Canada Travel News - Montreal High Lights Festival

Montreal, Wednesday, November 8, 2006 – Today, the Sun Life Financial Performing Arts, the cultural segment of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, announces its impressive event program, which is sure to take the bite out of winter. From Thursday, February 22, to Sunday, March 4, 2007, the 8th edition of the urban winter festival will send temperatures soaring with performances by all manner of artists from here and abroad. An ideal opportunity to take in much-anticipated shows, discover original creations, witness great premières, in short, to discover a stunning, talent-rich program that embraces the world. Montrealers and tourists alike will have the privilege of discovering, or perhaps rediscovering, among many others, the spirited violinist Angèle Dubeau and South African songwriter-composer-performer Johnny Clegg, who will serve as honorary co-presidents of this cultural segment. Not to mention the Afrofusion dance of Vincent Mantsoe, the impeccable dance of [bjm_danse] with an all-new creation by Aszure Barton, or a totally astounding show by the Biennale de Gigue Contemporaine. The stage will also resonate with a performance by the hugely talented Amanda Plummer, set our hearts aflutter with Le Vertige du papillon by the circus-theatre company Feria Musica, or tour us through the “new” Constantinople as imagined by Christos Hatzis. Songwise, the Montreal première of his latest show Perreau et la lune will reveal the new Yann Perreau, Monica Freire will exude her Brazilian warmth, and the popular Soweto Gospel Choir will charm us with its powerful gospel sound. Music will also take the spotlight with performers as diverse as Barbara Hendricks, the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal, Daniel Taylor, Arion baroque orchestra or Chris Potter’s Underground and the Roy Hargrove Quintet. Tickets to all the shows in the Sun Life Financial Performing Arts segment will go on sale as of Saturday, November 11, 2006, at noon. This winter’s festival will also feature sports and family activities with the Montreal Downtown & Underground Event (program to be released on November 21), gastronomic delights with the Air France Wine and Dine Experience presented by American Express (unveiling on November 28) and festive events with the Hydro-Québec Celebration of Light and the Montreal All-Nighter, whose respective programs will be made public next January.

ANgèle Dubeau and Johnny Clegg,
honorary co-presidents and their shows

This year again, two very big-name artists will be serving as honorary co-presidents of the Festival’s performing arts segment: violinist and founder of the women’s string quartet La Pietà, Angèle Dubeau, together with South African songwriter-composer-performer Johnny Clegg.

Angèle Dubeau fête ses 30 ans

The most popular of our homegrown classical musicians will take centre-stage at an evening gala organized in honour of her 30-year career and La Pietà’s 10th anniversary. You can bet that Angèle Dubeau, in the company of numerous artists and important friends who have played a role in her career, will be celebrating with all the passion, intensity and generosity she is known for. An unmissable, surprise-packed emotional evening! On Friday, March 2, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts. Recorded by Espace Musique 100.7 FM (Montreal).

Johnny Clegg

Here is someone who alone incarnates a whole dimension of South Africa: its struggles, rhythms, musical wealth and energy. Johnny Clegg’s theatrical performances, interspersed with Zulu dance numbers, has an invariable way of making everyone in the audience want to move, as anyone will vouch who had the chance to witness his memorable show at the 25th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. His South African music with the western flavours, his frenetic rhythms and compelling lyrics make him truly one of the greats of the music world. On Friday, February 23, at the Spectrum de Montréal.

A festival alive with dance

les Ballets Jazz de Montréal

The Festival will kick off with the North American première of the newly rechristened dance company [bjm_danse] Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal. The two-part program will feature MAPA, a choreography by Rodrigo Pederneiras, followed by Les Chambres des Jacques, the totally new work by the shining star of the New York dance world, Canadian dancer and choreographer Aszure Barton, a protégé of Mikhail Barishnikov. Presented as the opening show by Hydro-Québec in collaboration with Radio-Canada Télévision, on Thursday, February 22, through to Saturday, February 24, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts.

Biennale de Gigue Contemporaine (BIGICO)

The traditional dance step, the jig, is completely re-invented by dancers who perform choreographies, often to music with Middle Eastern overtones, involving the entire body. Thanks to Lük Fleury, initiator of Fuxi Club, a contemporary jig movement that brings together a host of dancers, you will be treated to performances by a dozen artists in a show where the traditional jig takes on a decidedly modern look. Impressive, to say the least! From Thursday, February 22, to Sunday, February 25, and from Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4, at Tangente.

Men-Jaro, by Vincent Mantsoe

Discover the meaning of Afrofusion in its Montreal première, created by this South African dancer-choreographer with his heritage of traditional rituals of the Sangomas. But mostly, discover the extraordinary Vincent Mantsoe himself, who leaves behind his usual solo performances for this occasion, surrounding himself instead with musicians and a troupe of dancers. An irresistible performance with both physical and spiritual dimensions, danced to the original music of South African composer Anthony Caplan. Presented in collaboration with ARTV, on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 27 and 28, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts.

A stage filled with song

Yann Perreau presents Perreau et la lune

With his album Nucléaire under his belt, the dynamic songwriter-composer Yann Perreau is back with the Montreal première of his new show accompanied by a single musician, for an evening’s pleasure as gentle as a night under the open stars. But anyone who knows anything about this fiery singer also knows that you could be in for a wild, tumultuous evening. Such a personal venue that you’ll have the impression he’s singing just for you… … Presented in collaboration with MusiquePlus, from Thursday, February 22, to Saturday, February 24, at Gesù – Centre de créativité.

Monica Freire

A music and visual art show that more than measures up to the rich world of Bahiatronica, the 4th album by our Brazilian-born singer and guitarist. With her sensual voice and percussion-driven electronic music, Monica Freire will be sure to captivate her audience as only she can. On Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2, at the Lion d’Or.

Misia

A two-part program for a unique voice, Misia, who won the esteem of the great Amalia Rodrigues, will charm us first with her revisited fados, re-invented and inspired by modern Portuguese poetry, then again with songs from her Spanish origins with their bolero and tango rhythms. Misia touts her two nationalities, diverse languages and many faces everywhere she goes. On Friday, March 2, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts

Soweto Gospel Choir presents Blessed

As the Festival’s closing show, the Soweto Gospel Choir will charm us with its gospel of typical South African vocal harmonies and bewitching rhythms, its songs sung in eight languages, spectacular traditional dance steps and impressive array of colourful costumes. A genuine happening! Presented by Sun Life Financial in collaboration with ARTV, as the closing show and a Montreal première, on Saturday, March 3, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts.

Music for all tastes

Lara St-John

To speak of Lara St-John is to speak of a phenomenon. After all, she learned to play the violin at the age of two… and gave her first concert with an orchestra at age five! So it’s no surprise that this Canadian with the superb technique and astonishing energy has won over the world with her Stradivarius! On Thursday, February 22, at the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours.

Oregon

A group that has made its name through its original and varied instrumentation and its jazz, bearing hints of world beats and European and North American jazz classics. Paquito D’Rivera joins three members of the original group: Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless and Glen Moore. On Thursday, February 22, at the Spectrum de Montréal.

glasscage
(Consort Contemporain de Québec)

A unique evening featuring landmark pieces by Philip Glass and John Cage, the initiators of counter-classical musical trends. More than just a concert, this will be a veritable multi-disciplinary theatrical happening of the most unusual kind. It will première in Montreal on Friday, February 23, at the Lion d’Or.

Spatio-lumino, with Montréal/Nouvelles Musiques 2007

A grandiose sound/light/techno event that will be part of the opening sounds of the Montréal/Nouvelles Musiques 2007 (MNM07) international festival, Spatio-lumino is a total-discovery spectacle with its invented electrical instruments, acousmatic works, lights, laptops, microphones, radios and synthesizers, all used in re-invented ways. The groups Theresa Transistor, Millisecondes topographiques and Espaces sonores illimités await you with their dazzling music. A Montréal première. On Friday, February 23 at the Société des arts technologiques.

Lumières Méditerranéennes, with Arion baroque orchestra

Arion, regarded as one of the best Canadian classical music groups, is back at the Festival with a new presentation. Under the direction of Elizabeth Wallfish, this early music ensemble will open our ears to the baroque era with works by Corelli, Soler, Scarlatti, Farinelli and Geminiani. On Friday, February 23, and Saturday, February 24, at McGill University’s Redpath Hall, and on Sunday, February 25, at the Canadian Centre for Architecture.

Grandes Arias de Handel, with Daniel Taylor

The famous arias of the great Handel are revisited by the divine voices of Canada’s finest countertenor, Daniel Taylor, soprano Hélène Guilmette, tenor Benjamin Butterfield and bass Gary Relyea. The voice of Daniel Taylor, equally at ease rendering the gentle and the powerful, combining technique and instinct, is one of those voices that inevitably transport us to realms beyond. On Sunday, February 25, at Saint-Léon of Westmount Church.

Chanter à la française, with the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal

Soprano Nathalie Paulin and the Chœur de l’Orchestre Métropolitain, under conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will make Berlioz, Poulenc, Fauré and Mercure come alive during this evening of song à la française. A rare occasion, not to be missed! Presented in collaboration with the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, on Monday, February 26, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts. Recorded by Espace Musique 100.7 FM (Montréal).

Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal

Originally presented in the Sistine Chapel, Allegri’s Miserere, performed by the magnificent Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal choir, under the direction of Christopher Jackson, will resound through the magnificent Saint-Léon of Westmount Church. A performance verging on the divine. On Tuesday, February 27, at Saint-Léon of Westmount Church.

Roy Hargrove Quintet

Long-awaited return of the Roy Hargrove Quintet, whom we have not seen for five years, at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. New York sends us one of its finest representatives of the jazz scene, an unrivalled improviser acclaimed as one of the best trumpeters around today. A group to see! Wednesday, February 28, at the Spectrum de Montréal.

Anonymous 4

Music from the 13th century will set this magnificent church alight with the female vocal ensemble Anonymous 4. With La Bele Marie, a selection of sacred and secular works from the French medieval repertoire, this female quartet will deliver a magnificent, luminous rendering of the Virgin Mary. Utterly moving! On Wednesday, February 28, at Saint-Léon of Westmount Church.

Choreographed Pictures at an Exhibition, with I Musici

With Choreographed Pictures at an Exhibition as the main work, the I Musici chamber orchestra will re-introduce us to the music of the Russian composer Moussorsky, while simultaneously screening an animated film based on outstanding paintings by Natasha Turovsky. A work that has won standing ovations wherever it has played. A Montreal première presented in collaboration with the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, on Thursday, March 1, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts.

Chris Potter’s Underground with Adam Rodgers, Craig Taborn and Nate Smith

A regular at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the superb New York saxophonist Chris Potter adores musical adventure. With his quartet, he is forever pushing back the limits of music, never hesitating to create a moving esthetic in the vein of Coltrane and Rollings. On Thursday, March 1, at the Spectrum de Montréal.

Barbara Hendricks

Who would want to miss the sublime voice of one of the most eminent concert performers of her generation. Accompanied by Anders Kilström, Barbara Hendricks will charm us with classical works and the greatest hits in her repertoire. A unique recital. Presented in collaboration with Air France and CJPX FM 99.5 Radio-Classique Montréal, on Sunday, March 4, at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Place des Arts.

Theatre, multimedia and exhibitions

Skylight, with Amanda Plummer

The daughter of the illustrious Shakespearian actor Christopher Plummer will at long last be coming to Montreal! This familiar face that has made such impressive appearances on television, in film and on stage will play the role of Kyra, a young teacher from an underprivileged neighbourhood of London who one evening is visited by the son of her former lover. Skylight, by David Hare, directed by Billy Carden, will showcase the raw talent of this great actress. From Sunday, February 4, to Sunday, March 4, except for Fridays, at the Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre in the Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts.

Le Vertige du papillon, with the Cie Feria Musica

Seven acrobats/dancers/jugglers and four musicians under the direction of Fatou Traoré, bring us Le Vertige du papillon, a poetic flight of fancy, a fascinating aerial ballet combining dance and circus in a musical feat by virtuosos of balance and imbalance. A Montreal première! Presented in collaboration with MusiMax, from February 20 to 24, and from February 27 to March 3, at la TOHU, la Cité des arts du cirque.

Romeo & Juliet

The words of the great Shakespeare come back to life in the smallest hall at the Centaur Theatre. Directed by Gordon McCall, the most beautiful words of love ever written from this immortal tale will once again win the hearts of lovers from all generations. From Tuesday, February 27, to Sunday, March 4, at the Centaur Theatre.

Constantinople, by Christos Hatzis

For the first time in Montreal, Canadian composer of Greek origin, Christos Hatzis, together with singers Maryem Hassan Tollar and Patricia O’Callaghan and the Gryphon Trio, will blow us away with this extraordinary multimedia show and enchanting set, a modern recreation of the immortal, multicultural Constantinople, the queen of medieval cities. On Wednesday, February 28, Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3, at Théâtre Outremont.

Une histoire de passion… from the Collection Loto-Québec

A quarter of a century of extraordinary tales, events and get-togethers. A collection of over 3,700 works revealing the cultural identity of Québec today and the rich imagination of a society that embraces the world. At Espace Création, January 24 to March 11.

Brushes

Brushes through the ages and across the continents, mounted by Daniel Rozensztroch, Shiri Slavin et al. An exhibition bringing together more than 2,000 handmade or industrial brushes that shed light on a whole other dimension of our history. At UQAM’s Centre de design, from March 1 to April 8.

Off-balance

Off-balance is a collection of works that play with what is ostensibly familiar and known. The moment you walk through the door, you will be invited to suspend your assumptions and to rediscover reality through the productions, images and objects presented by the artists. At UQAM’s Galerie, from February 23 to March 31.

The Montreal Downtown & Underground Event program will be announced on November 21. The programs for the gastronomy and wine segment, the Air France Wine and Dine Experience presented by American Express, and the free activities presented as part of the 8th edition of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival will be released on November 28 . The event will run from Thursday, February 22, to Sunday, March 4, 2007. Be sure to join us! For the warmest of winter dates!

MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival

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