costumes for theatre, circus, and television. Her refined designs highlight a subtle search for balance and contrast, to help define the characters and the performers who embody them. Her work has been seen in productions such as La nuit des rois (TNM), which earned her both a Critics' Award (2022–2023) and a Gaston-Roux Award (2022–2023), Belmont (Théâtre de l’œil ouvert), Saloon, Nezha, and Bon voyage (Cirque Éloize), Alix et les Merveilleux (Avanti), as well as in productions by Théâtre Advienne que Pourra, which she has co-directed since 2005 (The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Anne of Green Gables). Hamlet is her second collaboration with the Opéra de Montréal, which she designed the costumes for La beauté du monde in 2022. Last ODM appearance: La beauté du monde (2022)
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Renaud Pettigrew
Navigating theatre, dance, comedy, opera, and popular music, Renaud Pettigrew has over 150 designs to his credit. His work has been acclaimed both in Canada and internationally. Inspired by his surroundings, his creative approach helps guide the gaze, create immersive atmospheres, and shape the space to give it a unique character. On the Quebec stage, Renaud has collaborated with Robert Lepage, Jean-Simon Traversy, Daniel Brière, Alexis Martin, Alexia Burger, Frédéric Dubois, Marie Brassard, Robert Lepage, René Richard Cyr, Claude Poissant, and François Bernier. First ODM appearance
IN REHEARSALS
CHORUS MASTER
Claude Webster
Canadian chorus master Claude Webster has been a key figure at Opéra de Montréal, where he has conducted the choirs since 2007. Prior to this, he spent twenty years as the principal vocal coach at the Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal. With more than thirty years' experience, he is recognized for his work on the lyric stage in Canada and internationally. In addition to his musical roles, Claude Webster is a certified professional coach in stress management and mental preparation for performance, sharing his expertise through training sessions and conferences for musicians. He is the author of two books on the subject, including Atteindre sa zone d’excellence and The Performance Handbook For Musicians, Singers And Performers. His innovative approaches combine music and psychology, contributing to the artistic development of the singers and musicians he supports. Last ODM appereance: The Barber of Seville (2024)
Former member of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal.
REHEARSAL PIANIST
Esther Gonthier
With more than 130 operas in her repertoire, Esther Gonthier is one of Canada's most sought-after vocal coaches. Also active as a repetiteur, collaborative pianist and concert pianist, she regularly collaborates with Opéra de Montréal, Opéra de Québec, the Canadian Opera Company, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Métropolitain, Festival de Lanaudière and Les Violons du Roy. Last ODM appereance: Enigma (2024)
REHEARSAL PIANIST (CHORUS) Pierre McLean
Originally from Montreal, Pierre obtained a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the l'Université de Montréal. He continued his training in Europe and the United States (Tanglewood Music Festival). Passionate about voice, he quickly became a vocal coach, thanks in part to the workshop at the Atelier lyrique of the Opéra de Montréal. Highly appreciated by opera singers and choir conductors, he plays for many soloists and ensembles, including the choirs of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Opéra de Montréal. He was the collaborative pianist for the National Youth Choir of Canada’s tour in May 2024 under the direction of Roseline Blain. He also participated as an arranger and pianist in the soprano Karina Gauvin's Marie Hubert project under the ATMA label. Last ODM appereance: Enigma (2024)
February 8, 2025 from 12:30 pm to
MAISONNEUVE THEATRE
THE MUSICIANS
FIRST VIOLINS
Oleg Larshin
Johanne Morin
Ryan Truby
Monica Duschênes
Florence Mallette
Carolyn Klause
Alexander Lozowski
Ariane Bresse
Caroline Chéhadé
Marianne Di Tomaso
Paule Préfontaine
Paul Ballesta
SECOND VIOLINS
Nancy Ricard
Dominic Guilbault
Lucie Ménard
Claudio Ricignuolo
Sylvie Harvey
Lizann Gervais
Marie-Claire Vaillancourt
Flavie Gagnon
Taylor Mitz
Helga Dathe
VIOLAS
Elvira Misbakhova
Thierry Lavoie-Ladouceur
Pierre Tourville
Élisa Boudreau
Gérald Daigle
Julie Dupras
Suzanne Careau
Julien Haynes
CELLOS
Christopher Best
Agnès Langlois
Thérèse Ryan
Carla Antoun
Sheila Hannigan
Vincent Bergeron
DOUBLE BASSES
Marc Denis
Gilbert Fleury
Catherine Lefebvre
Yannick Chênevert
FLUTES
Caroline Séguin
Jocelyne Roy
Ariane Brisson
OBOES
Léanne Teran-Paul
Mélanie Harel
CLARINETS
Simon Aldrich
François Martel
BASSOONS
Michel Bettez
Gabrièle Dostie-Poirier
HORNS
Simon Bourget
Étienne Coulombe
Jocelyn Veilleux
Lyne Santamaria
TRUMPETS
Antoine Mailloux
Lise Bouchard
Benjamin Raymond
William Laurin
TROMBONES
Patrice Richer
Julien Hategan
Trevor Dix
TUBA
Alain Cazes
SAXOPHONE
Jean-François Guay
TIMPANI
Julien Bélanger
PERCUSSIONS
Vincent Séguin
Corinne René
Olivier Maranda
David Therrien-Brongo
HARPS
Kyra Charlton
Juliette Duguay
Opéra de Montréal Chorus
SOPRANOS
Anne-Marie Beaudette
Odéi Bilodeau
Nadya Blanchette
Pascale Brigitte Boilard
Susan Brown
Sophie De Cruz
Marie-Claire Drolet
Isabelle D. Leclerc
Julie Ekker
Laurie Tremblay
MEZZOS
Mireille Bériault
Chantal Denis
Elizabeth Ekholm
Cécile Gendron
Julie Goupil
Anne Julien
Marie-Chantal Lemieux
Isabelle Ricard
Gilda Salomone
Michelle Sutton
TENORS
Mathieu Abel
Pascal Blanchet
Ruben Shaym Brutus
Bernard Cayouette
Phil Dutton
Eric Gauvin
Julien Girard
Nathan LeLièvre
David Menzies
Jaime Sandoval
BARITONES
Jonathan Bédard
Claudel Callender Alain
Duguay Alexandre
Duguay Emanuel
Lebel Clermont
Tremblay
BASSES
Jordan Delage FrançoisNicolas Guertin Philippe Morin
Luc Saucier
Actors 3rd role
Jérémie Gariépy
Olivier Hardy
Dominic Poulin
Thank you, dear donors, for supporting the Opéra de Montréal with such passion and generosity!
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Nathalie Labrecque
Hubert Lemelin & Michel Larose
The Irving Ludmer Family Foundation
À la mémoire de Monique Lussier
Mario Ménard & Jean-Pierre Le Clerc
Vincent Picard-Dufresne & Amélie Michaud
Jean-Pierre Primiani & Christine Paulino
Thérèse & Peter Primiani
Tourisme Montréal
Marie-José Verreault
Martin Watier
Anonymous (1)
$1,200+
Louise Ahdoot
Karyn Allen & Peter Van Den Heuvel
Munirah Amra
Raymond Bachand & Micheline Brazeau
Daniel A. Beaulieu
Dr. Lorraine Bell & Ralph Thompson
Bunny Berke & Larry Lusko
Carole & Myer Bick
Hy & Joan Bloom
Pierre-Yves Boivin
Me Luc Bourbonnais
Michelle & Guy Bouthillier
Fondation Pierre R. Brosseau
Jonathan Brotto
Jean Charbonneau
Toxicologue Inc.
Jacques L. Charuest
Dr J.P. Chiasson, MD, F.A.S.A.M.
Francis Choinière
Dr Richard Cloutier
Sandro D'Annibale
Richard de Blois
Isabelle Demers
Alain Desmeules
THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY (CONTINUED)
James Dorff & Laurent Thibault
Michel Drapeau
Fondation Martineau Drapeau
David Essiambre CPA
Dana Even
Pierre Filiatrault
Stephen J. Fogarty
Claire Fournelle
Pascale Garneau
Antoine Gervais, à la mémoire de Raymond Gervais
Mouna & Elias Ghannoum
Émile Ghattas &
Mona Latif-Ghattas †
Frédéric Godbout & Annie Guay
Me Julius H. Grey
Marina Gusti
Shuki Ho
Michel Hogue & Richard Raymond
Linda Houle
Peter Hunt
Dr. Calvin Kalman
Denise Lambert
Nan & Bill Lassner
Raymonde Lavoie
Christiane LeBlanc
Martin Lépine
Thomas Leslie, MMM, CD
Stéphane L'Espérance & Carmen Hernandez
Dr André Levasseur
Tina Liu
Éric Martel & Josiane Lamy
Dr. Jacqueline McClaran & Dr. Jonathan Meakins
Joanne & Guy McLean
Caroline Montminy
Maria Morse MBA, CPA & Martin Roberge
Amin Noorani
Antonella Pagano, in honour of Vanda Treiser
Famille Pierre Provencher
Ginette Quintal
Louis Racine & Marie-Christine Torchio
Drs. Alexandra & Mark Reich
Évangéline Richard
Lesley & Mark Robinson
Catherine Rowe & John Di Gironimo
Madeleine Roy
Henriot M. Sabourin & Pierrette Couture
Dr. Jinder Sall
Frank Schlesinger
Jean-François Séguin
Howard Stotland
Bernard St-Pierre-Marcotte & Francine Ouellette
Karim Talaat
Dr Jean-Pierre Talbot
Ruth & Tony Terenzi
Robert Thibaudeau
Famille Vossos
Diana C. Wall
Dre Marie Youssef
Linda & Joe Zalter
Dr. Mark Zoccolillo
Anonymous (1)
FRIENDS OF THE OPERA DIRECTEUR
$600+
Philippe Alcouffe
Yves Boulanger
Dre Suzanne Dubé & Dr Laurence Green
Lucy Fellowes
Margaret & Bernd Filzer
In loving memory of Kappy Flanders
Mona Golfman
Jocelyne Langevin
George E. Lovick
Richard Margison & Valerie Kuinka
Sophie Massicotte
Serge B. Melançon
MJ Fiscalité inc.
Eric & Jane Molson
Famille Morisset Noppen
Salvatore Nicastro
Mariella Pandolfi
Jean-Pierre Paradis
Louise Paré
Sonnie Park
David Paulhus
Colette Pilon & Howard Bergman
Kate Puxley
Dr. Elsa Quiros-Calinoiu
SDBL Administration & Comptabilité inc.
Fondation St-Germain Kavanagh
$300+
Jocelyne Antille
Paul Benoit
Nicole Brodeur
André Canakis
Glenn Castanheira
Simone Chevalier
Sylvain Collette
Berney Creighton
Jean-Pierre Deschamps
Hélène-Louise Dupont Élie
Léopold Ferron
Daniel Filion
Thérèse Gagnon Giasson
Jacques Gagnon
Denyse Gautrin
Richard Gut
Eren Halil
Louise Julien
Berthe Kossak
Gilles Lanctôt
Jean-Charles Le Brun &
Normand-G. Robert
Allan Marr
Suzanne Masson
Andrée Noël
Jennifer Paquet
Zephya & Gianluca Passarella
Marie-Soleil Pichette
Denise Pilote
Carmen Reid
Dr Patrick Simard Médecin Inc.
Heidy Simonin
Dre Suzanne Venne & Dr Jan De Smet
Anonymous (7)
$120+
Patricia Abbott
Alexandre Barradas
Sylvain Barrette
Michel Perrault & Joanne Bazinet
André Beauchamp
Robert Belanger
Claudette Belliveau
À la mémoire de Jean-Guy Benoit
Francesco Biondi Morra Di Belforte
À la mémoire de Normand Blais
Marie Blouin
Eileen & Herb Borsuk
Mathieu Bouchard
Robert Boulanger
Danielle Bourget
Gregoire Cavalli
Moy Fong Chen
Gisele Chevrefils
Peter Chiotis & Anthi Balafoutis
Elena Chirokova
Maryse Chynchuck
Linda Cochrane
Teodor Gabriel Crainic
Richard Crête
Michael Davis
Normand Denault
Micheline Desgagné
Colette Desrochers
Luc Doray
Myriam Douville
Jacques Dussault
Janice Fetsch
Christiane Fortin Langevin
Louise Fraser
Eveline-Louise Gagné
John Galaty
Amy Grainger
Jocelyne Guay
Peter D. Hannen
Helen Haslam
Suzanne Hebert Vaillant
Sherley Henry
Nathalie Ishak
Irena Iwanyckij
Thomas Kelly
Daniel Kinsella
Christoph Laeer
Louise Lafontaine
Pierre Lajoie
Akbar Lalani
Denis Lapierre
Suzanne Laplante
Gerard Lavelle
Marie-Claude Le Clair
Marcel D. Legault
Barbara Lewis
Leslie Lubin
Lucie Malenfant
Marion Malon
Serge Marceau
René Marineau
Maryse Martin
Jocelyne Morin
Linna Muller-Wille
Lourdes Olguin Zuniga
Alain Orvoine
Alfred Ouellet
Jean Ouellette
P.K. Pal
Desiree Park
Vladimir Perez
Lise Pierre Pierre
Serge Poisson-de-Haro
Catherine Potvin
Jean-Pierre Racette
Renée & Joseph Rouleau
Yolanda Sabetta
Bahjat Salem, à la nourriture de l'âme
Caroline Samson
Lucie Sanfaçon
Richard Shedleur
V. Sirois
Suzanne Spinelli
Raymonde St-Pierre
À la mémoire de Raoul & Helene Tessier
Mathilde & Simon Tinawi
Anna-Maria Tsanaclis
Suzanne Vadboncoeur
Ziko & Jadwiga
Gerald Zion
Anonymous (17)
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
Presenting Partners
National Audition Partner
MRS. VANDA TREISER and in memory of M. BENJAMIN TREISER
DoubleTree by Hilton Montréal
LaCité Le Mille Neuf
Permanent Team
Patrick Corrigan, General Director
Michel Beaulac, Artistic Director
Louis Bouchard, Strategic Operations Director
PRODUCTION
Pierre Massoud, Production Director / Marie Hélène Larivière, Production Coordinator / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Drew Lyall, Technical Director Assistant / Laurence Pronier, Head of Stage Management Department / Dominique Guindon, Head of Wardrobe / Sonya Bayer, Associate Head of Wardrobe / Sandra Chirico, Wardrobe Supervisor
ATELIER LYRIQUE DE L’OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Jennifer Szeto, Director of the Atelier Lyrique / Marie Maous, Program Manager / Geneviève Lessard, Production Manager
Administration
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Stephanie Laichi, Director, Marketing and Communications / Marie-Pier Perron, Marketing Manager / Daniella Johnson, Communications and Public Relations Manager / Darnyse Memnon, Client Services Manager / Estelle Mouden, Sales and Marketing Coordinator / Maïka Bélanger, Coordinator, Client Services / Florie Duchesneau, Antoine Hatem, Client Services Agents
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
CIVIC IMPACT AND EDUCATION
Pierre Vachon, Director, Civic Impact and Education / Charlotte Gagnon, Manager, Social Impact and Education
FINANCES
Maria Morse, Finances Director / Marie-Claude Lagacé, Accounting Agent
Current Production Team
PRODUCTION
Pierre Massoud, Production Director / Marie Hélène Larivière, Production Coordinator / Patrick Belzile, Technical Director / Drew Lyall, Technical Director Assistant / Olivier Ouellet-Hébert, Project Manager Special Effects
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Laurence Pronier, Head of Stage Management Department / Thomas Lussier, Stage Manager / Léa Touzé, Clémence Lavigne, Laetitia Mallette, Assistant Stage Managers
Dominique Guindon, Head of Wardrobe / Sonya Bayer, Associate Head of Wardrobe / Sandra Chirico, Wardrobe Supervisor / Cassandre Josépovic, Wardrobe Technician and Couturier / Richard Provost, Hat Maker and Tailor / Mélanie Richard, Fauve Du Tilly Lefebvre, Alain Spooner, Pattern Maker / Marie-Claire Doyon, Gabriela Farinaccio, Sandrine Moreau, Christine Tremblay, Mireille Tremblay, Anne-Sophie Boucher, Seamstresses / Mélanie Turcotte, Patina / Geneviève Fortin, Head Dresser (ODM) / Joël Boudreault, Head Dresser (PDA Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier)
PROPS
Madeleine Saint-Jacques, Philippe Pointard, Head Props
HAIR
Pierre Lafontaine, Head of Hair and Wigs / Manon Alexandre, Karine Deest, Kimberley Murphy, Guylaine Sant, Marie-Ève Ménard, Hair Stylists
MAKE-UP
Julie Casault, Head of Makeup department / Camiel McLean, Marianne Bobet, Alexandre Desjardins, Stéphanie Villemaire, Jacques Besner, Alexe-Rose Francoeur, Johanne Doyon, Makeup Artists
RUNNER
Tyler Parent Technical Staff
Daniel Masse, Head Carpenter / Julie Latulippe, Martin Jannard, Assistant Head Carpenters / Pierre Veniot, Head of Sound / André Corbeil, Simon Rivest, Assistants Heads of Sound / David Leblanc, Prop Master / Martin Turgeon, Assistant Prop Master / Charles Denis, Head Fly Man / Eric Piché, Assistant Head Fly Man / Saturnin Goyer, Head of Lighting / Martin Dussault, Assistant Head of Lighting
Stage technical services are provided by: IATSE section locale 56
THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATORS:
Omnison: Sound and Lighting
Trans Québec: Audiovisual
Les Entreprises Truck'N Roll: Transport 33 Degrés : Drawing and Graphic Modelling
Designers
Frédérick Ouellet, Set Designer / Renaud Pettigrew, Lighting Designer / Sarah Balleux, Costume Designer
Sets were created by Atelier Productions Yves Nicol, and the costumes were 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
CALENDAR
DECEMBER 11, 2024
St-Viateur Church
CONCERT
Holiday Gathering
FOR FRIENDS OF THE OPERA
Concert with the magnificent mezzo-soprano Rose NaggarTremblay, accompanied on the piano by Julien Proulx!
Join the Friends of the Opera by making a donation of $10 per month (or an annual donation of $120)! You help support the mission and programs of OdM, while benefiting from special invitations and communications.
Yes, I want to become a Friend of the Opera! jedonneenligne.org/operademontreal/ANNU
FEBRUARY 6 TO 9, 2025
Maisonneuve Theatre
OPERA
L’Enfant et les sortilèges BY RAVEL & Le Phare BY
JOBIDON AND REVA
Bolstered by major community success at the Théâtre Paradoxe in February 2023, Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, an opera for the whole family, now takes the stage at Théâtre Maisonneuve. This performance will be preceded by the premiere of Le Phare [The Lighthouse] by Laurence Jobidon and Maria Reva. It relates the story of a lonely lighthouse which, after turning off its beam to attract boats to its rocky base, is faced with unforeseen consequences. Sylvain Scott stage-directs resident artists of the Atelier lyrique, who will perform with the Orchestre de "l’Agora" conducted by none other than Nicolas Ellis.
FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Maisonneuve Theatre
FAMILY FUNDRAISING EVENT
La Kermesse des enfants
Alongside the enchanting operas L'Enfant et les Sortilèges and Le Phare, this lively fundraiser is tailor-made for kids ages 5 to 12 and their families! Dive into a world of creative workshops, face-painting stations, musical adventures, and so much more.
After the show, cozy up with festive snacks, cupcakes, hot chocolate, and delightful surprises. By joining us, you’ll not only create magical memories but also support our education programs.
