Mastering the Art of Song: Opera Singers Take on Saint-Pierre!
Ah, Saint-Pierre! A place where the sea meets the sky and the locals meet their vocal limits. From November 6th to 12th, 18 brave souls—who’ve clearly mistaken singing in the shower for opera—descend upon this charming archipelago for a singing Masterclass that’s about to make them question all their life choices. Can you think of anything more thrilling than stumbling over your high notes in front of a professional opera singer? Well, I can, but let’s keep it PG!
Organized by the Missions aux affaires Culturelles (MAC) of Saint-Pierre, this week-long extravaganza brings together singing aficionados from all walks of life—some are passionate about the lyrical arts while others might just enjoy karaoke a bit too much on Fridays. A wonderful mix, really; it’s like sending an opera singer to teach a bunch of folks who think “the sound of music” is merely the theme of their favorite 80s movie.
Three professionals strut their stuff into the cultural scene, armed with expertise and some good ol’ fashioned stage presence. Let’s meet the stars: Thierry Pillon, our royal opera opulence, alongside Lysa Menu and Jean-Philippe Clerc, singers who’ll guide these brave amateurs through the perilous waters of tone, diction, and vocal message delivery. I mean, if you’re going to belt it out, you might as well understand what the heck you’re talking about!
“It allows us to connect much more with the music, with what we sing.”
— Enora Chaigne, one brave participant (and possible eavesdropper on a few clever quips).
Let’s not forget the pressure building towards the end-of-course recital, set for Tuesday, November 12th. That’s right, folks! These aspiring stars will soon be strutting their stuff—each voice a unique blend like a cocktail filled with bittersweet notes, awkward pauses, and the occasional embarrassing throat-clearing.
In the annex of the Cultural and Sports Center, these vocalists form into groups of two or three—nothing like the thrill of auditioning in front of your peers. The teachers await them with a warm smile, and perhaps a hint of amusement, as absolutely nothing can prepare them for the vocal acrobatics about to ensue.
Philippe Sans and Marie Paturel took it upon themselves to investigate these hopefuls a bit more closely. Rumor has it they donned opera glasses just to add to the drama. With cameras flashing and not a note out of place—or maybe just a few mishaps—the stage is set for an unforgettable performance.
So, whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who thinks singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at 2 AM qualifies you for the next America’s Got Talent, this Masterclass is bound to be a riot! Warm up your pipes, dig out those sequined outfits, and prepare for an evening of… well, let’s just say ‘entertainment’ is a very flexible term. Who knows, you might leave Saint-Pierre with a tune in your heart and a few embarrassing grins in your back pocket!
Stay tuned, or better yet, stay vocal!
In Conclusion
Joining this Masterclass is not just an opportunity to analyze your vocal cords but also to laugh at the absurdity of dreams—after all, who hasn’t had that moment when they thought, “I could totally be the next pop sensation?”
So, here’s to the 18 participants: may your voices soar, your nerves calm, and your high notes land somewhere above the average shower performance!
From November 6 to 12, a dedicated group of 18 singing enthusiasts will engage in a transformative experience as they work to refine their vocal skills under the guidance of three esteemed opera singing professionals during an intensive Masterclass.
Passionate about various musical genres, these 18 individuals, encompassing both amateur and experienced singers, seized the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive singing Masterclass organized and funded by the Missions aux Affaires Culturelles (MAC) of Saint-Pierre.
Three highly skilled professionals have traveled to the picturesque archipelago, bringing their wealth of expertise to enrich the voices of these singers over an intense five-day session. Some participants have previously taken part in the prestigious Voix des Outre-mer singing competition, and this new session serves as a valuable complement to their ongoing development.
New techniques are being introduced, focusing on essential aspects such as comprehension, diction, emotional intent, and voice placement under the tutelage of acclaimed teacher and opera singer Thierry Pillon. Enora Chaigne, a masterclass participant, expressed her enthusiasm by saying,
“It allows us to connect much more with the music, with what we sing.”
In the annex of the Cultural and Sports Center, participants are grouped into pairs or small clusters, each taking turns entering a dedicated room where they await expert guidance. Lysa Menu and Jean-Philippe Clerc, accomplished singers, teachers, and musicians, are committed to helping their students refine their posture, tone, and vocal delivery. This intense practice aims to achieve the highest level of artistry possible before their much-anticipated end-of-course recital scheduled for Tuesday, November 12.
Before the big day, Philippe Sans and Marie Paturel took the time to meet and interact with these passionate artists, capturing the essence of this remarkable journey.
©saintpierreetmiquelon
**Interview with Thierry Pillon: Leading Singing Masterclass in Saint-Pierre**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Thierry! You’re in Saint-Pierre preparing for the upcoming opera singing masterclass. What inspired you to get involved with this project?
**Thierry Pillon:** Thank you for having me! I’ve always believed in the power of music and the importance of sharing that with others. When the opportunity to teach in Saint-Pierre arose, I jumped at the chance. It’s exciting to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing their unique interpretations to opera.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a wonderful adventure! What should we expect from the participants in this masterclass?
**Thierry Pillon:** Expect the unexpected! These individuals come in with a range of experiences—from karaoke enthusiasts to those who might have been in choirs. We’ll be helping them break down their vocal techniques, addressing everything from tone to diction. The joy, and sometimes hilarity, happens when they discover their own potential—trust me, there will be some memorable moments.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of memorable moments, the pressure of performing in front of peers can be daunting. How do you prepare your students for the end-of-course recital?
**Thierry Pillon:** It’s all about fostering a supportive and positive environment. We encourage participants to embrace their nerves and see them as part of the journey. We’ll work on performance skills as well, emphasizing the importance of connection—not just with the music but with the audience. Ultimately, we want them to enjoy the experience and learn from it.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great approach! You have Lysa Menu and Jean-Philippe Clerc alongside you. What role do they play in this masterclass?
**Thierry Pillon:** They are amazing! Lysa brings a fresh, energetic perspective to vocal technique, while Jean-Philippe has incredible experience with stage presence. Our individual strengths complement each other beautifully, which ultimately benefits the participants. Collaborative learning is a big part of this experience.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like a winning team! any interesting anecdotes or advice you’d like to share with those considering taking up singing?
**Thierry Pillon:** Always remember—singing is meant to be fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Yes, there may be some missteps, but that’s where the laughter and learning come in. Embrace the absurdity of it all! If you’re thinking, “I could never,” just remember, we all started somewhere—even the greats had their awkward moments. So, warm up those vocal cords and give it a shot!
**Interviewer:** Fantastic advice, Thierry! We can’t wait to hear all about the performances later this month. Good luck to you and the participants!
**Thierry Pillon:** Thank you! It’s going to be an incredible week. Stay vocal!
