- Feb 26
- 4 min read
THE OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL’S ATELIER LYRIQUE ANNOUNCES ITS
NEW COHORT FOR 2026–2027
CELEBRATING THE INFLUENCE OF ITS ARTISTS, LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
Montreal – February 26th 2026 – The Opéra de Montréal is proud to announce the new 2026–2027 cohort of its Atelier lyrique, following the grand finale of the National Auditions. Three singers, one director and one pianist* are joining this leading training programme, recognized as a springboard to a professional career in opera on the international stage.
These national auditions generated considerable interest, with 140 applications received for singers, six for stage direction and nine for piano. The live voice auditions took place in several rounds in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary. Ten finalists were invited to participate in the final round in Montreal before a renowned jury.
The jury was composed of Michel Beaulac, Artistic Director – Zhao-Ionescu Family of the Opéra de Montréal, soprano Adrienne Pieczonka, Matthew Horner, Vice-President of IMG Artists, librettist Royce Vavrek, and Jennifer Szeto, Director of the Atelier lyrique.
The artists in the 2026–2027 cohort are :
● Grace Budoloski, soprano (Winnipeg, MB)
● Onur Hilaloglu, bass (Anamur (Mersin), Türkiye)
● Jeremy Scinocca, tenor (Toronto, ON)
● Caroline Yergeau, stage direction (Trois-Rivières, Qc)
*The choice of pianist will be announced at a later date.
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE HERE AND ELSEWHERE
The Atelier lyrique places particular emphasis on the professional development of its artists, whose careers flourish both on the stage of the Opéra de Montréal, within local communities, and on the international stage.
“ This year, the Atelier highlights the influence of its artists, whose careers are developing both on our stages and internationally, excelling in major roles: Sophie Naubert (Don Giovanni), Isaiah Bell (Jenůfa), Mireille Lebel (Clown(s)), Magali Simard-Galdès (Carmen) — while participating in major competitions and making their debuts in other opera houses,” says Jennifer Szeto, director of the Atelier lyrique.
This momentum confirms the essential role of the Atelier lyrique as a major springboard into the professional opera world, offering artists the tools, experience and visibility they need to launch and consolidate their careers.
NEWS FROM THE ALUMNI OF THE ATELIER LYRIQUE
Artists formed at the Atelier Lyrique continue their careers with distinction on the biggest national and international stages :
Sarah Dufresne in the title role of Gilda in Rigoletto de Verdi at the Canadian Opera Company, alongside Stephen Hegedus et Nathan Keoughan.
Tessa Fackelmann makes her debut at The Dallas Opera in the role of the Fox in The Little Prince.
Rose Naggar-Tremblay plays Erda in Das Rheingold at the Prague State Opera
Julie Boulianne plays Mother Mary of the Incarnation in Dialogues des Carmélites at the Semperoper in Dresden.
Étienne Dupuis plays Renato at the Paris National Opera in Un bal masqué.
Emma Fekete plays Zerlina in Don Giovanni at the Teatro Filarmonico di Verona.
Matthew Li plays Sciarrone in Tosca at Pacific Opera Victoria
Florie Valiquette plays Constance in L’Enlèvement au Sérail at the Opéra de Tours – Grand Théâtre.
Tomislav Lavoie plays Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville.
CLOSING CONCERT OF THE ATELIER LYRIQUE
On May 20, the Atelier lyrique invites the public to Théâtre Maisonneuve for Gran Finale!, the season’s closing concert.
Previously reserved for donors and subscribers, this event is now becoming a true public gathering. Like the Holiday Concert, it is open to the entire community. Tickets will go on sale online on March 24.
Accompanied by the Orchestre de l’Agora and conducted by Naomi Woo, the artists of the Atelier lyrique will take the stage to perform a compelling selection of works drawn from their journey. Without a narrative framework, the program will highlight the excellence, personality, and artistic growth of each performer.
The evening, staged by François Racine, will unfold in a festive, welcoming, and inspiring atmosphere — a special opportunity to celebrate opera and discover the talent of the next generation.
ABOUT THE ATELIER LYRIQUE AND OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
The Atelier lyrique is a high-level training residency at the heart of the Opéra de Montréal. This professional development programme is aimed at artists who have completed their university education and whose goal is to launch a professional career in opera.
Covering a broad spectrum of artistic and personal development in an innovative and bilingual setting, the Atelier lyrique offers coaching by world-class trainers and regular stage experience, enabling each artist to reach their full potential.
Since its creation in 1984, the Atelier lyrique has trained more than 200 artists, many of whom now pursue careers around the world and actively contribute to the artistic landscapes of Quebec and Canada as performers, mediators and cultural leaders.
The Atelier lyrique is generously sponsored by Vanda Treiser.
ABOUT JENNIFER SZETO, Director of the Atelier lyrique
Jennifer Szeto is a graduate of the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship, the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio, the Merola Opera Programme, and the Opéra de Montréal Atelier lyrique. She is a sought-after coach-pianist and lecturer in the fields of young artist training and new works development. She serves on the board of directors of the National Opera Association of Canada.
ABOUT THE OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Deeply rooted in Montreal, 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 the rich vocal heritage of Quebec and Canada by bringing opera to life in all its diversity and boldness. From the great classics of the operatic repertoire to new works from here and abroad, through its training programme for the best young Canadian singers and its strong commitment to the community and education, the Opéra de Montréal offers unforgettable operatic events where everyone is warmly welcomed and feels at home.
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Source: L'Opéra de Montréal
For more informations:
Lyne Dutremble | annexe | lyne@annexe.media
Et/ou Maryse Bouchard | annexe | maryse@annexe.media
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