An artist-in-residence program for Canadian opera singers and pianist Opera coaches

A leading artists’ residency for Canadian opera singers and pianists Opera coaches, the Atelier lyrique offers a training program—operating within the Opéra de Montréal—that serves as a springboard to professional life. In offering innovative, bilingual, and personalized training that covers the full spectrum of an opera artist’s development, the Atelier ensures that its members can reach their full potential, while fostering their autonomy, leadership, and self-achievement.

During their time at the Opéra de Montréal, the artists benefit from the expertise of seasoned specialists and get the guidance they need to prepare for roles as soloists or covers. The Atelier is characterized by its unique projects, such as an orchestral clinic and various world premieres of new works. Providing a unique look at the inner workings of the opera milieu, the Atelier lyrique offers a stimulating, exciting, and enriching environment in which each artist can explore the various facets of the profession. Since it was created in 1984, the Atelier has contributed to the development of over 200 artists, many of whom today have careers around the world and are regularly invited to perform at the company.

360° bilingual training

Becoming a professional opera singer calls for more than a beautiful voice! No different than Olympic athletes who are surrounded by experts, the young artists of the Atelier lyrique are provided with bespoke training to ensure their success. 

 Lessons and coaching in diction and singing

Our artists are regularly trained by some of the best professors and rehearsal pianists in Canada. Several master classes are also offered each season by leading international singers.

 Acting, movement and combat​

In addition to working their voices, the Atelier’s artists are given access to extensive training on all facets of the stage to fully develop as scintillating performers.

 Stage experience

Throughout the season, our artists in residence will take in a wide variety of experiences thanks to our diverse programming including roles and roles studies in Opéra de Montréal productions, chamber operas, recitals, orchestral concerts and shows in the community. These are golden opportunities to acquire experience and knit close ties with inspiring artists at the peak of their art!

 Physical and mental health​

Opera is a physically demanding art that uses the entire body. To properly prepare for the physical demands of the stage, our artists are supported according to their specific needs by sport coachs, therapists, nutritionists and ORLs to help manage their overall health and to ensure its sustainability.

 Career development​

The Opéra de Montréal network is vast, and it offers many exceptional opportunities for development such as master classes, roundtables, auditions, demo recordings, etc. Anxiety management, motivation and leadership seminars are included in the training program.

 Budgeting and taxes

Compensation is provided to artists and they are given a budget to pursue their personal development and training. Tax workshops for self-employed workers and mediation are also available.

Our Artists

OUR 23-24 RESIDENTS
  • Jerome de los Santos

    Pianist coach

    Bio
  • Emma Fekete

    Soprano

    Bio
  • Christopher Gaudreault

    Conductor and pianist coach

    Bio
  • Rebecca Klassen-Wiebe

    Pianist coach

    Bio
  • Chelsea Kolić

    Soprano

    Bio
  • Matthew Li

    Bass

    Bio
  • Angelo Moretti

    Tenor

    Bio
  • Sophie Naubert

    Soprano

    Bio
  • Mikelis Rogers

    Baritone

    Bio
  • Ian Sabourin

    Countertenor

    Bio
  • Ilanna Starr

    Mezzo

    Bio

Academy

The artists benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals to help develop vocal technique, the performance of various musical styles, acting skills, and operatic diction. The health and career management components are part of the bilingual 360º training they receive during their residency.

Jennifer Szeto, Director
The Atelier lyrique Directorship is generously sponsored by Vanda Treiser.
Marie Maous, Program coordinator
Geneviève Lessard, Production manager
Holly Kroeker, Artistic and administrative associate

Guests trainers 2023-24

  • Martine Beaulne

    Stage director

    Bio
  • Laura Brooks Rice

    Mezzo-soprano, voice teacher

    Bio
  • Alessandra Cattani

    Italian diction

    Bio
  • Rich Coburn

    Pianist coach and contract negotiation

    Bio
  • Jordan de Souza

    Conductor

    Bio
  • Tom Diamond

    Stage director

    Bio
  • Joyce DiDonato

    Mezzo-soprano - Master class

    Bio
  • Etienne Dupuis

    Baritone - Master class

    Bio
  • Nicolas Ellis

    Conductor

    Bio
  • Alain Gauthier

    Stage director

    Bio
  • Ariane Girard

    Voice Teacher

    Bio
  • Esther Gonthier

    Vocal Coach

    Bio
  • Patrick Hansen

    Stage director

    Bio
  • Teiya Kasahara

    Creator-performer

    Bio
  • Hank Knox

    Harpsichordist, early music coach

    Bio
  • Holly Kroeker

    Pianist coach - Assistant to the musical training

    Bio
  • Jacques Lacombe

    Conductor

    Bio
  • Michael McMahon

    Pianist coach

    Bio
  • Dre Francoise P. Chagnon

    Otorhinolaryngologist

    Bio
  • Julien Proulx

    Conductor, Orchestra Clinic

    Bio
  • Simon Rivard

    Conductor

    Bio
  • Sieger Roorda

    Consultant in mental preparation for performance

    Bio
  • Michael Shannon

    Pianist coach

    Bio
  • Alain Trudel

    Conductor

    Bio
  • Aria Umezawa

    Stage director, producer, and writer

    Bio