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“A first step towards recognition for a Quebec composer yet to earn the appreciation he deserves…”
“An exemplary creator… an artist whose work is imbued with an overwhelming sense of humanity…”
Many knew François Tousignant (1955-2019) as a music critic for Le Devoir, as a columnist for Radio- Canada, and as a professor at the Université d’Ottawa and the Université de Montréal, but few knew him as a composer. And yet, he left behind approximately 40 musical works, from solos to compositions for large ensembles, and even a mass composed for Pope Jean-Paul II’s visit to Ottawa in 1984. A student of Luis de Pablo, Max Deutsch (Paris), and Serge Garant, Tousignant’s work earned him commissions from Radio-Canada and the Government of France.
In commemoration of the 2nd anniversary of his passing, this double album presents the memorial concert performed in Tousignant’s honor by Ensemble Paramirabo and their three guest singers, sopranos Myriam Leblanc and Catherine Saint-Arnaud, and baritone Vincent Ranallo. Eight chamber pieces written over a period of 14 years are included in the concert program.
Ensemble Paramirabo is an important voice in the promotion of contemporary music. Jeffrey Stonehouse, Paramirabo’s flautist, has been the group’s artistic director since its inception in 2008. The Ensemble’s repertoire of over 80 original pieces and commissions bears witness to their pride in presenting new local music. Ensemble Paramirabo has won an Opus Award and was nominated for a JUNO Award in 2020.
