On Sunday, April 6th, 2025, families gathered at Salle Pierre-Mercure in Montreal for a delightful and enchanting experience. The collaboration between L’Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) and Jeunesses Musicales Canada (JMC) resulted in a unique and whimsical performance that was truly cherished by all. The performance, titled Opéra-bonbon: L’aventure gourmande d’Hansel et Gretel, proved to be the perfect introduction to opera for children aged 3 to 12 (and their parents!), filling the hall with joy and excitement.
The concert, which was only one of its kind, began with a sense of anticipation, and it didn’t disappoint. The hall, mostly full with even the second floor balcony open , was buzzing with energy as the children and their parents eagerly awaited the performance. Under the direction of conductor Véronique Lussier, the audience was treated to a fun, imaginative retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel story, brimming with humor and sweet surprises. The talented performers—mezzo-soprano Charlotte Gagnon, soprano Andréanne Brisson-Paquin, pianist Xavier Rousseau, and actor Guillaume Rodrigue—captured the hearts of everyone in the room, their energy and chemistry adding to the magic of the performance.
Photo by Monica Wong
Gagnon and Brisson-Paquin brought the mischievous Hansel and Gretel to life with their vibrant vocals, capturing the playful, light-hearted nature of their characters. Their playful performances, filled with humor and charm, had the children in the audience laughing and clapping along to the catchy ” Raise your hands” song that required everyone’s participation.
Rodrigue, the actor, added another layer of fun, as his character’s comedic blunders ( such as trying to grab and eat a candy at every moment’s chance), created plenty of laughter throughout the concert. The light-hearted, humorous moments were brilliantly woven into the music, ensuring that the performance was both engaging and entertaining for all ages.
The orchestra, composed of some of Montreal’s finest musicians, played with warmth and energy, creating a rich backdrop for the vocal performances. The delightful music, paired with the playful theatrics, made the concert a true sensory treat. As the story unfolded, the audience was invited to participate, whether through clapping, laughing, or joining in on the fun. It was a rare and refreshing concert where children felt at ease in a classical setting, engaged in the performance in a way that was fun and educational.
For many of the young concertgoers, this was their first experience with opera, and it was the perfect introduction. The show’s playful and accessible presentation made opera feel less daunting, and the children seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the experience. The warmth and welcoming atmosphere were apparent, making it clear that this performance was designed with families in mind. Parents could relax knowing their children were not only being entertained but also exposed to the wonders of classical music in a format they could understand and enjoy.
OCM’s General Manager, Taras Kulish, expressed his pride in continuing the tradition of offering concerts that introduce young audiences to classical music, and the partnership with JMC was integral to making this happen. The work done by Jeunesses Musicales Canada continues to be essential in bringing classical music to a wider and more diverse audience, and this performance was no exception.
As the concert concluded with a final flourish, the audience left with smiles on their faces and a newfound appreciation for the art form. The performance succeeded in making opera feel approachable and fun, and it was clear that the children in attendance were already dreaming of their next musical adventure.
For those who were lucky enough to attend, Opéra-bonbon: L’aventure gourmande d’Hansel et Gretel was a sweet treat for the soul !
To learn more about up-coming productions of the OCM , such as their benefit concert and gala :
Maestro Bernstein
Friday May 2nd – 7:30 pm
Salle Pierre-Mercure : 300, Boul. de Maisonneuve Est
Please visit orchestre.ca