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Welcome to Cityscapes

From coast to coast, Canada offers magnificent natural landscapes and culturally diverse cities. In this issue, we highlight Quebec City’s inspiring locations, music and arts scene, and unique neighbourhoods. We invited two local artists to tell us what they love most about the provincial capital.

Hugo Laporte

A native of Quebec City, baritone Hugo Laporte is also co-founding vice-president of the Réunion des opéras du Québec, whose mission is to contribute to the development and sustainability of opera in Quebec by promoting collaboration among stakeholders in the field. In 2023, he made his debut at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala in The Tales of Hoffmann alongside Luca Pisaroni, Marina Viotti, and Vittorio Grigolo. In March, he will sing Pandolfe in Massenet’s Cendrillon with Opéra du Royaume.

Jessica Latouche

In opera, Jessica Latouche has performed Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus) and Anna (Nabucco) with Opéra de Québec, as well as Louise (Messe solennelle pour une pleine lune d’été) at the Festival d’opéra de Québec. In April, she will sing Brahms’s A German Requiem with the Ensemble Polyphonia de Québec at Palais Montcalm. Latouche is also a live-performance photographer and has been teaching in the musical theatre program at Cégep de Sainte-Foy since 2021, at Laval University’s Faculty of Music since 2023, and at the Conservatoire de musique de Québec since 2024.

Quebec City Connections

“It’s my hometown! I grew up in Sainte-Foy, then in Sillery. Not only did I go to school here, but also, university. Quebec City is where most of my ‘firsts’ in opera took place. One of the strongest ties I’ve developed is with the Opéra de Québec. I have performed nine roles there so far, not counting the concerts, recitals, and other opera activities in which I have participated. It is truly a privilege to be able to actively engage in the opera life of my hometown, and I am sincerely grateful for that.” — Hugo Laporte

“I was born here, I studied here, and I work here. I have managed to make my way through the artistic life of the entire city. Today, the little girl who started out making up lyrics to the songs she played on the piano in her bedroom can rejoice in having sung with most of the city’s major companies, choirs, and orchestras, including the OSQ, Les Violons du Roy, and the Opéra de Québec.” — Jessica Latouche

Neighbourhoods

Sillery

“Several neighbourhoods are truly captivating. Montcalm for its warm architecture and proximity to major cultural attractions. Cap-Rouge for its unique topography, tranquillity, proximity to the river, and variety of architectural styles. If I had a choice, I would probably choose Sillery (if the houses weren’t so expensive) because I grew up there and my parents live there. There are several good schools in the area, easy access to La Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, Avenue Maguire … not to mention the beautiful houses and abundance of mature trees.” – Hugo Laporte

Old Quebec

“It’s a place steeped in history. You can feel the French influence from the early days of Nouvelle France in the architecture which has been carefully preserved and maintained. When I walk around, I like to discover the less frequented or hidden places. I’m thinking of the ramparts, the ruins of Château Saint-Louis, the Monastère des Augustines, the Chapelle des Ursulines, but also the narrow streets that are almost pedestrianized because they are so narrow. I also have a soft spot for the Petit Champlain district, which is very popular. I like to play tourist in my own city.”– Jessica Latouche

From Sainte-Foy to Saint-Nicolas

Laporte says he and his partner, Catherine, first moved to the relatively central Sainte-Foy neighbourhood. “We chose it for its quietness, safety, and because it was relatively affordable. Then we moved to Saint-Nicolas, 10 minutes from our old home, just across the Quebec City bridge. We found a beautiful place that offers both comfort and nature—while we wait to one day have our own little estate in the country!”

Where to eat

In addition to comforting meals at his parents’ home, the baritone recommends several other great spots to dine out in Quebec City. “One of my favorite restaurants of all time, without a doubt, is Sinsemilla on Saint-Jean Street. It offers humble gastronomy, a relaxed atmosphere, local and seasonal ingredients, and inspired cuisine prepared in an original way. There’s also Bloom Sushi on Third Avenue. Extraordinarily good vegan sushi! And for meeting up with friends over a pint of Guinness, there’s of course Galway on Cartier Avenue. It’s one of the favourite places for opera artists to meet after rehearsals or performances.”

Where to go out

“Despite its relatively small population compared to other cities of a similar stature around the world, Quebec City has a very rich cultural life,” says Latouche. “One example that comes to mind is the German Christmas Market. The city has unique attractions like the winter carnival and the ice hotel. Otherwise, when it comes to music, the Palais Montcalm is a concert hall with incredible acoustics.”

Where to Decompress

Latouche and Laporte both find ways to recharge their batteries in and around the city. The soprano enjoys outdoor activities: “I like to go walking in certain parks such as the Sainte-Foy outdoor recreation centre, Domaine Maizerets, or outside the city (Stoneham) at Marais du Nord and Marais-Léon-Provancher (Neuville) to take pictures of birds and animals. I also visited Strøm Nordic Spa Quebec City recently. The infinity pool and its view of the river makes you feel like you’re swimming in it. …It was magical!”

“I’m an introvert,” says Laporte. “The most important thing is my family. Waking up at 6:20 a.m. and walking the kids to school every day. …I never stray far from my roots. When I have too much music in my head, which happens when I’m preparing for three concerts and two roles at the same time, I switch to a manual activity: cooking, replacing a silicone seal, repairing a broken toy, tidying up my workshop, cleaning my shoes.”

Where to Listen

Laporte recommends:

• Opéra de Québec
• Cont’Opéra
• Tempêtes et Passions

In addition to Opéra de Québec, Laporte mentions smaller companies that deserve to be better known. “I generally try to prioritize attending operas produced by the Atelier d’opéra at l’Université Laval and at the Conservatoire. I also enjoy attending benefit concerts given by emerging artists and student concerts. I really like youth shows offered by Cont’Opéra and original projects by Tempêtes et Passions.”

Latouche recommends:

• Opéra de Québec
• Orchestre symphonique de Québec (OSQ)

“As for OSQ, it’s very inspiring to see a conductor like Clemens Schuldt share his love for the city so loudly and proudly. You can feel a sense of belonging among the audience towards their orchestra.”

Translation: L. I. Liganor

This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en: Français (French)