Élisabeth St-Gelais delivers a stunning Carte Blanche debut for JM Canada’s 75th Anniversary Celebration!

This fall, Élisabeth St-Gelais is ready to unveil an exciting lineup of performances that you won't want to miss! After her stunning debut on Thursday, audiences can look forward to a "German Romantic Evening" on November 14, featuring the talented clarinetist Maryse Legault. Additionally, on October 10, she’ll present a unique recital themed "New Music and Indigenous Poetry," showcasing an innovative piece about Innushkeu (Innu woman), arranged by St-Gelais and inspired by the beautiful poetry of Joséphine Bacon.

Kicking off these three "Apero Concerts," the rising star of Quebec’s music scene, named Radio-Canada Revelation 2023-2024, welcomed the gifted soprano Mary Jane Egan to the stage. Egan truly captivated the audience with Dvořák's Zigeunermelodien (Gypsy Melodies), a perfect complement to St-Gelais' enchanting opening performance of "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka. This evening was just the beginning of what promises to be a magical season!

The Magic of Collaboration

The beloved aria from Rusalka truly highlighted the velvety richness of Élisabeth St-Gelais' voice, proving that her Prix d’Europe win is more than deserved—her exceptional talent and immense potential shone brightly throughout the evening.

Mary Jane Egan, while bringing a more traditional sound, embodied the essence of Susanna from The Marriage of Figaro with clarity and finesse. St-Gelais, in contrast, infused her performance with an inviting warmth that wrapped around the audience. Egan’s interpretation of Dvořák's miniatures was beautifully expressive, capturing their spirit effortlessly.

The second half of the concert was even more thrilling, as the contrasting vocal styles of the two sopranos wove a rich tapestry in Tchaikovsky's Opus 46. These duets are rarely performed, making them a delightful surprise for the audience. St-Gelais masterfully showcased her mid-range and lower notes, striking a perfect balance without straining her voice. The chemistry between their voices was enchanting, particularly in the poignant lines of "Passion is No More." This performance was a heartfelt tribute to Tchaikovsky’s work, beautifully supported by pianist Louise Pelletier, leaving everyone in the audience spellbound.

However, the true highlight of the evening was the "Letter Aria" from Tatiana in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin. In this moment, Élisabeth St-Gelais revealed the full depth of her voice and her profound emotional connection to the music. The performance radiated a beautiful "fullness," a rare and essential quality that made the piece truly unforgettable.

If Élisabeth decides to include this aria in her program for the "Singing 2025" edition of the Montreal International Musical Competition, it’s sure to be a standout moment that could open doors to incredible opportunities in her career!

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