Opéra de Montréal

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The Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal was founded in 1984 by Yvonne Goudreau with the goal of ensuring a continued lyric tradition in Canada by providing young artists (singers, stage directors and opera coaches) with high-quality training and the opportunity to engage in professional activities that provide practical experience in the various aspects of the operatic art form. Chantal Lambert has been directing the programme since 1990. The Atelier training period lasts from one to three years. Training is centered around individual and group rehearsals with renowned professors, for an average of about 30 hours per week spent with trainers (accompanists, vocal coaches, conductors), in addition to master classes led by prestigious guest artists, and classes in acting, diction and movement. The Atelier also arranges for auditions with directors of opera companies in order to allow members to gain some recognition in the artistic community. Specialists are also invited to counsel the singers on how best to further their careers. Over the course of their training period, Atelier members benefit from musical, theatrical, and linguistic resources offered in collaboration with the Opéra de Montréal. This season, membership is open to apprentice singers, opera coach and stage director. Activities at the Atelier take place in both official languages and many apprentices have the opportunity of mastering French or English as a second language. One hundred and fifth three young Canadians have undergone training at the Atelier lyrique since its inception. Many of these artists now lead careers on national or international stages.

L’Atelier lyrique benefits from the financial support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Heritage Canada (Training Programme in the Arts Sector), the Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation and its associated sponsor is Hydro-Québec.