Montreal, November 27, 2017 – The Opéra de Montréal held its very first Atelier lyrique National Auditions Gala in Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts on November 15. This prestigious event, entitled TALENT 2017, brought together over three hundred music lovers who gathered to celebrate Canada’s emerging operatic talent on an unforgettable evening benefitting the Opéra de Montréal and its Atelier lyrique.
The eleven finalists, chosen from among more than 120 artists across the country, vied for a spot in the OdM’s prestigious artist-in-residence program. The end result: five young soloists will be making their way into the Atelier lyrique in September 2018. They are: Florence Bourget (Montreal), Spencer Britten (Vancouver), Brenden Friesen (Saskatchewan), Andrea Núñez (Toronto), and Elisabeth Polese (Toronto).
As an artist residency program for opera singers, pianist-vocal coaches, and stage directors, the Atelier lyrique serves as a veritable springboard to a professional career. Offering training and on-stage experience at the Opéra de Montréal, the program aims to adequately equip young artists for every aspect of their careers: vocal technique, musical and dramatic performance, operatic diction, languages, health, mental preparation for performance, fiscal matters, professional image, etc. Several internationally renowned artists have been Atelier members over the years, including Julie Boulianne, Etienne Dupuis, Marianne Fiset, Marc Hervieux, Marie-Josée Lord, and Michèle Losier.
Opéra de Montréal
Founded in 1980 and based in Montreal, the Opéra de Montréal is the largest francophone opera company in North America. Each season, close to 50,000 spectators make their way through the company’s doors. Under the direction of General Director Patrick Corrigan and Artistic Director Michel Beaulac, the company’s season is made up of four to five operas, activities and concerts by the Atelier lyrique, and outreach activities. The Opéra is a key player in the city’s economic, cultural, and social development as, each season, it maintains working relationships with over 360 local businesses, and hires no less than 800 artists and craftspeople. Close to 80% of the artists appearing at the company are Canadian.
