After two seasons without a permanent chorus master, La Monnaie has pleasure in announcing the appointment of Emmanuel Trenque as the new artistic director of the La Monnaie Chorus, starting in the 2023-24 season.
Emmanuel Trenque is currently chorus master at the Opéra de Marseille, where he is responsible for the vocal metamorphosis the chorus has undergone since he took up the post. Before that he was vocal conductor at the Opéra de Tours for eleven seasons. Emmanuel Trenque was also in demand as a guest chorus master, including at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées and at Les Chorégies d'Orange music festival.
He is no stranger to the La Monnaie Chorus: last season they worked together on Les Huguenots (read the article on MMM Online).
General Manager and Artistic Director Peter de Caluwe is delighted at the prospect of the new chorus master’s arrival at the opera house: "With Emmanuel we are assured of a specialist in the broad repertoire that La Monnaie will be presenting in the coming seasons. Moreover, he is a committed and passionate artist whose contribution is sure to enrich the artistic quality of our organization."
Emmanuel Trenque himself is excited by his appointment and impatient to get started. He will see the Chorus again for the first time for the rehearsals of Cassandra, Bernard Foccroulle’s first opera, which will open the 2023-24 season.
"For me it was a real pleasure to spend four months with the La Monnaie Chorus working on Les Huguenots at the end of the 2021-22 season. What struck me immediately was the natural fluidity of our musical cooperation and the tremendous energy of the members of the Chorus, both on stage and during rehearsals. That experience has already created a strong bond between us. So I am overjoyed at the prospect of joining the La Monnaie teams so that we can continue our musical journey together, allowing the Chorus to realize its full potential and deepening our musical commitment. I would like to thank Peter de Caluwe and all his teams from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful welcome they have already prepared for me.”
Meet Holland’s next opera star! On Sunday evening, October 20, MM Soloist Leander Carlier won ARIA, a singing competition on the Dutch TV channel NPO1. In addition to a trophy, he also secured a place at the Dutch National Opera Studio (Amsterdam).
Get out the napkins because La Monnaie is participating in The Biggest Spaghetti Fest in the World! On Saturday, November 23, at 12:30 p.m., we are offering 75 vegetarian meals, accompanied by a visit to our Workshops, in support of non-profit organisation Accolage.
Carpooling to La Monnaie with other opera lovers? Besides being more sustainable, it’s nicer and cheaper than going alone! La Monnaie is the first cultural venue in Belgium to join forces with Slinger, a simple tool which allows you to arrange a ride with another spectator from your area in just a few clicks.
