The Oscar-winning composer will perform a special concert with orchestra founder Bernard Labadie conducting and Legrand’s talented jazz quartet

The Quebec City based chamber orchestra, Les Violons du Roy continues to build on their successful seasons in Montreal. With a demanding international schedule (including regular performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall) the orchestra has developed a solid audience in Montreal over the past several years. Their main concerts now take place at the new Maison Symphonic concert hall at Place des Arts; with another series at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Bourgie Concert Hall in the repurposed Erskine & American Church. Like the new Maison Symphonic, the Bourgie Hall has earned solid reviews for its rich sound from musicians and concert-goers.

Michel Legrand’s music has been recorded by Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Charles Aznavour, Miles Davis, Stéphane Grappelli, Sting, Chris Botti and even Dusty Springfield. He’s won three Oscars for his compositions for Yentl, Summer of 42, and Windmills of My Mind recorded by Barbra Streisand for The Thomas Crown Affair. And who isn’t moved by the bittersweet music and lyrics of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg… “If it takes forever, I will wait for you…”

Or Frank Sinatra singing; “What are you doing for the rest of your life… I have only one request of your life; it’s that you spend it with me…” Decades later Legrand recorded that same salute to romance with Sting, Legrand’s still nimble fingers alternating between lush crescendos and delicate melodies.

At 80, Legrand continues to tour extensively; with dates in Russia, Japan, the U.S. and Canada this summer and fall. His spring concerts in Quebec City and July performances at the Orford Arts Festival with les Violons du Roy were stunning. And now they’re bringing their ‘show’ to Montreal’s Place des Arts. It’s a rare occasion to be able to appreciate a live performance by one of the truly great composers of contemporary music, whether they are Oscar winning theme songs for movies, or a timeless song that is so perfect that singers and musicians continue to earn millions from their recordings of a beautiful melody and touching lyric penned by Michel Legrand.

September 17 promises to be a very special musical evening; with pianist and composer Legrand to be accompanied by Catherine Michel, harpist for l’Opéra de Paris, drummer Paul Brochu, Frédéric Alarie playing bass and Les Violons du Roy providing the lush musical background. If you and your partner could use a little refresher course in romance, treat yourselves to an early Valentine’s present with a pair of tickets to enjoy Michel Legrand perform with Les Violons du Roy at Place des Arts’ Maison Symphonic. For tickets please call: 514-842-2112 or online: www.laplacedesarts.com

Cutlines:
15_1
15_2

Related Posts