Jacques Lacombe: Drama and Virtuosity in Opera

Text : Véronique Gauthier

From Shakespeare's play to its numerous adaptations, Hamlet has established itself as a true founding myth of our civilization. Which soliloquy can claim to be as widely known as the famous "To be or not to be" uttered by a troubled Hamlet? The adaptation of this story into opera, with music composed by Ambroise Thomas, is set to come to life for the very first time on the Wilfrid-Pelletier stage. Under the baton of conductor Jacques Lacombe, audiences can expect drama, power struggles, and moments of grace in abundance!

A Complementary and Cohesive Team

From the Royal Opera House to the Deutsche Oper Berlin, and through to the Opéra de Monte Carlo, Jacques Lacombe boasts an impressive track record in opera productions. However, it was in Montreal in 1993 that he conducted his very first professional production. “I have always remained loyal to the people who gave me my first opportunities, and the Opéra de Montréal is no exception. I have a sentimental attachment to the company. Alain Gauthier, the director of Hamlet, was an assistant director for one of the first operas I conducted, and I have worked with pianist Esther Gonthier since that time as well. It feels like a family reunion. Knowing each other brings a sense of synergy and complementarity to our work.”

This fluid collaboration is particularly precious, as one of Jacques Lacombe’s great joys in opera work lies in exchanging ideas and pooling different visions. “Music and staging serve one another. Together, we strive to find the best solutions to effectively serve the work. Musically, my interpretation is influenced by Alain’s staging ideas and the vocal characteristics of the performers I work with.”

With such a difficult and demanding score in hand, collaboration with the performers is also essential. “My role is to place them in the best context to perform at their best. Performers have the space to express their interpretation and perception of their role. Afterward, it is up to me to ensure that each of these contributions results in a unified whole.”

A Reference for Artists Taking on a New Role

For one of the rare times in his career, Jacques Lacombe is conducting performers who are all tackling their roles for the first time. His experience gained in France proves to be a significant asset, as he serves as a reference within the team.

“This enables me to better support the cast in their work. While singers typically prepare their roles with piano accompaniment, performing with an orchestra presents different challenges. Having already worked on the piece, I can help them anticipate potential obstacles and guide them toward effective solutions.”

Ambroise Thomas’ Refined Craftsmanship

Curiously, some operatic works become classics, while others do not, for reasons that may not be easily explained. Hamlet is undoubtedly one of those operas that deserves such status and to be performed more regularly. Jacques Lacombe, for his part, fell in love with the work when he conducted it for the first time in 2022 at the Opéra de Saint-Etienne.

“There are absolutely magnificent moments in the score. For example, the ghost’s appearance scene is very powerful both musically and dramatically. The spectacular mad scene has become a hallmark for sopranos,” the conductor affirms. “I am quite proud and admiring that the Opéra de Montréal has decided to embark on this adventure and introduce this work to Montreal audiences.”

For the conductor, there is no doubt: Thomas had a keen sense of theater and drama. Why? “All of the recitatives, for instance, are meticulously written. It’s clear he thought through every detail, making these moments extremely demanding for the performers. The intentions and timing must be flawless for the scene to work. Throughout the score, there are numerous nuances, tempo indications, and articulation marks.”

The refined orchestration work and the inclusion of the saxophone, a rarely heard instrument in orchestras, further highlight Thomas’ theatrical mastery. “Because the saxophone’s timbre is unusual for the audience in this context, it adds a very distinctive color that can evoke another world, something strange, mysterious, or from beyond—a feeling that resonates strongly in Hamlet.”

Timeless Themes

How can a work dating from the 17th century still resonate with audiences today? “Hamlet is one of those great works that addresses timeless questions: to be or not to be, reflections on death, the desire for power, power struggles, and vengeance. It is still very relevant.”

Now all that remains is for the audience to take their seats and await the curtain’s rise. Whether or not you are intimately familiar with your Shakespeare, you’ll benefit from approaching this opera as a new and distinct artistic object, different and independent from the original play. Then, the magic will work, drawing you in with its story, beautifully complex characters, stunning music, and the virtuosity of its soloists!

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