The upsurge in the number of cases and variants of COVID-19, combined with the government’s resulting public health directives have compelled the Opéra de Montréal to cancel its production of La Traviata, which was set to take place at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier January 29 through February 6, 2022. The company has contacted all ticket holders for this production.

“Following recent government announcements regarding the deteriorating situation, we recognize that the production of large-scale works such as La Traviata, which involve close to 250 artists, artisans and technicians, may occasion significant risks to their health. It would indeed be impossible for us to adequately ensure the health and safety of all participants during the rehearsals that were scheduled to begin this week,” stated Patrick Corrigan, General Director of the Opéra de Montréal. Emboldened by the enthusiasm of its public, the Opéra de Montréal was preparing to welcome its highest number of subscribers in the past ten years, representing an increase of nearly 35% over its last season of performances, in 2019–2020, before the pandemic. “We were truly optimistic and ran a major subscription campaign celebrating the return of large-scale productions, which was highly anticipated for the past two years. The public indulged us with its unequivocal support, and we are very excited to welcome our spectators just as soon as it is possible,” related Mr. Corrigan. The entire Opéra de Montréal team is working toward programming La Traviata again in a future season.

Two major productions remain on the Opéra de Montréal artistic programming this season: La beauté du monde, which will be given its world premiere in March, and The Magic Flute, programmed for May. The Opéra de Montréal team maintains constant communication with its partners to monitor the situation as it develops. Subscribers and ticket purchasers, who have all been contacted, have the option of donating the value of their tickets to La Traviata, applying it toward a subsequent purchase, or requesting a full refund. 

KEEPING OPERA ALIVE AND WELL


Loyal to the close connection fostered with its public throughout the pandemic, the Opéra de Montréal will continue its online offerings, enhancing its programming. Over the holidays, the company offered a free webcast of its concert La compilation, presented on November 21 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, a performance that drew 5000 listeners. In the coming months, the company also plans to webcast its double program of Riders to the Sea and Le Flambeau de la nuit, produced in collaboration with Ballet Opéra Pantomime and I Musici de Montréal.

The Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal continues its training program for singers remotely, without any expected interruptions. The Atelier’s artists-in-residence benefit from comprehensive instruction and take part in several rewarding artistic and professional projects, which, of course, adhere to the health measures in effect. The organization’s educational and community activities department is also moving ahead with its events and collaborations with, among others, La gang à Rambrou and the CHU Sainte-Justine.