COMMENTS
We
tell the stories of our past in order to better understand where we are headed
in the future.
In June
2004, two of New Brunswick’s cultural icons - Ludmila
Knezkova-Hussey and His Honour Hermenegilde
Chiasson came together to create the opera-ballet “Traversees”, a vivid tale celebrating the 400th anniversary
of the French presence in North America and the founding of l’Acadie.
My wife Roxanne and I had the opportunity to
attend the once-in-a lifetime world premiere as New Brunswick talent teamed up
with an orchestra from France to tell a uniquely New Brunswick story that at
the same time celebrates the universal determination and resilience of the
human spirit.
Like all who shared in this extraordinary experience,
we were moved by the story, the music and the talent on display. It was a
testament to the great talent here in
The great Maria Callas once said that an opera
stayed a part of her life long after she left the opera house. For all who
attended that world premiere in June 2004, I am certain the memory of “Traversees” will stay with us for a very long time.
Thank you for creating this beautiful and
important work. And thank you for allowing us to share in it.
Hon. Shawn Graham
Premier of the
As I stood
to leave the K. C.
Larry Bent - A drama coach from Nova
Scotia,
This
afternoon will remain engraved in my memory for a very long time, to have lived
and shared in numerous emotions and also a victory in that it enabled one to
solve difficulties and transfer them into moments of joy and happiness.
François
Boulanger
Chef d’orchestre / Conductor, Garde
républicaine, Paris, France.
I attended
the premiere of the Opera, Traversées, in
We were all prepared for something special,
but even I, who had some idea of the outline of the Opera, was overwhelmed. I
had heard some of the music on piano, but I was unprepared for the beauty of
the melodic lines and the wonderful orchestration. The staging was most
impressive, as the actors appeared to be landing on the shore and rising up
towards the audience. It was a spectacular and very moving scene. As a mass, we
were transported to a time and place and shared the challenges and the sorrows
of the Acadians through the beauty and emotion of the music. The
singing, in particular that of L’Ange, was glorious
and so very emotionally touching.
Throughout the Opera, the audience was
mesmerized, and at the conclusion, they rose as one, and as I looked around me
with tears in my eyes, I witnessed the open tears of so many of the men and
women, including those of my Acadian friend. I felt that they had truly had
their story told in a most phenomenal way. It was an event that I will always
remember.
Wendy Beardall
President of the
Singing
in the role of an angel in the Opera “Traversées”,
composed by Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey,
was a memorable moment in my life as I am Acadian. Obviously, as I was not
alive during the era of deportation, participating in the creation of this
Opera allowed me to virtually return in time to experience what my ancestors
lived.
It is my
feeling that the angel’s role represented Evangéline.
While singing the angel’s lyrics, a magical atmosphere passed over the stage
encompassing all the performers. It was a surreal phenomenon, one far beyond
the conception of a human artist that I was.
I believe
that at that very moment, Ludmila illuminated the
angel’s role, giving them power and motivation thereby strengthening the faith
of the Acadian people.
I have
very good memories of the Opera. I hope it will be performed throughout the
world, because our story deserves to be told.
Chantal Dionne (Angel ) soprano
“Traversées” means “crossings”. The word was most
appropriately chosen as the title of the opera-ballet composed by Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey of which
His Excellency Herménégilde Chiasson,
Lieutenant-Governor of
In 1604,
French explorer Sieur Pierre Dugua
and his crew of sailors, after crossing the
In 1991,
when Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey
crossed the
For all,
it was a new and different world. From all, we have received a precious legacy.
From that
tiny island in the
But more
was in store for those who witnessed the premiere of “Traversées”
on
“
For having passed on to the people of
Frédéric Arsenault -
It
was a wonderful challenge for the Choeur Beauséjour to sing and to play in the Opera, ‘Traversées’. On this occasion, the men’s voices blended
with those of the Choeur Beauséjour,
allowing one to explore the new levels of sound. The choir not only had the
pleasure of singing, but they were able to put themselves in the place of the
people who had lived through the drama from the time of the arrival of the
first settlers until the deportation. The different moods, emanating from the
text and music, were intensified by the actors and the movement on stage. This
artistic combination necessitated another level of engagement on the part of
the choir. Because they were accompanied by a professional orchestra of high
calibre, the choir excelled in their performance and they enjoyed an enriched
and unique experience. The theme of ‘Traversées’ was
emotionally touching for those who were close to the choir, and they felt as if
they were a living part of this unique musical work. « Thank
You, Ludmila » to have dreamed of and created a
musical project of this magnitude and allowing us to live such an adventure.
Monique Richard - Chorale Beauséjour
Directrice / Conductor
One of Ludmila’s most profound skills is the art of sharing
emotions.
If I would
have to put the name of Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey
in the dictionary of Famous People, my definition would be:
Virtuoso,
Composer, Pianist, High Level of Generosity, Great sense of humour.
“
Ludmila , you are
an inspiration for all generations. ’’
Ghyslaine Bernier
Music Manager,
“I have had the opportunity to
listen to Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey
in concert, on her CDs, on her CBC Documentary, ‘Flying on the Moon’, and also
on her own piano while she was composing the Acadian opera- ballet, ‘Traverseés’. From the place of my creative spirit I
recognize the creative genius of Ludmila and the
importance of her musical gift. She is an artistic and intellectual
inspiration, striving continually towards excellence and pushing the limits
with a drive and passion seldom seen.”
Vicky
Lentz
Past President,
The Opera,
“Traversées” was, in my opinion, an exceptional event
because it was the first time an opera-ballet with
Lisa Roy
Art Director/Opera Section/- Université de Moncton
The word
‘congratulations’ doesn’t begin to express how much your opera, ‘Traversées’, has touched the hearts of so many people. It
was FANTASTIC!
Comments
from the audience were most favourable and complimentary. The Mayor and his
wife, couples from
Marie Taylor
The
Opera ‘Traversées’ was a musical rendezvous wherein I
was able to unite my love for singing to the joy of discovering a significant
period of my Acadian culture. Interpreting the role of Hélène taught me how to be
more flexible in blending in both vocal and theatrical performances. Hoping to
be faithful to the music and the libretto, I wanted to express Hélène’s fears
and discouragement while still revealing all her freshness and hopefulness.
Mrs. Knezkova-Hussey demonstrated great generosity in
the realization of this project. Her passion and determination to make this
event an important cultural rendezvous have to be emphasized and encouraged.
Sincere thanks also to the production team, the other soloists, the choristers and to all those Acadian volunteers. Once
again, we witnessed how Acadians today, as in the past, are a people of passion
and of willpower, a living proof that the last page of its history did not end
in 1755. There is a modern Acadie in full flight. Why
couldn’t we envision a sequel to this Opera which would illustrate and resonate
in
Mélanie
Roy (Hélène) soprano
Dear Ludmila:
Congratulations on your wonderful
concert “The Acadian Opera” of
Words alone cannot express the feelings I
experienced at this event. It was fantastic and very emotionally moving. So
many people who attended expressed much the same sentiments to me after the
Opera.
I realize you had many challenges and worked
so very hard to make the Opera happen -Thank you!
Good luck with your future endeavours. We are
proud to have you living in
Sincerely,
Stephen
Brunet
Mayor- City of Bathurst, N.B.
Participation
in the gala premiere of Ludmila Knezkova
Hussey’s opera-ballet “Traversées” was for me a
unique and deeply moving experience. Through this splendid music, accompanied
by the orchestra of the French Republican Guard, I could feel that I was
reliving the experience of our Acadian ancestors. As a member of the Beausejour choir, and as a soloist in the
role of a young child, I experienced, through the medium of song, the
vicissitudes, the sufferings and the drama of our Acadian people.
The
grandeur of this work and the power of the emotions which it expressed made the
performance a truly memorable event.
Participation
in Opera - Notes by Christine Richard
When
describing her feelings regarding her participation in “Traversées”,
Ms LeBlanc states that “this experience has made me even more proud to be an
Acadian than I ever thought possible. It stirred emotions in me from deep
regret and sadness to happiness and exaltation. Thank you, Ludmila,
for bringing our beautiful and tragic story to life.”
Renelle LeBlanc
Moncton N.B. Canada
Dear Dr. Knezkova-Hussey,
“Flying on
the Moon” was magnificent last evening on the Bravo! TV
channel. Many thanks! Congratulations to you, Dr. Knezkova-Hussey,
and all the people participating in your outstanding movie “Flying on the
Moon”.
Your life
story is an outstanding one and you were so kind to share it on Bravo! with so many of your experiences and elegant performances.
As well, Dr. Knezkova-Hussey, you put the beautiful
City of
I attended
the opera-ballet of “Traversées” (
Dolores
On
To begin
with, this gala concert came as a spectacular finale to the 7th Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey
International Piano Competition. The premiere of TRAVERSEES – an original
opera-ballet and a creation of our renowned international artist, Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey, was
unquestionably the climax of this classic concert. This Acadian opera, with the
libretto composed by poet, Herménégilde Chiasson, was undeniably a moving work of the Acadian epic.
This
theatrical presentation, interpreted by the 65 musicians of the l’Orchestre de la garde républicaine de Paris, appealed to the great artistic
talents of young Acadians. The Chorale Beauséjour de Moncton, the renowned Acadien
soloists, the actors, as well as the participation of the dancers of DansAcadie, delivered an altogether gripping drama. The
remarkable scenery, with visuals and individuals who revolve around the stage, have allowed us to relive the misfortunes of the Acadian
people, from their first settlement on
This
high-calibre performance is a must see! Our congratulations and recognition go out to Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey for the precious heritage that she has
bequeathed to us. Since
Bravo to
this musical creation and long live this opera dedicated to the Acadian
odyssey.
Annette Thérèse Chiasson
Un opéra acadien passe à l’histoire
‘’ What a
wonderful event! It truly was a treat to experience a New Brunswick Acadian
opera on home soil. The opening scene was breath-taking and Dr. Ludmila Knezkova Hussey’s musical
composition captured the Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson’s text very well. The vocal, choral and orchestral
settings are rich and melodic.”
Father Stanislas
Paulin
Well-known
Elizabeth and I received a phone call asking us if we would do a part in
an opera-ballet. This part was to be a Mi’kmaq woman
telling the settlers what medicines to use to battle the sicknesses they brought
with them. So I said ‘yes’ and then explained to She said the four directions in French as I said them. As Mi’kmaq we stood on the stage doing our part, my whole
being was trembling with an essence of pure love. Everything in my life guided
me to this moment. I realize how much I am loved by my Creator to have my
breath of life every second and to be part of this play. I looked around and
saw everyone else preparing to do their part with their whole heart and soul.
It was then that I understood how we need each other and how important it is to
love one another as He Loves us.
It is to forgive each other as He has forgiven us over and over again. I
say “thank you” for believing in this beauty as you have and enduring the
struggle to achieve it. I am honoured to have been a part of your dream. May
the Grace of the Creator always be with you.
Ann la Billois
After 400
hundred years of struggle to safeguard our heritage as Acadians, we have made
our place in the world as a proud and independent people. As Edith Butler says
“we are here to stay.” History books have been written and rewritten to
accurately reflect the true reality of our saga. As a people we have much to
offer to the rest of the world and much to learn from each other.
To have
Dr. Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey,
a world renowned musician, compose an opera-ballet dedicated to our 400-year
struggle is a tribute to both our history and our future. The opera “Traversées” will be a lasting legacy to the Acadian people
and musicians the world over.
Marcelle Mersereau-
Bathurst, N.B.
Participation
in the gala premiere of Ludmila Knezkova
Hussey’s opera-ballet “Traversées” was for me a
unique and deeply moving experience. Through
this splendid music, accompanied by the orchestra of the French Republican
Guard, I could feel that I was reliving the experience of our Acadian ancestors.
As a member of the Beausejour choir, and as a soloist
in the role of a young child, I experienced, through the medium of song, the
vicissitudes, the sufferings and the drama of our Acadian people.
The
grandeur of this work and the power of the emotions which it expressed made the
performance a truly memorable event.
Participation in Opera - Notes by Christine Richard
“Once
again, Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey
has given the people of the Acadie/Chaleur region a timeless
gift. The Opera “Traversées” was an amazing tribute
to not only the history and culture of our region, but to our people, who for
generations have built this area to what it is today. The production was an
amazing collaboration of her profound musical talents and the lyrical genius of
Herménégilde Chiasson.
Together, they have created an historical legacy for all residents of the Chaleur Region. Production of the Opera was masterful, colorful, technologically advanced and served to
successfully bridge any language barrier in order to heighten the enjoyment of
all patrons. Congratulations on the creation of a legacy and “Thank You” from
the people of the Chaleur Region.”
Glenn Trueman
Directeur,
CIBC Charlottetown, Île-du-Prince-Édouard
I was really
impressed by the comments we received afterwards. I was proud of being part of
something that touched people. I remember my parents’ comments about when the
characters and the choir first stepped onto the stage in front of the big
screen. They said it was breathtaking.
Sophie Chiasson