Tour (part II) : More talent !
Dear Readers,
It is 07:22am and I’m already on my way back to Montreal for a 24 hours « transit » ! I’ll go to the violin maker for my upcoming concerts, change luggage, practice a few hours, have a good night sleep before heading to Quebec City !
I enjoy to travel and to discover new places ! I like airports, train stations atmospheres. I always feel that it’s also a good way to « stop the clock » for a short while. I can’t go anywhere while flying or driving. I have no choice but to rest, read and…write !
It is snowing, it is grey, it is cold but at least, I don’t feel it as I’m spending time in concert halls, enjoying the sunshine of the talented musicians I’m hearing all day !
Upon my arrival to Rimouski, I was welcomed by Marie-Josèphe at the station. She is partly in charge of the tour and assisting us (the jury) with travel facilities, scores, transmitting the comment sheets and announcing the final results to the candidates. What would we do without her help and smile ?
Once at the hotel, I realized that the heating wasn’t working in my room. The weather was windy and very cold. It was already 11:30pm and we were starting the next session early in the morning. I asked for another room but the night was (too) short !
The conservatory concert hall was renewed a few years ago. Wood is the primary building material of the hall which gives warmth and roundness to the sound. The hall possesses very good acoustics. No excuses for the candidates :). The conservatory facilities are quite impressive. Practice rooms are very well settled, isolated, clean and welcoming. We were received by the director of the institution, Benoît Plourde, with whom I worked at the time I was a professor there. It was quite moving to meet after all these years. He is admirably supporting the cause of classical music. The major cuts and the critical financial situation of the conservatory throughout the province isn’t easy on the administration and the professors …
Rimouski chapter of the CMC is well organized and the people in charge are all very helpful and generous. We were spoiled !
We heard lots of string players on Friday. Surprisingly, there weren’t many violinists in Montreal. The majority of the candidates are usually pianists. Maybe this is due to the fact that the violin is more difficult and challenging than the piano (sorry pianists…I’m kidding !). We heard many cellists in Montreal as well. I was particularly happy to hear more violinists yesterday. They are all very well guided. The professors are doing a tremendous work. Teaching remains a heavy responsibility. I’m questioning myself before each teaching session (being often more nervous than before a concert performance !), always wondering if I’ll be ready enough to assume it. We have a part of each student’s future in our hands … Thanks to the parents who play an essential role as well !
As my colleague Michel said to the public : « it is remarkable to see young people of that age devoting hours, months and years of their lives to culture, arts and to the elevated discipline that classical music requires, knowing that they are evolving in an effortless society, where mass media are praising artists « instant careers and success » … It is indeed very encouraging !
We ended up at the Cathedral of the city where the last candidate performed on the organ. This Casavant instrument (1921) is impressive. It was restored in 1979. The organ pipes are three floors high ! Even though I’m 6 feet tall, I felt VERY small next to it with my violino piccolo !!
I’m thanking all the candidates for expressing their happiness, satisfaction and gratefulness towards our comments and our mission to help them as much as we can in their artistic development !
I’ll now take a short nap before reaching my city of adoption, Montreal !
A bientôt for the next story. Enjoy an excellent weekend !
Laurence from the road
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