Francos Montreal 2019 Festival – A tribute to French songwriter Charles Aznavour, who died last year, was indeed a must in an event devoted to francophone music. One of Quebec favourite singers, Diane Tell, will also be in Montreal bringing some of her new creations to the public. And what a British singer has to do in a festival of French song? We’ll see when Petula Clark be at the Place des Arts together with her guests Louis-Jean Cormier, Antoine Gratton and France D’Amour.
The lineup for the indoor concerts of the Francos (formerly known as Les Francofolies de Montreal, a more fun name that I personally like it better) was announced by Laurent Saulnier, Programming VP of this event which will present its 31st edition this coming summer.
One of the most exciting events announced this Tuesday was the tribute to Charles Aznavour, a legendary figure in French son, although he also sang in English, Spanish, and his native Armenian. After having sung works by Michel Legrand and Gilbert Becaud, Mario Pelchat will complete his trilogy of tributes to great European songwriters, by interpreting some of the songs written by Aznavour, a songwriter who knew how to bring emotion and joy to his audience. This homage to this celebrated songwriter will be held at the Maison Symphonique, on Saturday, June 22, at 8 p.m.
Not a worldwide name, but an iconic figure in Quebec, especially in nationalist circles where she was a sort of muse for poets and songwriters then dreaming of an independent Quebec, Pauline Julien, more than 20 years after her death, will also be object of a musical and poetic tribute: the show La Renarde. Sur les traces de Pauline Julien will feature 14 women from different generations on stage at the Maison Symphonique on Saturday, June 15 at 8 p.m. to share texts and songs about this grand lady of Quebec music.
For her part, the British singer Petula Clark will surprise us with her new album in French: Vu d’ici which was conceived by writers and composers from here and the rest of the francophone world. Among those who have contributed to this creation are Luc De Larochellière, Nelson Minville, France D’Amour, Steve Marin and many others. Louis-Jean Cormier, is the author of the first groove Le chemin de la gare, while Antoine Gratton was in charge of co-producing the album Vu d’ici. Petula Clark will be at the Maisonneuve Theatre of the Place des Arts, on Friday, June 14 at 8 p.m.
Other artists who will be delighting those who enjoy the French song are Diane Tell, at the Cinquième Salle of Place des Arts, on Friday, June 14 at 8:30 p.m. Paul Daraiche, at the Theatre Maisonneuve on Saturday, June 15 at 8 p.m., and Coeur de Pirate with Loud, Milk & Bone, Safia Nolin and Le Quatuor Esca, at the Wilfrid Pelletier Theatre, on Friday June 14, at 8 p.m.
The Francos will be held between June 14 and 22. For detailed information about the program visit www.francosmontreal.com
