A WORD FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
“Tell me a story that will transform me”
This evening, we invite you to experience a story in music — a journey carried by the voices of the soloists, the choir, and the orchestra: a story of faith, joy, death, transfiguration, abyss, rebirth, and exuberance.
The performance will unfold around you, before you, through intersecting exchanges, and most certainly within your imagination.
You will encounter four pilgrims who travel and converge on their way to Italy: a German pilgrim, bringing joy and exuberance (Andréanne Brisson-Paquin); an English pilgrim, shrouded in mystery (Patricia Yates); a French pilgrim, cloaked in elegance and light (Hugo Laporte); and an Italian pilgrim — one might even say two! — overflowing with passion (Rose Naggar-Tremblay). The works and soloists featured in this program offer perspectives on the sacred from four European countries: Germany, England, France, and Italy.
You will then meet the people — the choir — who dialogue with, accompany, and comment on the journey of these pilgrims, as well as a mysterious figure who dies, is reborn, and baptizes (Auguste Angers).
I wished to create this favola in musica, as sacred works of the past were intended to tell moving stories, rich in imagery, situations, and emotions with which the faithful could connect, deepening their sense of faith. This musical and symbolic language went beyond the words of the liturgy to speak directly to the heart.
Beyond its spiritual dimension, the performance of sacred music also offered an opportunity for gathering, for enjoyment, and for the sharing of powerful emotions conveyed through music and its interpreters.
This evening, I invite you to experience this music through the eyes of audiences of another time, within a setting designed to give you direct access to the meaning of the works.
Music seeks to reach the human heart — and tonight, we take the beautiful risk of opening the way.
Lift up your hearts!
Xavier Ménard-Brossard
PROGRAM
To view the French and English translations of the texts, click on the title.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) – Jauchzet in allen Landen, BWV 51, IV & V
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Jauchzet in allen Landen,
BWV 51 (mouvements IV et V)
IV. Chorale
Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren
Gott Vater, Sohn, Heiligem Geist!
Der woll in uns vermehren,
Was er uns aus Gnaden verheißt,
Daß wir ihm fest vertrauen,
Gänzlich uns lass'n auf ihn,
Von Herzen auf ihn bauen,
Daß uns'r Herz, Mut und Sinn
Ihm festiglich anhangen;
Drauf singen wir zur Stund:
Amen, wir werdn's erlangen,
Glaub'n wir aus Herzensgrund.
Gloire et louange, avec honneur,
À Dieu le Père, le Fils et le Saint-Esprit !
Qu'Il veuille faire grandir en nous
Ce qu'Il nous promet par sa grâce,
Afin que nous Lui fassions pleinement confiance,
Que nous nous abandonnions entièrement à Lui,
Que nous comptions sur Lui de tout notre cœur,
Afin que notre cœur, notre courage et notre esprit
Lui soient fermement attachés ;
C’est pourquoi nous chantons en ce moment :
Amen, nous l’obtiendrons, si nous y croyons du fond du cœur.
Glory, and praise with honor
be to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
He will increase in us
what he has promised us out of grace,
so that we trust fast in him,
abandon ourselves completely to him,
rely on him within our hearts,
so that our heart, will, and mind
depend strongly on him;
therefore we sing at this time:
Amen, we shall succeed,
if we believe from the depths of our hearts.
V. Aria
Höchster, mache deine Güte
Ferner alle Morgen neu.
So soll vor die Vatertreu
Auch ein dankbares Gemüte
Durch ein frommes Leben weisen,
Daß wir deine Kinder heißen.
Ô Très-Haut, renouvelle chaque matin
Ta bonté.
Ainsi, face à la fidélité de notre Père,
qu'un cœur reconnaissant
manifeste, par une vie pieuse,
que nous sommes tes enfants.
Highest, renew your goodness
every morning from no on.
Thus, before this fatherly love,
a thankful conscience shall display,
through a virtuous life,
that we are called your children.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) - O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht, BWV 118
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht,
BWV 118
O Jesu Christ, mein's Lebens Licht
Mein Hort, mein Trost, mein' Zuversicht,
Auf Erden bin ich nur ein Gast
Und drückt mich sehr der Sünden Last.
Ô Jésus-Christ, lumière de ma vie,
Mon trésor, mon réconfort, ma sécurité,
Je suis seulement un invité sur la terre
Et le fardeau du péché m'oppresse beaucoup.
O Jesus Christ, light of my life,
My refuge, my comfort, my hope,
On earth I am but a guest
And the burden of sin weighs heavily upon me.
Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625) - This Is the Record of John
Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625)
This Is the Record of John
When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him
Who art thou?
And he confessed and denied not, and said plainly
I am not the Christ
And they asked him, What art thou then?
Art thou Elias?
And he said, I am not
Art thou the prophet?
And he answered, No
Then said they unto him
What art thou? that we may give an answer unto them that sent us
What sayest thou of thyself?
And he said, I am the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness
Make straight the way of the Lord
Voici le récit de Jean
Lorsque les Juifs envoyèrent de Jérusalem des prêtres
et des Lévites pour lui demander :
« Qui es-tu ? »
Il ne le nia pas, mais répondit ouvertement :
« Je ne suis pas le Christ. »
Ils lui demandèrent alors : « Qui es-tu donc ? Es-tu Élie ? »
Et il répondit : « Je ne le suis pas. »
« Es-tu le Prophète ? »
Et il répondit : « Non. »
Alors ils lui dirent :
« Qui es-tu donc, afin que nous donnions une réponse à ceux qui nous ont envoyés ?
Que dis-tu de toi-même ? »
Et il répondit : « Je suis la voix de celui qui crie dans le désert :
Préparez le chemin du Seigneur. »
Gustav Holst (1874–1934) - Two Psalms, op. 86
Gustav Holst (1874–1934)
Two Psalms, op. 86
Psaume 86
To my humble supplication
Lord, give ear and acceptation;
Save Thy servant that hath none
Help nor hope but Thee alone.
Send, O send relieving gladness
To my soul opprest with sadness,
Which from clog of earth set free
Winged with zeal, flies up to Thee.
À mon humble supplication,
Seigneur, prête l’oreille et exauce-la ;
Sauve Ton serviteur qui n’a d’autre
soutien ni espoir qu’en Toi seul.
Envoie, ô envoie une joie apaisante
À mon âme accablée de tristesse,
Qui, libérée des chaînes de la terre,
Portée par le zèle, s’envole vers Toi
Psaume 148
To Thee, rich in mercies treasure,
And in goodness without measure,
Never failing help to those
Who on Thy sure help repose.
Heav’nly Tutor, of thy kindness,
Teach my dullness, guide my blindness,
That my steps Thy paths may tread
Which to endless bliss do lead.
À Toi, trésor de miséricorde,
Et de bonté sans mesure,
Aide infaillible pour ceux
Qui se confient en Ton secours fidèle.
Tuteur céleste, dans Ta bonté,
Instruis mon ignorance, éclaire mon aveuglement,
Afin que mes pas puissent suivre Tes sentiers
Qui mènent à la félicité éternelle.
-- INTERMISSION --
Michel Corrette (1707–1795) - Laudate Dominum in cœlis
Michel Corrette (1707–1795)
Laudate Dominum in cœlis
(Gallican Latin)
Alleluja. Laudate Dominum de caelis; laudate eum in excelsis.
Laudate eum, omnes angeli ejus; laudate eum, omnes virtutes ejus.
Laudate eum, sol et luna; laudate eum, omnes stellae et lumen.
Laudate eum, caeli caelorum; et aquae omnes quae super caelos sunt
Laudent nomen Domini. Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt; ipse mandavit, et creata sunt.
Statuit ea in aeternum, et in saeculum saeculi; praeceptum posuit, et non praeteribit.
Laudate Dominum de terra, dracones et omnes abyssi;
Ignis, grando, nix, glacies, spiritus procellarum, quae faciunt verbum ejus;
Montes, et omnes colles; ligna fructifera, et omnes cedri;
Bestiae, et universa pecora; serpentes, et volucres pennatae;
Reges terrae et omnes populi; principes et omnes judices terrae;
Juvenes et virgines; senes cum junioribus, laudent nomen Domini:
Quia exaltatum est nomen ejus solius.
Confessio ejus super caelum et terram; et exaltavit cornu populi sui.
Hymnus omnibus sanctis ejus; filiis Israel, populo appropinquanti sibi. Alleluja.
Louez l’Éternel, louez l’Éternel du haut des cieux ! Louez-le dans les hauteurs !
Louez-le, vous tous ses anges ! Louez-le, vous toutes ses armées !
Louez-le, soleil et lune ! Oui, louez-le tous, astres lumineux !
Louez-le, ô cieux des cieux, vous aussi, nuages chargés d’eau là-haut dans le ciel !
Que tous ces êtres louent l’Éternel ! Car il a donné ses ordres et ils ont été créés.
Il les a tous établis pour toujours, il leur a fixé des lois immuables.
Louez l’Éternel vous qui êtes sur la terre, monstres marins et abîmes,
Foudre, grêle, neige, brume, vents impétueux qui exécutez ses ordres !
Montagnes et collines, arbres fruitiers et cèdres,
Animaux sauvages et bétail, tout ce qui rampe ou vole,
Rois et peuples, chefs et dirigeants de la terre,
Jeunes gens, jeunes filles, vieillards et enfants, qu’ils louent l’Éternel !
Car lui seul est admirable,
et sa majesté domine la terre et le ciel.
Sujet de louange pour son peuple… Louez l’Éternel !
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord from the heights of heaven! Praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars!
Let all these praise the Lord!
For he spoke, and they were created.
He established them forever; he gave a decree that shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, sea monsters and all deeps,
Lightning, hail, snow, mist, stormy winds fulfilling his word,
Mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars,
Wild animals and livestock, creeping things and flying birds,
Kings of the earth and all peoples, rulers and judges of the earth,
Young men and maidens, old men and children, let them praise the Lord!
For his name alone is exalted.
His glory is above earth and heaven.
Praise for all his faithful… Praise the Lord!
Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741) - Dixit Dominus, RV 595
Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
Dixit Dominus, RV 595
Dixit Dominus Domino meo: sede a dextris meis.
Donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum.
Virgam virtutis tuae emittet Dominus ex Sion: dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.
Tecum principium in die virtutis tuae in splendoribus sanctorum: ex utero ante luciferum genui te
Juravit Dominus, et non paenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech
Dominus a dextris tuis, confregit in die irae suae reges
Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: conquassabit capita in terra multorum
De torrente in via bibet: propterea exaltabit caput.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper
Et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Le Seigneur dit à mon Seigneur : assieds-toi à ma droite.
Jusqu’à ce que je fasse de tes ennemis ton marchepied.
Le Seigneur projettera le sceptre de ta puissance depuis Sion : domine au cœur de tes ennemis.
À toi la souveraineté au jour de ta puissance… je t’ai engendré avant l’étoile du matin.
Le Seigneur l’a juré : tu es prêtre pour l’éternité selon l’ordre de Melchisédech.
Le Seigneur, à ta droite, brisera les rois au jour de sa colère.
Il jugera les nations, accumulera les ruines, broiera les têtes.
En chemin, il boira au torrent : ainsi il relèvera la tête.
Gloire au Père, au Fils et au Saint-Esprit.
Comme au commencement, maintenant et toujours
Et pour les siècles des siècles. Amen.
The Lord said unto my Lord: sit thou at my right hand.
Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
Thy people shall be willing… from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth.
The Lord hath sworn… thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall judge among the nations… wound the heads over many countries.
He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen.
Xavier Brossard-Ménard
Conductor and Artistic Director
Xavier Brossard-Ménard serves as Music Director and Conductor of Musica Orbium since May 2025.
He has conducted major orchestras, including the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil, the Orchestre classique de Montréal, and the Orchestre Philharmonique du Maroc, collaborated internationally with Cirque du Soleil, and also leads the professional choir Les Rugissants. A versatile musician and accomplished clarinetist, he served as President-Elect of Canada Choral from 2022 to 2024.
Throughout his career, he conducted several renowned ensembles, including
Les Muses Chorale, the
Toronto Children’s Chorus, the
McGill Conservatory Singers, the
Université de Montréal Faculty of Music Youth Choir, and the choirs of the
École de musique Vincent-d’Indy. He was also Artist in Residence at
F.A.C.E. School.
Andréanne Brisson-Paquin
Soprano
Montreal-born soprano Andréanne Brisson-Paquin completed her vocal studies at the Université de Montréal before earning a master’s degree at the Amsterdam Conservatory. There, she developed a deep affinity for the Baroque and Classical repertoires, as well as for the art song tradition.
Recognized for her musicality combining refinement, intensity, and sincerity, she has collaborated with several renowned ensembles, including Les Violons du Roy, the Orchestre Métropolitain, and Arion Baroque Orchestra.
More recently, she appeared as guest soloist with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Haydn’s The Creation, with the chamber orchestra I Musici in Gerald Finzi’s cantata Dies Natalis, and in the Passion Concert presented by the baroque ensemble Les Idées Heureuses.
She will soon perform Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été, in a transcription for soprano and wind quintet, at the Chapelle musicale du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal.
Rose Naggar-Tremblay
Mezzo-soprano
Noted for the depth of her tone, the evenness of her voice, and the emotional intensity of her singing (Le Devoir), Rose Naggar-Tremblay began her musical training in piano and choral singing before focusing on classical voice at the age of 12. She earned a degree in vocal performance from McGill University and continued her studies under the guidance of Lena Hellström-Färnlöf.
An artist in residence at the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal (2017–2020), she has distinguished herself in a wide range of roles and recitals, including Carmen at the Sofia Opera in 2021. Winner of numerous prestigious competitions and awards — including the OSM Competition, the Georges Enesco Competition, the Prix d’Europe, Radio-Canada Revelation, and the Fernand-Lindsay Career Grant — she also performs frequently in chamber music and under renowned conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Christophe Rousset.
Her repertoire spans Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Verdi, as well as contemporary music, while also exploring original song with her mini-album Je me souviens à toi. In 2025, she made her debuts at La Scala in Milan and at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and recorded her first Handel album with the Arion label.
Hugo Laporte
Baritone
Renowned for the elegance of his singing, his velvety tone, and his strong stage presence, Québec baritone Hugo Laporte is the recipient of several awards, including the Teatro alla Scala Prize at the 2019 Belvedere Competition in Austria and, earlier in his career, the Grand Prize at the 2014 OSM Competition in Canada.
With more than twenty-five leading roles to his credit, he has distinguished himself in roles such as Figaro (The Barber of Seville), Marcello (La Bohème), Escamillo (Carmen), Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly), and Zurga (The Pearl Fishers). He also regularly takes part in the creation of new operatic works, including Yourcenar, une île de passions (E. Champagne / H. Dorion / M.-C. Blais), L’Homme qui rit (A. Ichmouratov / V. Hugo), and Miguela (T. Dubois / J. Barbier).
Highly active on the Québec and Canadian music scene, he performs regularly with Opéra de Québec, Opéra de Montréal, and Opéra du Royaume, and collaborates with leading orchestras, ensembles, and festivals.
Internationally, he has appeared in France, Italy, Germany, Russia, China, and Belarus. In 2023, he made his debut at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, performing the roles of Hermann and Schlémil (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), alongside Marina Viotti, Vittorio Grigolo, and Luca Pisaroni.
Patricia Yates
Tenor
Originally from West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Patricia Yates is a classical tenor, répétiteur, writer, and educator based in Montreal. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Leeds in 2021 and her Master of Music from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music in 2024, where she is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Artist Diploma under the guidance of John Mac Master.
On stage and in recital, Patricia has established herself as one of the most remarkable young artists of her generation. She performed Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw (Opera 5), with other major roles including Jupiter (Semele), Don Ramiro (La Cenerentola), Alfred (Die Fledermaus), and Tamino (Die Zauberflöte). Her recital repertoire includes works by Britten, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Beethoven, as well as vocal music by Beach, Smyth, Price, and Hensel-Mendelssohn.
A proud advocate for trans and gender-expansive artists, Patricia embraces her unique identity as a female tenor and thrives within Montreal’s innovative, open, and vibrant musical scene.
MUSICA ORBIUM
Sopranos
Yevgeniya Amis
Marion Hahn
Salomé Karam
Olga Konovalova
Émilie Laforest
Gaby Morency
Janet Murphy
Jinan Paquin
Ginette Simard
Maria Tacu
Lucie Vermette
Altos
Michelle Alie
Suzanne Beaudry
Michèle Donckerwolcke
Suzanne Gagnier
Denise Goulet
Anne Grondines
Marie-Chantal Hudon
Karen Kobierski
Maureen Lafrenière
Louise Paiement
Martine Robitaille
Inna Slutskaya
Tenors
Antonie Beaudet
Jean Choquette
Jean-Frédéric Olivier
Emmanuel Raymond
Éric Wilson
Laurence Wilson
Basses
François Bertrand
Christopher Grocholski
Jacques Labonté
Sylvain Labonté
Louis Langelier
Dion Lewis
THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their help, near or far, to the production of this concert.
We would also like to thank each member of Musica Orbium for their constant work and energy in bringing this concert to life. Their commitment is essential and makes each of our concerts unique.
We also wish to extend special thanks to our accompanist, Pierre McLean, for his invaluable collaboration during rehearsals.
Finally, a warm thank you to our graphic designer, Artiom Kusci, whose creativity shaped the visual identity of this concert and beautifully reflected its spirit.
DONORS
Con Tutta la forza
Denis L'Espérance
Marcato
Nancy Gosnell
Douglas Stephenson
Robert Wells
Laurence Wilson
Dolce
François Bertrand
Alexandra Di Paolo
Jonathan Dorey
Javier Espinoza
Gabrielle Gilbert
Alexander Karen
Peter Kom
Lyne Lanthier
Yves Lanthier
Chiara Letizia
Joyce Sanchez
Rene Sanchez
Gwenda Wells
Amabile
Carole Arseneault
Marie Courbet
Mélanie Crippa
Kathryn Donaldson
Estelle Janelle
Maria Tacu
Jean-Pierre Tessier
CULTURAL DONATION
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Musica Orbium is able, year after year, to bring to life unique choral concerts, showcasing works that are often original or rarely performed, and to share them with an ever-growing audience.
By supporting Musica Orbium, you directly contribute to the vitality of local artists — from seasoned professionals to emerging talents — and help bring to the stage performances that are vibrant, refined, and deeply moving.
Every donation helps keep the music alive. Click below to discover all the ways to join us on this wonderful adventure.
BOARD MEMBERS
Louis Langelier, President
André Manseau, Vice-president
Sylvain Labonté, Treasurer
François Bertrand, Secretary
Administrators
Michelle Alie
Olga Konovalova
Jinan Paquin
Eric Wilson
