Angels of the Box Office

Six days a week, they take your calls and provide friendly assistance. Following two years of a pandemic and dozens of cancellations, it’s time to introduce you to the people who bend over backwards to make each show a successful experience. Meet Patricia, Carla, Filémon and Darnyse, angels of the Opéra de Montréal box office.

Team Spirit and Telework

As with all client services, the pandemic has been challenging for this foursome. First, due to telework. “During the crisis, we took our tasks online and worked remotely for months, without being able to meet in person,” recalls Filémon. This did not prevent them from developing strong bonds, however. “We talked to one another, supported one another, helped one another. And we are all passionate about music and opera. It gave us a lot of common ground.”

Another COVID-related challenge: constant programming changes. “Our clients showed unbelievable patience. They knew we were doing the best we could. But I’ll admit that there were some tough days,” says Patricia. “When we had to cancel La beauté du monde, I was pretty discouraged, because we had just finished transferring all of the seats from Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier to Théâtre Maisonneuve. It meant hours of work down the drain.” We know exactly how she feels!

Darnyse Memnon, Manager, Client Services, and passionate about cultural diversity issues within the arts milieu Filémon Brault-Archambeault, Aspiring film producer and former student of classical piano Patricia Weber, Soprano and singing teacher

Music and Goodwill

Whether our client services staff work full time or part time, whether they are students or have other demanding outside activities, all of our board members agree: their work involves much more than just selling tickets. “We are there to help musiclovers and fans have a magical evening. It is a privilege. So we take the time to talk about the production, and to help them choose the best seats,” says Carla. “During the pandemic, we also sensed that older clients needed a break from loneliness. We always offered them a friendly ear.” A Dash of Humour

For Darnyse, who supervises the team, going back to the office is an opportunity to reconnect with clients, and with the angels of the box office. “Music is a way to share special moments, personal favourites, feelings.”

Feelings... and some comical moments! “Knowing that I was also a singer, a client once asked me to sing the role of Pamina to him over the telephone,” says Patricia. “I was caught off guard, but was at the same time very touched and flattered. It’s that rapport that gives our work meaning.”

The Opéra de Montréal box office is open Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Carla Bodo, Passionate music-lover and PhD candidate in cultural mediation studies