April 2011

Where title is underlined, click for more information! Some photos may be clicked on to enlarge!

Please note - material on this page is presented in the following sequence: Dance, Music, On Stage, Visual Arts, Fine Crafts & In Town

Belles soirées de la chapelle
The classic choir of Vaudreuil-Soulange with a lyrical repertoir under the direction of Jean-Pascal Hamelin. Programs includes: Va pensiero ! - Verdi • Coro di Zingari – Verdi • Coronanbocca chiusa - Puccini • Messa di Gloria – Puccini (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus et Benedictus et Agnus Dei). Invited Soloists: • Manrico Tedeschi, tenor • Philippe Martel, baryton-basse. Chapelle St-Bernard, 1720, ch. Pierre-Péladeau, Sainte-Adèle. Sat., April 2, 8 p.m. Tickets: 30 $ 450-229-7731 www.fondationsaint-bernard.com.

Michel Kozlovsky - “Franz Liszt Extravaganza”

2011 marks the 200 anniversary of composer Franz Liszt – Pianist Kozlovsky will play several well known pieces of this composer, such as the Hungarian Rhapsody #5, Spanish Rhapsody, Sonata in C Minor and more. Sat., 2 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994, rue Principale, Prévost. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com

Marco Calliari - al faro est

Inspired by his Italian heritage and other countries he visited Marco presents his improvised compositions. Marco Calliari gave many concerts in Quebec and charmed audiences in Italy, France Switzerland. Along with his musicians, he performs music with taste of Tarantella, Flamenco, and other rhythms. Sat., 9 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets : $35. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Alexandre Poulin

Already a favourite at Café de la Gare Alexandre Poulin returns for the eighth time to deliver songs from his second album «Une lumière allumée» released autumn 2010. His songs bring the audience into a world of folk stories. Sat., Apr. 9, Tickets: Section A: $85; Section B: $75; Section C: $65; show only $45 (after April 4). Café de la Gare, 90, rue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur 450 227-1368. www.lecafedelagare.com.

Élisapie Isaac

"There will be Stars" is the new work of Inuk singer, composer and filmmaker Elisapie Isaac. She sings pop, folk in English, French and Inuktitut. Fri., Apr., 15, 8 p.m. Tickets : $35. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Serge Lama

This is a lyrical singer from France renowned for his deep voice and energy.   His song "Je suis malade" is probably the highlight of his career. Serge Lama is accompanied by Sergio Tomassi on accordion and Philippe Hervouët on guitar. Sat., 16 April, 8 p.m. Tickets: $55. Salle André-Prévost, 535, rue Filion, Saint-Jérôme www.enscene.ca 450 432-0660.

Kleztory “Nomade”

These Klezmer musicians perpetuate Jewish tradition and the Gypsy music of Eastern Europe with humor and joy: Kleztory musicians: Henri Oppenheim, accordion; Mark Peetsma, contrabass; Alain Legault, guitar; Airat Ichmouratov, clarinet; and Elvira Misbakhova, violin. The group was founded by guitarist Alain Legault in 1997. They already performed with the Symphonic Orchestras of Montreal and Quebec City, across Canada, United States, Belgium, Rumania, Brazil and Mexico. They recorded three albums; the third “Nomade” received the Opus 2007 prize. Sat., Apr., 16, 8 p.m. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994 rue Principale in Prévost, Tickets: $20. 450-436-3037 www.diffusionsamalgamme.com.

Sonia Johnson

Sonia Johnson started her career in Montreal studying classical singing at the Vincent-d'Indy School of Music, where she discovered vocal jazz through Bassist Michel Donato’s workshops. She composes improvisations inspired by Jazz and Latin music. Accompanied by Luc Beaugrand, piano; Frédéric Alarie, on contrabass; and Camil Belisle, drums. Sat., 16 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets : $20. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Kevin Parent – Café de la Gare

This concert replaces the one which was scheduled for March. This singer, songwriter who comes from the Gaspe region, sings folksy compositions with a raspy voice. After singing in bars and private parties, in 1993 he won a prize in a song contest. In 1995 he recorded an album which sold thousands of copies. His second album came out in 1998 and he became one of the best selling Quebec recording artists. Sat., Apr., 16, Dinner-Show Tickets: Section A: $ 90; Section B: $ 80; Section C: $70. Show only: $50 (Call to confirm availability). Café de la Gare, 90, rue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur 450 227-1368. www.lecafedelagare.com.

Musikus Vivace! - « Dona la Pace »

Musikus Vivace! - A Laurentian choir that brings together singers from all over the Laurentians. It was founded in Prevost about 17 years ago. The Choir already participated in concerts in Montreal in 1996 and 1998; and in the Festival “Montreal en Lumières” of 2001; in 2006 they sang the Requiem of Fauré with Natalie Choquette; in 2007 they performed with the Celtic group “Aveladeen”; in 2008 the choir took part in a “Carmina Burana” production with the Sherbrook symphonic orchestra choir; in 2009 and 2010 they performed sacred music concerts in Ste. Adele; and Boisbriand. The Choir presents classical sacred music in which they will sing “a cappella” compositions for female, male and mixed voice combinations. In the second part of the concert the choir will be accompanied by Dany Wiseman playing the Casavant Organ of the Ste. Agathe church with a repertoire of romantic French and German music by Delibes, Franck, Rheinberger, and Mendelssohn. The Choir is directed by Johanne Ross one of the co-founders, who explains “Dona La Pace” (a piece written by the contemporary composer Dino Stella) symbolizes the inner peace derived from listening to sacred music. Sun., Apr., 17, 3 p.m., at the Ste. Agathe des Monts Church, 37, rue Principale East, Ste. Agathe. Tickets: $20. 450-229-2316 (A rebate offered to groups of 10 or more).

Bharath & His Rhythm Four

Singer-harmonicist Bharath Rajakumar band has won the Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search contest. Bharath blows in the blues-harp tradition. This group performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival and many other events. Sat., 23 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets $25. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Stefie Shock – Électrochoc

Stefie Shock launches new album with a concert is on Fri., April 29, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Alexandre Robillard et Stéphane Tétreault

A concert in two part with two 2011 young virtuosi musicians Alexandre Robillard, piano, and
Stéphane Tétreault, cello. Alexandre Robillard started playing at 8 years of age. He received a gold medal in 2008. Stéphane studied the cello since the age of 7 and was recently invited to play with I Musici de Montréal as concert master. Sat., Apr., 30, 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994, rue Principale, Prévost. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com.

Wonny Song - Piano

This young Montreal-based pianist is very active on the national and international music scene. He won piano competitions in 1994 and 1995 and 2003 gave recitals in Canada, France, Italy and Sweden, played as soloist with symphonic orchestras in Cincinnati, Montreal, Toronto, Korea and Thailand, and played at Carnegie Hall of New York, the Kennedy center of Washington. Sat., May 7, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994 rue Principale in Prévost, Tickets: $20. 450-436-3037 - www.diffusionsamalgamme.com.

Quartango - El Fuego!

This quartet provides virtuosity, musicality, elegance, sensuality and humour. Musicians with classical music backgrounds got together to bring Tango to a higher level with new arrangements. They performed across Canada, in Turkey, Tokyo, Taipei, Paris, and Carnegie Hall in New York, Guatemala, Buffalo. They play the music from their recent album El Fuego which marks their 25^th anniversary. Their concerts have been recorded by Radio Canada and CBC. They were invited to perform on “Opening Night” CBC television. They were chosen for the soundtrack of the film “Macadam Tango”, shown on Radio Canada and TV 5, and in 2008 they performed with the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra. Their program includes the music of Astor Piazzolla, Angel Villoldo, Richard Hunt, R.L. Brignolo, J. Gade, Julian Plaza, Dave Brubeck, Gerardo M. Rodriguez, and Pedro Laurenz. Sat., May 7, 8 p.m. Salle André-Prévost régulier : 33 $ Salle André-Prévost, 535, rue Filion, Saint-Jérôme www.enscene.ca 450 432-0660.

Johanne Blouin

Writer, composer and singer with a thirty-year career winning four Félix award, three platinum albums, five gold ones, and sold over half a million of records. She presents a new album entitled LUI, paying homage to Charles Aznavour, Félix Leclerc, Luc Plamondon, Jean-Pierre Ferland, Michel Legrand, Jim Corcoran and others. Sat., May 7, 8 p.m. Tickets : $40. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

Sergiu Popa

Do not miss this "once-in-a-lifetime" event! Sergiu Popa, Moldavian accordion phenomenon meets one of his idols onstage for the first time: Petar Ralcev, master of Bulgarian-style accordion (passing through Montreal on his North American tour). The result will be a concert you will remember forever, a mostly improvised feast of virtuosic improvisation never before seen in Montreal! The concert will take place at Montreal's premier world music venue, the Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic-Cartierville, at 10 300 Lajeunesse (a block from Henri-Bourassa metro), Monday, May 9th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are 15$; you can either reserve them online, through the City of Montreal website: www.accesculture.com or take your chances and pay cash at the door.

Courville Laurentides

Angèle Courville and Philippe-Emmanuel David both grew up in the Laurentians and are active in the regional cultural scene since 2005. Following a 300 km hike in the Laurentians the two partners present a concert-discussion about their creative process. Thur. May 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets : $12. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

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On Stage

Music-Hall

Music-Hall offers a lovely way to spend a weekend evening or a Sunday Brunch. Featuring a special Easter Sunday Brunch with Cabaret show. Sun., 24 Apr., 12 :30. Call to reserve : 450 745-1452. Music Hall, 1364, Chemin Pierre-Péladeau, Ste-Adèle QC, J8B 1Z4. 450 745-1664 http://music-hall.ca.

Visual Arts

John McEwen at the Museum

The museum features an exhibition of John McEwen's sculptural installations of evocative animal forms of solid steel, and vessels constructed from laser cut steel stars. His large-scale objects deal with Canadian cultural history and ecology. McEwen says: “I think with things in order to realize that we use up or destroy the life of the world at our own peril.” The exhibition continues to April 17^th and will be followed by the work of Quebec sculptor Pierre Leblanc, opening April 24th.

Signs and Symbols Photo : Pierre Leblanc (Photo by Michel Dubreuil).

Artist Pierre Leblanc chose the religious architecture of Quebec, now in danger of destruction as symbols of Quebec’s past. The exhibition opens April 26 and continues until June 12. Vernissage will be held Sunday, May 1^st, at 2 p.m.

The artist explains: "We are a people without history. I have known for many years that Quebecers have a problem identifying with the past. … Our past linked to religion which we prefer hushed. … thus creating a cultural hole.” The bell towers and church spires of Quebec’s landscape are presented as symbolic of the past. An altarpiece made for this exhibition will be installed in the Cathedral of Saint-Jérôme located next to the Museum.

Pierre Leblanc is widely known for his monumental public installations. He has participated in over four hundred group and solo exhibitions. Leblanc has installed over sixty works across the Province of Quebec. His work has been shown in Canada, the United States and in Europe, and was acquired by public and private collections including the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, and the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art.

Family Day at the Museum

Family Day is an event that has become quite popular. The museum offers a guided tour of the current exhibition followed by creative workshops for children with their parents and grandparents. The next one is Sat., Apr. 3., 2 p.m. Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides, 101, Place du Curé-Labelle, St. Jerome: Tue., – Sun.: Noon to 5 p.m., 450 432-7171 www.museelaurentides.ca.

“L’Image à la lettre” - Val David

An exhibition of « L’atelier de l’Île » artists’ books 1983-2011 from Feb. 26 to May 22. On Sun. Mar., 20 at 3 p.m. there will be a special event opening a week of Laurentian poetry with artist Carol Bernier and poet Hélène Dorion. Centre d’exposition de Val-David: 2495, de l’Église 819 322-7474. www.culture.val-david.qc.ca.

Large & Miniature Paintings

Large & Miniature paintings exhibition opens on Sun., Mar., 12, and continue to Apr. 24.

Artist Michel Gautier presents 22 in the photography, prints and sculpture sections; works created from hand-made paper made of cotton recycled T-shirts, as well as the projection of the film “inTERREdépendant” a filed performance of the artist and the dancer Luc Boissonneault at the old Rolland plant in Ste. Adele.   Michel Gautier work can be viewed from March 12 to April 24. More about this artist can be seen on his website www.michelgautier.com or his blog http://artmichelgautier.blogspot.com/. La Maison des arts et de la culture de Saint-Faustin, 1171, de la Pisciculture, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré. Open: Tue., to Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 819 688-2676 maison.arts@cgocable.ca.

ICI par les arts

During the month of April, painter Annie Isabelle Mayer exhibits her work. Relating to her French Canadian and Algonquin heritage reflects her love of the forest and its animals, in particular the wolf. Annie Isabelle is a self-taught artist who has been painting for over twenty years. She appreciates the work done in this center which helps youth with problems and school drop-outs through participation in art expression, be it visual or performing arts; as well as providing emerging artists a space to display their creations. Annie-Isabelle volunteers her time on Saturdays teaching others at ICI par les arts the joy of painting. The exhibition opens on Thur., Apr., 7^th, 5 – 7 p.m., with the artist present, refreshments and music. Opening hours: Mon., to Wed., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thur., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays! ICI par les arts, 712 rue Saint Georges, St. Jerome. 450-569-4000 – www.iciparlesarts.com.

Fabienne Rhein - at Café Citrus

This is an artist who has been painting since childhood. For quite a few years, she has taken classes in a well known art school in Nice where she grew up. She opened her own gallery in Nice, sold well and even while her children were very young, she was able to make small paintings and sell them. Fabienne Rhein has created her own recognizable style. Her large-sized paintings are narrative, very linear, and colourful, with intricate patterns and texture. She uses mixed media and collage, her subjects stem from current events, and social issues, such as her painting ”Les Banksters” reacting to ‘white collar’ crime, despite a strong message in some of her paintings, she strives to make them pleasing to the eye. She wants people to look! During the month of April, Fabienne Rhein’s paintings will be on display at Café Citrus, 99 rue Morin, Ste. Adele, 450 229-1160.

Michel Bigué gallery

Photo: View of the gallery's contemporary women artists’ paintings, facing the work of Arianne Dubois, and on the side wall paintings by Guy-Anne Massicotte.

This gallery exists for over thirty years. While taking a stroll on Main Street St. Sauveur, take a look at their eclectic collection of Canadian paintings and sculptures. In the summer, the gallery is surrounded by one of the most beautiful town gardens. The gallery is laid out as a small museum. There are old Canadian masters such as M.A. de Foy Suzur-Côté, Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Clarence Gagnon, Ozias Leduc, A.Y. Jackson, and Maurice Cullen, as well as J.P. Riopelle, Alfred Pellan, and Helmut Gransow. There are contemporary artists such as Tony Sherman, J.C. Vilallonga and Antoine Claes and many more, some of whom live and paint in the Laurentians. When you visit, don’t miss the two paintings displayed next to the entrance door, by Vilallonga and Claes. Galerie Michel Bigué, 315, rue Principale, St-Sauveur Open Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 450 227-5409 info@galeriemichelbigue.com.

Maison de la culture - Lachute

An exhibition of photographs entitled “Ma région mon image” by Éric Poulin Apr., 3-21 followed by the historical photographs of Kim Laviolette Apr., 26 to May 29. Maison de la Culture: 378 Main Street, Lachute. Opening hours: Tue., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed., and Fri., 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 450 562-3781.

Fine Crafts

The Judy Blundell Cottage Industry Craft & Arts

The tables will have a wide array of products suitable for Mother’s Day gifts, Carol McDonald is offering aprons, tea cozies, dishcloths and silky scarves with handmade fringes, Charles Lefebvre will be there with his large and very small stained glass pieces, Sherill Aylward does quilting, hand-crafted purses and other bags and items made of cloth; Ang E. Wilby displays her artistic photography and beautiful greeting cards, Nicole Rozon has small paintings and miniatures, Ilania Abileah prepared hand-crafted Ceramic bowls and other useful decorative objects. There will be Jewellery, home décor artefacts, home-made Preserves, soap products, and Baked Goods. As has been the tradition of this event Carol McDonald offers a 3-course Old fashioned English Tea, 3 Sittings - 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., reservations a must $12 per person. Call Carol: 450 562-4458. Sat., May 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gore Community Centre, 2 Cambria Road, in Gore.

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In town

Christine Atallah performs at the Balattou, 4372 boul. Saint-Laurent (corner Marie-Anne) Thursday, April 14, 9 p.m. admission $10. On April 3, she sang with her partner Danny McLaughlin on guitar, in a benefit concert at the La Kachette, Dorval revenue went to the Red Cross from Japan disaster victims. On April 14th, it is part of the 'Nuits d'afrique presentation Rythmes au feminin". The musician organizing this event was Jim Zeller, (harmonica) who sometimes performs at "Belle et Bob" in Saint-Sauveur.

The 2011 Becket Players Show

A two-part show starting with musical comedy (complete with live orchestra) and capped-off with a cabaret-style performance by local musicians, singers and dancers. “Cyrano: A Nose by Any Other Name” A comedic musical adaptation of "Cyrano de Bergerac". Followed by “Rhythm on the River” - Mississippi river, jazz and delta blues, to Motown, old time rock & roll, music from the 60’s, 70’s and contemporary dance music. This show is guaranteed to please & delight all ages.   Proceeds are donated to Montreal Children’s Hospital, Ste. Justine Hospital and Lakeshore Hospitals. Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre, 12001, boulevard De Salaberry, Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Dates: Apr., 23, Apr., 29 & 30, May 6 & 7, May 13 & 14. 514 465-3029 tickets@becketsplayers.ca

“Schwartz's: The Musical” & and “A Beautiful View” at the Centaur

Inspired by Bill Brownstein’s book “Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story” the Musical celebrates this old landmark on the “Main” smoked meat Deli-restaurant where we all stand in line to get in, no matter what time of the year. Play continues until Sun., Apr., 24^that the Centaur 2 hall. Matinée shows on Sat., Sat., and Sun., 2 p.m., 9, 16, 17, 23 and 24 Apr. Most evening shows are at 8 p.m. Tickets: $41.50. Another play starting Tue., Apr. 19, at the Centaur 1 hall is “Beautiful View” by the Ruby Slippers Theatre of British Columbia. Tickets: $34.50 Centaur Theatre Company, 453 St. François-Xavier, Montreal. 514-288-3161.

Equus

“Equus” is a psychodrama about a kid who blinded six horses, written by Peter Shaffer. Playing at the Rialto Theatre, 5723 avenue du Parc, April 13-24. Tuesdays to Thur., 7:30 pm, Fri., Sat.; Sun., Apr., 24, 8:00 p.m. Matinée: Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets: $30 regular, $24 students/seniors. Reservations at Rialto: 514 268-7069. Opening Night is Thur., Apr., 14, 7:30 p.m. www.vilagescene.com.

Cowboy Mouth

“Cowboy Mouth”, a one-act play with original music, written by Sam Shepard and Patti Smith; it explores the human desire to become famous no matter what the cost. Wed., Apr., 20 – Sat., Apr., 30. 8 p.m. Venue: Espace 4001, 4001, Berri (near Duluth). 8:00 p.m. Tickets (cash only): $20 regular, $15 students/seniors. 514 279-5219 girlgotlostproductions@gmail.com.

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