Guy Simard is making his HGO debut as the original lighting designer for The Magic Flute. A defining aspect of his artistic career has been his long-standing collaboration with Barbe & Doucet, one of Canada’s most celebrated opera directing teams. For more than 25 years, this creative partnership has produced acclaimed productions throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition to his professional achievements, Simard devoted more than 30 years to teaching lighting design at the National Theatre School of Canada. Over the course of his career, he has designed lighting for more than 500 productions presented across North America and Europe. His work has been featured by many of the world’s leading opera companies and performing arts institutions, including Opéra national du Rhin, Opéra de Marseille, Volksoper Vienna, Royal Swedish Opera, Malmö Opera, Staatsoper Hamburg, Oper Leipzig, Seattle Opera, New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Manhattan School of Music, Pacific Opera Victoria, and numerous other organizations. Through his mentorship, innovative curriculum development, and commitment to artistic excellence, he has influenced generations of lighting designers working throughout the performing arts industry. In 2023, the National Theatre School of Canada honored Simard with the Gascon-Thomas Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his exceptional contributions to both the performing arts and arts education.