Commemorative Vespas unveiled for the Golden Jubilee of the SMAM (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders)
Montreal's Montreal Early Music Studio (MEMS) Wraps Up 50th Anniversary Season with Monteverdi's Vespers
Get ready to experience the magic of Monteverdi's masterpiece, as MEMS takes the stage on Saturday at 4 PM at the Bourgie Hall, closing their 50th anniversary season.
MEMS, founded in 1974 by Christopher Jackson and Réjean Poirier, is known for its dedication to exploring musical repertoires prior to 1750 in a "spirit of research and authenticity." With a focus on Roland de Lassus, Palestrina, Tallis, and Monteverdi, the studio has left an indelible mark on the world of early music.
Christopher Jackson, a respected pioneer in this field, led the studio for an impressive 40 years until his passing in September 2015. His successor, Andrew McAnerney, will now take the reins for this iconic work beloved by the studio's founder. In a tribute concert for Jackson's first anniversary, Julian Wachner directed these Vespers at Westmount Saint-Leon Church, creating a progressive symphony of sound spaces.
McAnerney, speaking with our website, shared his thoughts on the acoustics of the Bourgie Hall: "The precision of the acoustics allows us to place singers on the balcony for the Sonata sopra Santa Maria. Echoes are created using the balcony and the sides of the stage. To address any issues of singer displacement and delays, I've added a ritournelle and a sinfonia from the opera L'Orfeo. I appreciate the intimate atmosphere of the Bourgie Hall, and it offers a dynamic, intense experience."
Dive Deeper into the Vespers
The Vespers will be presented with 16 singers and 18 instrumentalists. Compared to MEMS' recording with Christopher Jackson, McAnerney, who models his work on John Eliot Gardiner's recording, has "a little more instrumental resources."
Asked about the future of MEMS, McAnerney highlighted the importance of unearthing lesser-known repertoire: "Our goal is to bring this repertoire to life for both knowledgeable and new audiences."
In MEMS' future, there's the continuation of their collaboration with Arion, as well as the exploration of links with the work of Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and Cree composer Andrew Balfour. "Andrew has a love for early music and is a music enthusiast. We're planning a musical fusion project, which I find intriguing and relevant. Despite focusing on early music, primarily from Europe, we're not an exclusively European group. So, incorporating elements from our culture is important."
New General Director of SMAM, Jonathan Nemtanu, aims to foster a sense of community around the Studio. "We have open-minded ideas. We extend tickets to people from associations we support, such as the Mission Old Brewery, inviting homeless individuals to experience art for the first time. Making them feel welcome is essential. Our identity isn't only about music—it's about the impact on society."
Suggested for you:
- A Quebec Child Might Have More Than Two Parents, According to Supreme Court Ruling
- Quebec Braces for Major Winter Storm
- Witness Testifies About Assault in Rozon Trial
For those eager to delve further into Montreal's vibrant early music scene, consider checking out the McGill Early Music Ensembles at McGill University or similar organizations focusing on early music performances. The Schulich School of Music at McGill is also involved in various musical events that might appeal to you.[1][4]
If you're specifically interested in collaborations related to Monteverdi's Vespers or similar early music projects, reach out to local early music groups or organizations for more information.
[1] McGill University's McGill Early Music Ensembles: https://www.mcgill.ca/music-early/.[4] McGill University's Schulich School of Music: https://music.mcgill.ca/.
- Montéverdi's Vespers, an iconic work of early music, will be performed by the Montreal Early Music Studio (MEMS) for their 50th anniversary season closure, integrating instrumentalists and singers.
- Andrew McAnerney, the current director of MEMS, has modeled his recording of Vespers on John Eliot Gardiner's, incorporating a few more instrumental resources.
- To continue exploring lesser-known repertoires, MEMS has plans to collaborate with Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and Cree composer Andrew Balfour, aiming to create a musical fusion project that reflects Montreal's diverse culture.
- The new General Director of the Studio, Jonathan Nemtanu, aims to build a sense of community around MEMS, inviting underserved individuals to experience their art, contributing to a more inclusive entertainment scene in Montreal.
