Newswire | Printemps Slaves 2026: Belle Époque

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Montreal, March 26, 2026 – The Printemps Slaves announces the return of its program from May 12 to June 1, 2026, under the theme of la Belle Époque, a period of profound artistic transformation that continues to influence musical creation today.

Through five events, the festival invites audiences to revisit this period from a vibrant and contemporary perspective, bringing together seminal works from the turn of the 20th century with interpretations by artists from here and abroad.

Rather than freezing la Belle Époque in a nostalgic vision, this edition views this era as a transitional space, where artistic languages evolve, intersect, and open up to new forms. Music, film, and reflection come together to create an accessible experience rooted in the present.

Five events that defined an era

The program features four concerts and a silent film screening accompanied by live piano music, offering a variety of formats and atmospheres. The festival will open on May 12 with a free festive concert at the Maison de la culture Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, followed by a social gathering with the audience.

The very next day, a screening of the film Life for Life (1916) will transport viewers back to the world of early cinema, with a live improvised soundtrack.

The rest of the program will take place at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, featuring concerts that highlight repertoire for two pianos and cello, as well as a tribute to Rachmaninoff to close out the festival.

Among the guest artists, the audience will be treated to renowned figures such as Matt Herskowitz and Stéphane Tétreault, alongside a new generation of performers active on the Montreal scene.

An invitation to listen differently

New this year, each event will be preceded by a short talk designed to shed light on the works and their context. These sessions aim to enhance the listening experience by offering accessible insights into the connections between music, history, and other art forms.

A festival rooted in connection

Held at two iconic Montreal venues, the festival will bring together more than twenty artists from diverse backgrounds. True to its spirit, it will focus on the convergence of eras, styles, and audiences.

With this edition, the festival offers not so much a historical reenactment as a sensory immersion in a pivotal period whose resonance remains deeply relevant today.