60th Anniversary Concert of Les Petits Violons Spring Rhapsody

60th Anniversary Concert of Les Petits Violons
Spring Rhapsody
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4 p.m. – Salle Pierre-Mercure

Conductor: Marie-Claire Cousineau
Host: Julie Daoust
Guest artists: Pentaèdre & Julien Bélanger, Principal Timpani of the Orchestre Métropolitain

Les Petits Violons is more than a school or an orchestra — it’s a musical family that has been resonating for sixty years. Hundreds of children have taken their first steps on stage here, discovering the discipline and beauty of ensemble music. Some became soloists, others teachers, and many continue to carry the echo of this unique experience: a vibrant, living orchestra in harmony.

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, this great musical story continues at Salle Pierre-Mercure of the Centre Pierre-Péladeau. All the school’s students will come together for a special anniversary concert, joined by Pentaèdre, percussionist Julien Bélanger, and the musicians of the Ensemble Jean Cousineau. The concert will be followed by a festive cocktail (included with ticket purchase) to mark this memorable occasion.

Program
A celebration of virtuosity and emotion for a grand musical event:

Zapateado, Op. 23 No. 2 – Pablo de Sarasate (orchestrated by Jean Cousineau)
An electrifying piece bursting with Spanish flair and virtuosity.

Symphony No. 4 in A major “Italian”, Op. 90 – Felix Mendelssohn
A bright and joyful work inspired by the landscapes of Italy.

Concerto in G major, Op. 3 No. 3 – Antonio Vivaldi
A Baroque gem where brilliance meets precision.

Tribute to Jean Cousineau
Works by the founder of Les Petits Violons will be featured with a selection of pieces rooted in the school’s pedagogical journey: Excursions, Trois Pays, and From France to Québec.

In counterpoint, La Suite québécoise, composed in record time for Expo ’70 in Osaka, will take center stage. Originally written to accompany a five-screen film by Jean Dansereau, it celebrated the changing seasons of Québec — all without words. With its vibrant orchestration and deep folkloric roots, this suite became a cornerstone of the Petits Violons repertoire. Later adapted for string orchestra with narration by Albert Millaire, it remains a lyrical tribute to the spirit and rhythm of Québec’s landscapes.

“The music flowed endlessly, echoing the natural rhythm of Québec’s seasons.”
— Jean Cousineau

🎻 60th Anniversary Concert – Spring Rhapsody
📅 Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 4 p.m.
📍 Salle Pierre-Mercure, Centre Pierre-Péladeau
300 De Maisonneuve Blvd. East – Berri-UQAM Metro Station

🎫 Tickets: Les Petits Violons / Centre Pierre-Péladeau
Ages 18 and up: $35 (includes a drink and service fees)
17 and under: Free (with ID)

🍷 After the concert, all ticket holders are invited to a celebratory cocktail — the perfect opportunity to toast this milestone and connect with musicians and special guests.

Date and Time

Sunday, May 4 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets

Location