A musical summer continues in the village of St-Irénée in the Charlevoix region – just a short drive from La Malbaie. The majority of the Domaine Forget International Music Festival performances are classical, and the list of performers reads like a “Who’s Who” of classical music. The program also includes some outstanding jazz artists. Here a look at some of the highlights in the latter part of July and into August.

On Saturday, July 21, the Orchestre Symphonic de Québec, conducted by Jacques Lacombe and featuring the exceptionally talented violinist Mark Fewer, will present a program that includes: Mendelssohn’s Les Hébrides, overture; Violin Concerto No. 3 by Mozart; Hétu, Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice; Smetana, The Moldau and Strauss, An der schönen blauen Donau.

The next day on July 22, the Orchestre Métropolitain conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séquin will present a special Sunday concert at 3pm. The amazing cellist Stéphane Tétrault will be the featured soloist in a program that includes: Schumann’s Genoveva overture, Cello Concerto by Dvorak, and Brahams’ Symphony No. 1. This is a fundraiser for the Jacqueline and Paul Desmarais Scholarship Fund – and even then the tickets for this talent-heavy performance are just $75.

On Tuesday July 24, violinist Augustin Dumay will deliver a Master Class, and return on Saturday July 28 with the Orchestre Francophonie and pianist Mathieu Fortin to play Bilodeau’s Création for orchestra and piano; Poem for violin and orchestra by Chausson, Ravel’s Tzigane and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.(Remember – these are highlights, there are multiple concerts during the week.)

The following Saturday, August 18, Les Violons du Roy from Quebec City and who travel throughout the States and Europe will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons under the direction of harpsichordist and Richard Pare, with soprano Aline Kutan.
Jazz guitarist Michel Cusson will be accompanied by the highly accomplished pianist Lorraine Demarais on Saturday, August, 25.

The ultra-smooth vocals of Manhattan Transfer will fill the Francoys-Bernier Concert Hall for Labour Day Weekend’s Saturday night concert. The group has been together for over 40 years and has toured the world, singing their blend of jazz and pop favourites.

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is a short drive away, and they have a special rate of $189 per room for people attending concerts at Domaine Forget. This is one of Canada’s few 5 Star Resorts, with outstanding cuisine.

For detailed program information please visit: www.domaineforget.com or call toll free: 1-888-336-7438. For reservations at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu: www.fairmont.com/richelieu or call: 418-665-3703. Enjoy!