This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
Les Boréades de Montréal will return to normal – or almost – with a season of four programs. One is based on Mozart’s youthful opera arias, another on Bach brevis masses. There are two intimate concerts: flute duets traversing the classical period and works of French chamber music from the end of the reign of Louis XIV.
“We are making our comeback with the same excitement and inventiveness,” says Francis Colpron, founder and artistic director of the ensemble. He hopes that the public will be at the Église Saint-Laurent on Oct. 29 to savour the opera arias of Mozart’s youth. “Works of incredible sensuality and great expressiveness,” Colpron explains, “that allow us to appreciate the surprisingly precocious genius of Mozart, who at the age of 11 was already irresistibly attracted to opera and its bewitching scenic works.” This concert, entitled Maestrino Mozart, will be given with the participation of Quebec soprano Marie-Eve Munger.
Musico-historical journeys
On Nov. 27 there is a concert at the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste comprising the four brevis masses of J.S. Bach, with the participation of the St. Lawrence Choir under the direction of Philippe Bourque. These works, also known as Lutheran Masses, allow us to appreciate Bach at his most inspired, according to Colpron.
Two more intimate concerts follow. On Feb. 24, at the Chapelle Saint-Louis, we hear Percées dans le grave, including flute duets from the classical period by W. F. Bach and Kuhlau with Alexa Raine-Wright and Francis Colpron as soloists. The artistic director explains: “The transverse flute enjoyed great popularity in the 18th century owing to its intimate and sensitive character. Its design was constantly evolving, however, and it was keyed around the middle of the century to increase the volume and clarity of its low notes.”
On April 10, at the concert hall of the Conservatoire, we hear Jouvence pour un roi fatigué, a program of works of French chamber music from the 18th century (Couperin, Marais, Hotteterre, Jacquet de La Guerre and Boismortier). Colpron stresses the philosophy that governs the programming of his ensemble, and the educational approach dear to Les Boréades, which ensures that the understanding of the audience is enriched with regard to the historical context of the works presented.
For program details, go to www.boreades.com
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
