When Classical meets Jazz
My name is Anne-Sophie Gagnon-Métellus, and I teach voice at the Conservatoire de musique de la Montérégie.
1) When did you start singing, and why voice?
Anne-Sophie, 10 years old
I’ve been drawn to music for as long as I can remember—and my parents noticed early on. At five, I began early music classes, then studied xylophone, and later explored instruments like violin and piano. Around eight, I started voice lessons, and it was an instant “yes.” No one was surprised—I sang constantly, morning, noon, and night. Singing felt like one of the most beautiful things in the world to me then, and it still does today.
2) What’s your musical journey?
My path in music is closely tied to who I’ve become. As a child, I was shy, and the idea of performing in concerts or competitions was intimidating. With my parents’ steady support, I gradually learned to step forward with confidence.
My first true love was jazz. I spent countless evenings listening to the great voices—Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday among them—and I was captivated by their sound and expressive freedom. Soon after, I discovered musical theatre, and I fell in love with the idea of telling a story through music. I performed in school productions—often alongside my mother, who loved the stage just as much as I did. At around fifteen, my mother, my best friend, and I joined the Théâtre d’Art Lyrique de Laval. Hearing classical singers whose voices could be both powerful and tender left a deep impression on me. I wanted to sing like that. I enrolled at the Préconservatoire de Montréal and began training in classical vocal technique.
I continued my studies at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy in a double DEC (Music and Social Sciences), then began a bachelor’s degree in classical voice at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, which I completed at Université de Montréal. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree at Université de Montréal, continuing to refine my voice and artistry.
3) What else are you passionate about?
Many of my interests still orbit around the arts. In recent years, I’ve fallen in love with tango—I find it simply breathtaking. I also enjoy painting mugs and Christmas ornaments with my family; those moments are grounding and precious. Outside of the arts, I love skiing and snowboarding (they’ve even taught me to appreciate winter), and I’m happiest near the water—whether swimming or snorkeling. Water restores me.
What place does music hold in your life?
Music is at the center of my life. It’s my passion, and it’s also my work—both as a performer and as a teacher. Singing helps me grow because it demands awareness: of the body, the breath, and the mind. When your body is your instrument, balance matters—vocally, physically, and psychologically. I feel lucky to live with music at the heart of my everyday life: singing helps me understand myself more deeply, and teaching pushes me to keep sharpening my technique and finding the clearest, most helpful words to share it.
4) Inspirations and what’s next
Anne-Sophie, today
After finishing my master’s degree, I hope to audition and enter competitions in both Europe and Canada. I’d love to work with opera houses, join young artist programs, and take part in staged productions. Sacred music also calls to me deeply—I love Bach and Handel, and singing their oratorios would be a true privilege. And I want to devote more time to jazz projects as well. Jazz has always been one of my greatest passions, and I’m eager to create more opportunities to return to it.
I’m especially excited to lend my voice to Du Classique au Jazz with the Chambristes du Grand Montréal and invited guests—a concert that brings together two of my favorite musical worlds: classical and jazz. The concert takes place on March 20 at 8:00 p.m. at the Centre multifonctionnel de Saint-Lambert.
I’ll also have the joy of performing Ella Fitzgerald’s timeless repertoire in Ella and Ellington on April 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts, with the Chambristes du Grand Montréal. I’m thrilled to be part of these concerts—full of beautiful music—and to pay tribute to the jazz legends who have inspired me for years. I hope to see you there and to share these magical moments with you.
Upcoming events with Anne-Sophie
Du Classique au Jazz — Salle multifonctionnelle, 81 Hooper St., Saint-Lambert
Date: March 20, 8:00 p.m. — Tickets on Tuxedo
Ella and Ellington — Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts
Date: April 26, 3:00 p.m. — Place des Arts box office
Discography
Le Noel de Charlie Brown
You can hear Anne-Sophie on the album Le Noël de Charlie Brown with the Chambristes du Grand Montréal (Track 9: “The Christmas Song”).
