Opera artisans reassured by the future of their art

Artists, Music lovers and opera enthusiasts from Trois-Rivières gathered at the Trois-Rivières Music Conservatory to begin a collective reflection on the future of operatic art in Quebec and take stock of its situation in the region.

In the form of small thematic workshops, artisans and simply curious people had the chance to debate the future of opera.

They notably addressed the future of opera fans in Quebec and the region.

If they wonder if interest in this operatic art is in decline among the general population, the general director of the Trois-Rivières Opera, Valérie Poisson, wants to be confident and reassuring.

There is no decline, I would rather say that it concerns certain problems to which we will have to find solutions together. For example with subtitles or with a story that is closer to history, contemporary realitiesshe mentions.

Convince the younger generation

Proof that the opera is in good health, at dinner time, three young singers are busy practicing their voices.

Having played music for more than three years, they have chosen to devote themselves to opera.

At only 13 years old, Raphaëlle Lachance says she got the bug. I did a bit of everything, comedy, popular singing and all that.

It was by discovering classical music, then trying it, that she found a new passion.

My mother often listened [de l’opéra] and I found it beautiful and I said to myself that I could try and then I liked itadds Clémence Gayton, 15, before singing again.

Are they part of an exception? Although opera is not known to the majority of those around them, these young singers still manage to convert some of them.

This is the case of Klervie Marchand, aged 17. She believes that it is important to keep opera in consumption habits.

This is definitely something that should continue to be presented to people. We think it’s dull and that it’s just a person who speaks loudly in front of people, but it’s much more than thatshe declares.

It is truly an expression of art and human lifeshe said, which deserves to be known and recognized.

One thing is certain, the next generation is ready to promote their new passion.

This issue, as well as the other challenges that will be raised during other meetings in the province, will be addressed at the first Estates General on opera in Quebec, scheduled for the fall.