CVAI: Geneviève Dompierre-Smith, soprano

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Name: Geneviève Dompierre-Smith

Voice type: Soprano

From: Montreal

Teacher: Aline Kutan

Education: Conservatoire de musique de Montréal

Soprano Geneviève Dompierre-Smith recently completed her studies at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal and received a unanimous Prize of Distinction in her final Master’s recital. She is a scholarship recipient of the Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation for Young Canadian Opera Singers and the Art Song Foundation of Canada. Her professional engagements include a performance Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle conducted by Jean-Claude Malgoire at the Festival Classica and broadcast on Radio-Canada. She also appears in Léa Pool’s film La Passion d’Augustine.

What are your 10 favourite operas?

Così fan tutte, for the beauty of the ensembles and the “dramma giocoso” style of the work.
The Turn of the Screw, for the musical structure, the mysterious atmosphere and the ambiguity of the story allowing for freedom of interpretation.
Die Fledermaus, for the juxtaposition of theatrical text and music and the charming Viennese operetta style.
Pelléas et Mélisande, for Debussy’s distinct musical motifs and how he deals with prose and music.
The Rake’s Progress, for the unfolding of Anne Truelove’s story.
Tristan und Isolde, for the seductive and romantic music.
Die Zauberflöte, because it was the first opera I ever heard.
Castor et Pollux, for the bold and passionate music of Rameau.
Doctor Atomic, for the harmony and intensity.
La Cenerentola, because I love the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales…The final rondo fascinates me every time.

How did you keep your voice in shape during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, I was an occasional substitute teacher and gave singing lessons in a small music school. This allowed me to have a structured schedule and be rigorous with my vocal practice, and it also had a direct impact on my communication and confidence as an artist. The children I taught have inspired me enormously.