The Festival in the words of Hugo Laporte

Praised for his elegant singing, velvety timbre, and charisma on stage, the young Quebec baritone Hugo Laporte has won numerous competitions, including the Teatro alla Scala Prize at the Belvedere Competition in Austria, the Grand Prize of the OSM Competition, and First Prize at the Canadian Music Competition.

Past engagements include his acclaimed performance in the role of the Phantom (Le Fantôme de l’opéra — concert version) in its official French adaptation at Théâtre St-Denis and Grand Théâtre de Québec in 2020, and in 2018 at the Monument National.

Parlez-nous de votre parcours musical, de vos débuts à aujourd’hui. Nous avons envie de comprendre ce qui vous a amené à la musique.

I don’t come from a family of musicians, but music has always been an important part of our lives. My parents sometimes took me to the orchestra on Sunday afternoons, starting when I was 3 years old. From the age of 6, my mother enrolled me in a school to learn the basics of music. I then played the violin, the piano, and the trumpet. When I got to the Secondary 4 level, my piano teacher encouraged me to try singing, and that’s when it all began!

I went on to complete my college diploma in music at the CEGEP de Sainte-Foy under the tutelage of Danielle Demers. Afterward, I completed my Bachelor’s degree and then my Master’s degree in music at Laval University, where I studied with soprano Patricia Fournier. The Relève musicale de Québec strongly encouraged me to pursue a career in singing, and thanks to the Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques, I was able to embark on several tours and competitions at the international level. I am grateful to these organizations.

This summer’s program allowed you to meet several international players in the classical music world. What do you take away from these meetings and how do you think they will guide you? 

The meetings were very enriching, both among the group members and with the mentors. We were able to discuss a variety of topics, including the relationship between the agent and the artist. My meeting with Michael Spyres and Lawrence Brownlee—both of whom are great artists—was a highlight. Since they made their debuts, they have pursued what they love to do in their given areas.

I realized that I don’t need to sing in every musical style, but rather to find myself in the repertoires in which I excel. My primary goal is to sing for the joy of singing, without putting too much pressure on myself.

I also really enjoyed my meeting with conductor Ariane Matiakh, who spoke to us about work-life balance. She inspired us with her words, as an accomplished artist and a mother.

Was this your first time at the Festival de Lanaudière? 

My father’s side of the family comes from the Joliette Region (Saint-Norbert) and so I have heard about the Festival de Lanaudière from a very young age. I attended concerts sporadically during my childhood. I was also present on the Amphitheatre stage in July 2017, during a concert with the Festival Orchestra and the Fernand-Lindsay Choir. This first experience on the stage of the Amphitheatre was intimidating, but awesomely satisfying!

Which concert of the 2022 season impressed you the most?

I enjoyed the concert by Les Arts Florissants at the Cathédrale de Joliette, first, because the place itself is so beautiful, but also because I was able to witness a total symbiosis between the musicians. It was impressive!

Would you recommend that young performers participate in a mentoring program such as the one at the Festival de Lanaudière?

Absolutely! All promising young artists should participate in this kind of program and embrace an attitude of great openness to others. This year, there were individuals with different personalities who complemented each other through their challenges, successes, and many other aspects.

In a few years, what do you think will be the most memorable part of your experience with the Festival program?

I realized that having a network of reliable and honest contacts that you can count on, and with whom you have fun and exchange mutual respect is the key to success in a professional career. Also, always keep in mind that the joy of music comes first!

COMING SOON FOR HUGO LAPORTE

• Christmas Concert | La Relève Musicale de Québec | December 4, 2022—2:00 PM Chapel of the Augustines of the Hôtel-Dieu du Sacré-Coeur (QC) www.larelevemusicale.com
• Clavecin en concert | December 16, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Crypt of St. Joseph’s Oratory (MTL) clavecinenconcert.com
• Midnight Mass | December 25, 2022 | Sainte-Ursule Church (QC)

The Festival de Lanaudière’s mentoring project is made possible through the generosity of the Fondation Père-Lindsay and the Fonds Jacques-Martin.

Crédits-photos : Catherine Charron-Drolet & Agence BigJaw