RITUÆLS by collectif9

After much anticipation, chamber music ensemble collectif9 will present the premiere performance of their critically acclaimed production RITUÆLS in Montréal over two nights, on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at 7:30pm. First released digitally as a film-concert in 2020, RITUÆLS brings together works dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st century with music by Hildegard von Bingen, Arvo Pärt, Michael Tippett, Nicole Lizée, Bryce Dessner, and Jocelyn Morlock, and features a gripping performance by Stacey Désilier (choreography and dance). The show itself is presented as a grand artistic ceremony during which the musicians occupy several spaces throughout the Church of Saint-Pierre-Apôtre in a way that echoes the grandeur and depth of the pieces on the program. The lighting, scenography, and staging contribute to the creation of a succession of moments that transport us and invite contemplation.

About RITUÆLS
The music begins with a murmuring drone, from which the monodic chant of medieval composer Hildegard von Bingen slowly appears. From there, seamlessly into the music of Arvo Pärt before experiencing the serene, yet intensely detailed world of Nicole Lizée inspired by stop-motion animation, within which “the impossible becomes possible — souls emerge from where once there were none.” The journey between and beyond darkness and light guides us through the music of Bryce Dessner. 

Michael Tippett’s Lament expresses grief using Purcell’s aria Ah! Belinda, during which a solo violin comments with a barely recognizable variation on an Irish popular tune of the Renaissance, while Jocelyn Morlock’s Exaudi, also an expression of grief, includes hope: “the music moves us from an inability to comprehend our loss to passionate cries of anguish, to acceptance and angelic reassurance.” Throughout the performance, the audience is accompanied by the choreography and dance of Stacey Désilier, a supreme presence in our contemplative and spiritual universe.

:: About collectif9

Known for their innovative programming and unique arrangements of classical repertoire, Juno-nominated Montreal string ensemble collectif9 performs “with an infectious energy and vigour that grabs an audience’s attention” (The WholeNote). Since their 2011 debut, collectif9 has performed numerous concerts across North America, Europe, and Asia. As performers of classical and contemporary music, the ensemble combines the power of an orchestra with the agility of a chamber ensemble. collectif9 operates on the premise that a change of context can influence communication and experience.

collectif9 is grateful to the arts councils of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada, and to FACTOR for their continued financial support, but also to their local and Canadian community, thanks to whom our governments ensure support for the arts, an essential investment for the quality of our lives.

:: About Stacey Désilier

Passionate about movement and possibilities of the body and fascinated by dance, Stacey quickly discovered the desire to make dance her profession. She pursued professional studies at the Montreal School of Contemporary Dance, which led her to collaborate with choreographers and performers Marie-Claire Forté, Sasha Kleinplatz, George Stamos, Helene Simard and Mélanie Demers, and the company MAYDAY.

In 2018, Stacey joined the company Animal of Distinction and participated in their new creation FRONTERA. She then set off to discover the world through movement thanks to collaborations with Cirque Éloize, Les 7 doigts de la main, L’Opéra de Québec (Starmania), and most recently with the company Tentacle Tribe which brought her back to her roots of urban dance and Haitian culture. Her artistic practice and cooperative work give her an inner richness that she wishes to share with various organizations, countries, and artists.

Date and Time

Friday, Nov 18 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tickets

Location