World Premiere:
Female focused opera!
Double bill: L’hiver attend beaucoup de moi preceded by La voix humaine
The Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal presents a new—all-female—work from Quebec, preceded by one of Francis Poulenc’s landmark operatic works. Stage direction for the double bill has been entrusted to Solène Paré, a rising star on the Montreal theatre scene whose last success, Les Louves, was presented at Espace Go in the fall.
La voix humaine by Poulenc and Cocteau is a veritable stylistic feat that poses a major challenge for soprano France Bellemare, the only singer on stage for an entire act-long telephone conversation, interspersed with moments of silence. Its central theme is the breakup of a relationship—devastating, cruel, harrowing. Marie-Ève Scarfone, the Atelier lyrique’s head vocal coach and the musical director for the work, performs the piano score.
Stage direction for the double bill has been entrusted to Solène Paré, a rising star on the Montreal theatre scene…
“I am very happy to be working once again with France Bellemare, whose career has been flourishing since she left the Atelier lyrique in 2016. To see her carry this demanding role with such aplomb fills me with pride,” says Chantal Lambert, director of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal. “This work pairs beautifully with the new work that follows it,” she continues.
In the dead of a harsh Quebec winter, two strangers come together to travel the road towards what they hope will be a new—and better—life; remaining united, the women hope to improve their chances of escaping the violence they have been subjected to until now. This is the premise of L’hiver attend beaucoup de moi, an all-new work and the first opera by a duo of Quebec women—composer Laurence Jobidon and librettist Pascale St-Onge—being given its world premiere. Vanessa Croome and Florence Bourget, two artists in residence at the Atelier lyrique, perform this poignant work, accompanied on piano by the work’s musical director and former Atelier lyrique member Jennifer Szeto.
‘L’hiver attend beaucoup de moi, an all-new work and the first opera by a duo of Quebec women…’
“We truly fell for Laurence and Pascale’s powerful work at the presentation of the Mécénat Musica Prix 3 femmes awards in 2018,” adds Lambert. “We immediately knew that we had to commission a work from them this season and we are absolutely delighted with the result,” she concludes.
“The Opéra de Montréal is proud to serve as a platform for local artists and creators, showcasing not only their talent but the stories and values of our beautiful land as well,” states Patrick Corrigan, General Director of the Opéra de Montréal. “L’Hiver attend beaucoup de moi is the first in a series of five new works that the company will be presenting over five years, and we are very excited at the idea of seeing them come together,” concludes Corrigan.
Production by ODM productions. This production is being made possible through the Vanda Treiser Initiatives. We also thank the Ruth and David Steinberg Family Foundation for their generous support.
Program
L’hiver attend beaucoup de moi
by Laurence Jobidon and Pascale St-Onge
La voix humaine
by Francis Poulenc and Jean Cocteau
Distribution
LA VOIX HUMAINE
The woman: France Bellemare, soprano
Piano and musical direction: Marie-Ève Scarfone
L’HIVER ATTEND BEAUCOUP DE MOI
Madeleine: Florence Bourget, mezzo-soprano
Léa: Vanessa Croome, soprano
Piano and musical direction: Jennifer Szeto
FOR THE TWO WORKS
Directed by Solène Paré
Decors: Étienne René-Contant
Costumes : Geneviève Lizotte
Lighting: Martin Sirois
Make-up and hairstyling : Suzanne Trépanier
Production: Productions ODM inc.
Female Focused Opera!
March 19, 21, 24, 26, and 28, 2020 at 7:30 pm
March 22, 2020 at 2 pm
Espace Go
4890 St Laurent Blvd • 514 845-4890
Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal
An artist residency for Canadian opera singers and pianist-vocal coaches, the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal training program serves as a springboard to professional life by focusing on excellence and encouraging autonomy and career development. atelierlyrique.operademontreal.com
Tickets
Single Tickets starting at $25
Opéra de Montréal box office: 514 985-2258 • 1 877 385-2222
Place des Arts box office: 514 842-2112 • 1 866 842-2112
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Images: Opéra de Montréal and Espace Go
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L’Opéra de Montréal acts as a catalyst for the city’s artistic creativity and celebrates Quebec and Canada’s rich vocal heritage, showcasing opera at its most diverse and daring. From great classics of the opera repertoire and innovative new works from home and abroad, to a training program for the finest young Canadian singers and outreach efforts in the community and educational system, the Opéra de Montréal offers unforgettable operatic events at which everyone is warmly received and feels welcome.
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