Montreal Drag Queens and the Metropolitan Orchestra at Burgie Hall is today's story hour

Recently at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, drag queen Barbada De Barbados performed in a musical story hour accompanied by the music of the Metropolitan Orchestra. The performance took place on the Burgie Hall stage as part of a joint series with the orchestra. Barbada led the audience through a spring-themed performance, showcasing the intersection of drag, storytelling and music to create a visually stunning and engaging show.

Olivier Godin, artistic director of Burgie Hall, notes that mixing drag and classical music is a natural fit for their programming. Fabien Voisin, director general of the Metropolitan Orchestra, emphasized the accessibility and fun factor of such performances and how they can introduce audiences to classical music in a fun and engaging way. The collaboration between Barbados, the orchestra and the museum aims to break down barriers and showcase the versatility of the arts.

Despite security concerns that have led to the cancellation of previous events, Barbada is grateful for the opportunity to perform on such a prestigious stage as the Museum of Fine Arts. He described the experience as emotional and important, stressing the importance of seeing drag presented in mainstream cultural institutions alongside popular musicians. Organizers have responded positively to the series, showing strong support for incorporating diverse art forms into traditional mediums.

The combination of drag, storytelling and live music offers a unique and innovative approach to engaging audiences of all ages. By presenting classical music in a new and fun context, performers like Barbada and organizations like the Metropolitan Orchestra are redefining traditional boundaries and challenging preconceived notions of high culture. This collaboration demonstrates the power of art to bring people together, spark creativity and foster appreciation for a wide range of artistic expressions.

The series continues to attract interest and support, serving as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts. By presenting drag performances alongside orchestral music at the museum, the collaboration between Barbados, the Metropolitan Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts breaks new ground and opens up conversations about representation, identity and artistic freedom. The success of these events reflects the growing recognition of the value of cross-cultural arts in creating vibrant and inclusive cultural experiences for audiences around the world.