Download les feluettes - Opéra de Montréal

For immediate release
36th season / 2015-2016
Press Release
LES FELUETTES
by Michel Marc Bouchard and Kevin March
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
May 21, 24, 26, and 28, 2016 at 7:30 pm
A WORLD PREMIERE
A PRESENTATION OF
TV AD / Musical Excerpts / Video
Montreal, March 29, 2016 – The Opéra de Montréal is bringing its season to a close on a high note,
offering Montreal audiences the chance to witness a world premiere: Les Feluettes, a collaboration
between major Quebec playwright Michel Marc Bouchard and Australian composer Kevin March, with
stage direction by Serge Denoncourt who has referred to the play of the same name as a “Québécois
Romeo and Juliet.” A work that is at once an homage to the power of theatre, a social critique, and the
expression of pure and total—but forbidden—love. Kevin March’s music subtly reflects the many
facets of the libretto, allowing the orchestra to transport us beyond the prison setting to a lyrical world
full of colour and emotion. A co-production of Productions ODM Inc. and Pacific Opera Victoria.
CAST
Two rising stars trained at the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, baritone Etienne Dupuis and
tenor Jean-Michel Richer, take on the main roles of the two lovers, respectively singing young Simon
and Vallier de Tilly. Renowned baritone Gino Quilico portrays the old Simon, the man pulling all the
strings, while Canadian tenor Gordon Gietz appears as Monseigneur Bilodeau, the bishop and unwitting
participant. In other roles: Aaron St.Clair Nicholson (Countess Marie-Laure de Tilly), Daniel Cabena
(Lydie-Anne de Rozier), James McLennan (Young Bilodeau), Tomislav Lavoie (Father Saint-Michel),
Claude Grenier (Timothée Doucet), and Patrick Mallette (Baron de Hüe). Serge Denoncourt’s stage
direction comes to life under the seasoned baton of Timothy Vernon, who leads the Orchestre
Métropolitain for this co-production with Pacific Opera Victoria. The design team consists of
Guillaume Lord (sets), the late François Barbeau (costumes), Martin Labrecque (lighting), and Gabriel
Coutu-Dumont (video).
THE STORY: FROM CONFESSOR TO PENITENT…
In 1952, Monseigneur Jean Bilodeau, a bishop who, forty years earlier, had attended Roberval High
School in Lac Saint-Jean, comes to hear what he believes will be the last confession of his old
classmate Simon Doucet, who has been serving a prison sentence since 1912. To his great surprise,
instead of hearing a dying man’s confession, he finds himself an unwilling spectator at a play—
performed by a group of prisoners—depicting the events that led to Simon’s incarceration. Their goal:
to get the bishop to confess his role in the death of Vallier de Tilly, Simon’s great love and the cause of
his imprisonment.
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THE WORK: THE POWER OF THEATRE
Since its premiere by Montreal’s Théâtre Petit à Petit and the National Arts Centre in 1987, Les
Feluettes ou la répétition d’un drame romantique by Michel Marc Bouchard has left its mark on the
history of Quebec theatre. In his article on Bouchard in the Canadian Encyclopaedia, Léonard Doucette
described Les Feluettes as “one of the major works of modern Canadian theatre.” Translated into
several languages, including Spanish, Dutch, and Japanese, the play has dazzled audiences around the
world. In 1996, Canadian director John Greyson made a film version (Lilies), which was also a
resounding success, going on to win the Genie Award for Best Canadian Film. It is through this film
that composer Kevin March came to know Les Feluettes and that the seed of the opera project was
sown. In his own words, when he saw Lilies, he immediately thought: “I must make it into an opera!”
Some fifteen years after the idea came to mind—through the efforts of Michel Beaulac, and following
five years of work and close collaboration with Michel Marc Bouchard—, the opera Les Feluettes is
finally seeing the light of day.
In telling the story of the total but impossible love between two young men, Les Feluettes makes us
confront our own positions, while depicting the power of theatre in a strong and original way. A bishop is
led to reveal his secrets by watching a play. At the same time, another play has a key role within the
play that the prisoners stage for Bilodeau: The Martyr of Saint Sebastian. It is always through their roles
in this play (a play within a play within a play) that Simon and Vallier express their love, even unto
death. In Les Feluettes, theatre provides a means of daring, of loving… and makes all of those it touches
come face to face with the truth. With power so strong, furthered strengthened by Kevin March’s
expressive music, Les Feluettes is sure to transform us...
Opera: Les Feluettes by Kevin March
Genre: Opera
Structure: 2 acts
Language: French with English and French surtitles
Libretto: Michel Marc Bouchard, after the play Les Feluettes ou la répétition d’un drame romantique (1987)
Premiere: Opéra de Montréal, May 21, 2016
Co-production: Productions ODM Inc. and Pacific Opera Victoria
MICHEL MARC BOUCHARD – THE LIBRETTIST
Playwright, screenwriter, and exhibition curator Michel Marc Bouchard has written some twenty plays
including Les Feluettes (Lilies), Les Muses orphelines (The Orphan Muses), L’Histoire de l’oie (The Tale of
Teeka), Le Chemin des passes dangereuses (Down Dangerous Passes Road), and, most recently, Tom à la
ferme (Tom at the Farm), Christine, la reine-garçon (The Girl King), and La Divine illusion (The Divine). His
works, translated into over fifteen languages, have been performed in major theatres in Quebec,
Canada, and abroad, as well as at some of the most renowned international festivals. A recipient of the
National Arts Centre Award, the Chalmers Award, the Dora Mavor Moore Award, the Prix de
l’Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre, the Primo Arte Candoni (Italy), the Prix de SACD
(Paris), and the Lambda Literary Award (New York), he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in
2005, a Knight of the Order of Quebec in 2012, and a member of Quebec’s Academy of Letters in
2015. His plays Les Feluettes, Les Muses orphelines, L’Histoire de l’oie (Gémeau for Best Dramatic Work,
1998), Les Grandes chaleurs, Tom à la ferme (Critics Award, 2013, Venice Film Festival), and Christine, la
reine-garçon have been adapted for the screen. Michel Marc Bouchard is currently writing his second
opera, an adaptation of Christine, la reine-garçon for the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto, with
composer Ana Sokolovic. For additional information on Les Feluettes and Michel Marc Bouchard, please
see http://www.michelmarcbouchard.com
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KEVIN MARCH – THE COMPOSER
Kevin March is a multiple award-winning Australian composer whose works have been performed in
North America, Europe, and Australia by ensembles including the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra,
Orchestra Victoria, the Ironwood Ensemble, Halcyon, the Arcko Ensemble, ASTRA Chamber Music
Society, Chronology Arts, Brave New Works, and the New York City Opera. In 2009, he was the
recipient of the Dorian La Galliene Prize for his chamber work Ophélie, and in 2010, he won the 3MBS
National Composer Award for his orchestral work Kambarang. Recent commissions include Beautiful
Apocalypse, a multi-media chamber opera based on the life of Joachim of Fiore and the 2012
apocalypse, for the Arcko Symphonic Ensemble; Ouvre-moi la Porte, commissioned for Neal Perez de
Costa and Daniel Yeadon by The Sydney Conservatorium and Ars Musica Australis for the 100 th
anniversary of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; and Tango & Terror, written for violinist Sarah
Curro. In April 2014, the Melbourne Metropolis Festival featured a concert comprised of his Catalogue
des Papillons (a large cycle for solo piano) and Mythweaver (a song-cycle for soprano and piano based
on the poetry of Sappho). His works have been broadcast on ABC (Australian Broadcasting
Corporation) and 3MBS radio, and excerpts from his song-cycle Mythweaver were featured in the ABC
Radio National documentary Modern Muses: The Greeks and New Music.
Kevin was born and raised in the United States. He completed his Master’s and Doctorate at the
University of Michigan before moving to Melbourne in 2004. While at the University of Michigan, his
principal composition instructors were William Bolcom, William Albright, Michael Daugherty, and
Curtis Curtis-Smith. Since his move to Australia, he has been mentored by or has studied under notable
Australian composers Richard Mills, Gerard Brophy, Maria Grenfel, and Paul Stanhope. He currently
teaches composition and music theory at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
LES FELUETTES – RELATED ACTIVITIES
SPOTLIGHT ON THE VOCAL ARTS
For a third season, the Opéra de Montréal is continuing its association with Bibliothèque et Archives
nationales du Québec to present two free concert-talks on the vocal arts. The second will take place on
Thursday, April 14, 2016, at 7 pm: Poets and Musicians (in French).
Poets and Musicians (in French)
Countless poets have left us exquisitely beautiful words that have in turn inspired countless composers.
From these meetings of creative spirits came a number of touching melodies... This is the journey we
are proposing over the course of one evening: a voyage of discovery during which you will hear some
of their finest works for the voice, performed by the singers of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de
Montréal. Presented by musicologist Pierre Vachon.
Poets: Hugo, Verlaine, Shakespeare, Heine, Baudelaire, Goethe, Eichendorff, Mörike, Rückert...
Musicians: Fauré, Debussy, Schumann, Schubert, Vaughan Williams, Duparc, Saint-Saëns, Liszt...
Duration: 90 minutes
Venue: Auditorium of the Grande bibliothèque, Berri-UQAM Metro
INFO
In collaboration with
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OPERA America – in Montreal for the first time
For the very first time, Montreal will be host to the prestigious international OPERA America
conference, which is held in a different North American city each year, bringing together some 500
professionals from opera companies in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In the last few years, the
conference has notably been held in Washington, San Francisco, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Boston,
Houston, and Los Angeles. Montreal will host the 2016 edition. The theme of the 2016 conference will
be Act Local, Think Global, and it will feature workshops and substantive discussions on various aspects
of contemporary opera life, the impact of opera outreach activities, and the emerging new business
model, as well as on new opera creation, new avenues of production, the impact of new technology,
opera marketing, new approaches to public relations, etc.
INFO
EDUCATION
STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS – A mainstage preview for schools
The Opéra de Montréal continues to open its doors to groups of high school and college level students between
the ages of 12 and 17, allowing them to attend three dress rehearsals in Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des
Arts—free of charge. Next rehearsal: Les Feluettes, Thursday, May 19 at 7 pm.
A study guide (themes, historical context, notes on the composer, synopsis, invisible aspects of a production,
important dates in the history of opera…) is made available for teachers to help prepare students for the
performance. Info
Open dress rehearsals are made possible through the generous support of
MR. AND MRS.
BERNARD STOTLAND
AND FAMILY
preOpera – Get to the heart of the work
To learn more about each opera on the program, join musicologist Pierre Vachon prior to each performance for
an introduction to the work and its context, illustrated with musical excerpts. In the Piano Nobile at Salle
Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, at 6:30 pm. Duration: 30 minutes. Free for subscribers and $5 for nonsubscribers (tickets on sale at the Place des Arts box office on performance days).
NEW: The coOpera Toolbox!
The Opéra de Montréal is launching its coOpera toolbox, which allows elementary schools throughout Quebec
to experience the coOpera project in a condensed time period. INFO: Pierre Vachon,
[email protected] or 514.985.2222, extension 2237.
Partners
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FOLLOW US
#MADAMABUTTERFLY #ELEKTRA #OTELLO #LESFELUETTES
OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL | 2015-2016 SEASON – 36th SEASON
All operas are performed in their original language with bilingual surtitles projected above the stage.
SALLE WILFRID-PELLETIER, PLACE DES ARTS (PDA)
MARCH/BOUCHARD – Les feluettes | May 21, 24, 26, 28, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Graphic design for the Opéra de Montréal’s 2015-2016 campaign: Brad
TICKETS
Only at the Opéra de Montréal box office: 514-985-2258 • 1 877 385-2222
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THOSE 30 AND YOUNGER – TD TAKES YOU TO THE OPERA
The Opéra de Montréal is continuing its collaboration with TD Bank, offering subscriptions for
those age 30 and under: get 50% off single tickets in any category.
SINGLE TICKETS
Place des Arts Box Office: 514-842-2112 • 1 866 842-2112
Starting at $20
GET IN ON THE ACT! GET THE OPERA EXPERIENCE ONLINE AT OPERADEMONTREAL.COM
OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Founded in 1980 and based in Montreal, the Opéra de Montréal is one of the largest opera companies in North America.
Last year, close to 40,000 spectators made their way through the doors at the Opéra de Montréal, administered by General
Director Pierre Dufour and Artistic Director Michel Beaulac. Its season is made up of four operas, a production by the Atelier
lyrique, and several outreach activities. The Opéra is a key player in the city’s economic, cultural, and social development,
as each season, it maintains working relationships with over 360 local businesses, and hires no less than 800 artists and
craftspeople. Close to 80% of the artists appearing at the company are Canadians.
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