Preview
- 6:30 PMPreOpera
- 7:30 PMStart
- 8:27 PMIntermission 1 (20 minutes)
- 9:34 PMIntermission 2 (15 minutes)
- 10:22 PMEnd
Summary
After a successful premiere of the deeply moving opera Les Feluettes in 2016, Quebec playwright Michel Marc Bouchard is back at the Opéra de Montréal with an original libretto about the epic rescue of artwork from the Louvre. This time, he teams up with composer Julien Bilodeau. A proof of the inestimable value of art and beauty.
World War II is wreaking havoc while France has suffered an important defeat at the hands of the Germans. But the fight continues onto the art front when Hitler arrives in Paris. While Nazi officers plan to plunder the Louvre of its precious masterpieces, Jacques Jaujard and Rose Valland risk their lives to orchestrate an historic clandestine rescue.
ATTENTION!
We would like to inform you that, in the interest of historical authenticity, certain symbols associated with the Nazi invasion of Europe are part of the staging and set & costume design of this opera. Out of consideration, we would like to warn you that some scenes may be difficult to watch. Please note that you will hear some blasts during the performance. Thank you and enjoy the opera!
PREOPERA
To all ticket holders: a free pre-concert presentation with Michel Marc Bouchard (librettist) will take place one hour before each performance at the Piano Nobile in Place des Arts.
Moderator: Pierre Vachon, musicologist
Composer

Julien Bilodeau >
Julien Bilodeau (Québec, 1974) is one of the most prominent composers of his generation. Winner of two first prizes with major distinctions at the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, he then perfected in Paris (IRCAM, CCMIX) and in Frankfurt (Ensemble Modern Akademie, Frankfurt).
Stage Director

Florent Siaud >
Director Florent Siaud develops his work between Europe and Canada. Passionate about the theatrical writings of the 20th and 21st centuries, he stages fragmented texts in Montreal such as Don Juan revient de la guerre of von Horváth and Les Enivrés de Viripaev (Prospero), Toccate et fugue de Lepage (Center du Théâtre d'Aujourdhui), or Müller's Quartett, 4.48 Psychosis by Kane and Nina, is something else from Vinaver (La Chapelle).
Cast
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Jacques Jaujard
Damien Pass
France/Australia
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Rose Valland
Allyson McHardy
Canada
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Hermann Göring
Matthew Dalen
Canada
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Franz Wolff-Metternich
John Brancy
USA
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Alexandre Rosenberg
Rocco Rupolo
Canada
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Jeanne Boitel
Layla Claire
Canada
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Dr Bruno Lohse
Isaiah Bell
Canada
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Esther
France Bellemare
Canada
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Jacob
Émile Schneider
Canada
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Chef d'orchestre
Jean-Marie Zeitouni
Canada
SETS Romain Fabre • COSTUMES Sarah Balleux • LIGHTING Nicolas Descoteaux • VIDEO Gaspard Philippe • PRODUCTION Productions ODM inc. with the financial support of SODEC
Orchestre Métropolitain • Chœur de l’Opéra de Montréal