THE OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO MICHEL BEAULAC, OUTGOING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS FINAL PRODUCTION UNDER HIS ARTISTIC DIRECTION
With Turandot, presented in September, Michel Beaulac signs one final major artistic milestone at the helm of the Opéra de Montréal, following a career that has profoundly shaped the company’s identity, audacity and reach
Montréal, September 15, 2026 – On the occasion of Turandot, Michel Beaulac’s final major production as active Artistic Director of the Opéra de Montréal, the company pays tribute to a man whose nearly four decades of dedication have helped shape its artistic identity and firmly anchor Québec’s lyrical creation at its heart.
Michel Beaulac joined the Opéra de Montréal in 1989 as part of the communications team and went on to hold several roles before becoming artistic director in 2007. As a scenographer, designer, artistic administrator and, eventually, artistic director, he has guided the company’s evolution with a vision deeply rooted in Montréal culture, the development of local artists and the opening of the repertoire to contemporary sensibilities.
Under his direction, the Opéra de Montréal established itself as a bold opera company, recognized for its ability to bring the great works of the repertoire into dialogue with new works, Quebec and Canadian voices, and stories that resonate with our time. Michel Beaulac thus helped “Montréalize” opera, making the company’s stage a place of creation, identity and artistic pride.
His tenure was notably marked by Quebec and Canadian premieres, the presentation of major contemporary works and the creation of productions that have become emblematic for the Opéra de Montréal, including Les Feluettes, Another Brick in the Wall – The Opera, La Beauté du monde, La Reine-garçon and Clown(s). These works have strengthened the company’s artistic signature while contributing to the visibility of local composers, librettists, stage directors, singers and creators.
“Michel Beaulac leaves the Opéra de Montréal an immense legacy: that of a company that dares, creates and fully embraces its Montréal, Quebec and Canadian identity. His eye, his artistic rigour and his profound knowledge of the voice have enabled the company to stand out both here and internationally. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our gratitude for his exceptional commitment, his loyalty to the institution and his decisive contribution to the development of opera today,” says Jean-Pierre Primiani, General Director of the Opéra de Montréal.
For Michel Beaulac, creation and the development of local artists have always been at the heart of his approach. His vision was rooted in a strong conviction: an opera company must reflect the city that welcomes it, speak to its audience and open the way for the artists who will bring this art form to life for generations to come. This vision has allowed the Opéra de Montréal to become a true springboard for many talents and a standard-bearer for contemporary lyric creation in Canada.
“I have always wanted the Opéra de Montréal to reflect the personality of its city, its artists and its culture. For the company to continue this creative path, to keep shining a light on local talent and to make it a source of pride — that is the legacy I hope to leave,” says Michel Beaulac.
The presentation of Turandot brings this chapter to a close with a work that is both monumental and renewed. Transposed to the 20th century and featuring a new ending commissioned from Chinese-American composer Christopher Tin, this production is in keeping with Michel Beaulac’s work: presenting the great works of the repertoire through a current, demanding and accessible lens, while building bridges between tradition, innovation and new generations of audiences.
Appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022 for his contribution to the development of opera in Montréal and across the country, recipient of Opera Canada’s Rubies Award in 2024 and inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Association des Anciens du Collège Mont-Saint-Louis in 2025, Michel Beaulac has made an exceptional contribution to the reach of the lyric arts in Canada and internationally.
As he retires, the Opéra de Montréal salutes a remarkable career, but above all a vision that will continue to live within the company: that of a living, rooted and audacious opera, deeply turned toward local artists.
Turandot will be presented in September at the Opéra de Montréal. The October 4 performance will mark Michel Beaulac’s final moment as the company’s artistic director.
Discover the work of Michel Beaulac:
ABOUT MICHEL BEAULAC
The fourth artistic director of the Opéra de Montréal, Michel Beaulac joined the company in 1989 before becoming its artistic administrator, then artistic director in 2007. Over the course of his career, he contributed to more than seven productions and co-productions as scenographer, co-scenographer or costume designer, in addition to presenting 19 editions of the Opéra de Montréal Gala over the years, featuring more than 300 singers. He has collaborated with many major local artists, composers and librettists. His tenure was marked by a constant desire to shine a light on Quebec and Canadian artists, to present new works and to make the Opéra de Montréal a company fully rooted in its territory, its time and its artistic community.
ABOUT THE OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Firmly rooted in Montréal, at the crossroads of North American and European cultures, the Opéra de Montréal acts as a catalyst for the city’s artistic creativity and celebrates Quebec and Canada’s rich vocal heritage by bringing opera to life in all its diversity and audacity. From the great standards of the lyric repertoire to new works from here and abroad, through its training program for Canada’s top young singers and its strong commitment to community and education, the Opéra de Montréal offers unforgettable lyric events where everyone is warmly welcomed and made to feel at home.
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Source: L'Opéra de Montréal
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Maryse Bouchard | annexe | maryse@annexe.media
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