La Scena a Tavola: Justine Ledoux’s Charcuterie Nights

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Welcome back to La Scena a tavola, where artists invite us into their kitchens and share the dishes that keep them grounded between performances. This month, mezzo-soprano Justine Ledoux serves up The Charcuterie Board.

Justine Ledoux

The Montreal-born mezzo is one of Canada’s most compelling emerging voices. She is a current member of Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier Lyrique. Known for her strong stage presence and luscious lyrical timbre, she was named by CBC Music as one of its 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30 in 2025 and is the recipient of the Choquette-Symcox Award from the Jeunesses Musicales Canada Foundation. Offstage, she is married to tenor Thomas Viñals. In fact, the charcuterie board has become their way of reconnecting and a favourite way to host friends.

“When my husband and I first moved in together, we started a tradition,” Justine recalls. “Charcuterie nights, smooth jazz playing in the background, and no rush to be anywhere, which is rare in our careers.”

“Made this board in Calgary when my mom came to visit!” says Justine Ledoux

Her approach is simple but efficient: contrast and variety. Soft cheeses like brie or goat meet stronger ones like aged cheddar or blue. “My personal favourite is truffle Boursin,” she confides. Prosciutto, salami, and saucisson anchor the plate alongside pickles, olives, fresh grapes, figs, or crisp Asian pear. Add nuts, honey, a little dark chocolate, and plenty of crackers or sliced baguette, or even mini naan.

“It’s less about perfection,” she says, “more about creating something generous and inviting. It’s our go-to ritual after long days, between projects, or when we want to celebrate something—even something small.”

Suggested drink pairing: “My favourite drink to pair with the charcuterie board is Beaujolais red wine, or Perrier if I’m being more vocally cautious!”

Justine Ledoux’s Upcoming Engagements:

OSM Competition 2025, Voice, semifinalist. The competition’s semifinal rounds are scheduled during the week of Nov. 10, with the Grand Finale on Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Montreal’s Maison symphonique.

Jenůfa (Pastuchyna), Opéra de Montréal, Nov. 22 & 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.

The Turn of the Screw (Mrs. Grose), Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal in collaboration with NACO. Montreal performance on Feb. 14, 2026; Ottawa performance on Feb. 28.

Carmen (cover), Opéra de Montréal, May 2, 5, 7, 10, & 12, 2026.