Ensemble vocal Polymnie de Longueuil: An inspiring and magical performance at Maison Jésus-Marie
Presented as part of the Journées de la Culture, the concert by the Ensemble vocal Polymnie de Longueuil, organized by the Recreation Committee of Maison Jésus-Marie, was a magnificent opening to the concert season. The ensemble of 40 choir members, was led by Louis Lavigueur, both choirmaster and orchestra conductor, and who demonstrated his great mastery throughout the diversity of his repertoire.
This repertoire consists of sacred and secular choral works by composers of yesterday and today. The choir performed a dozen pieces, including those by Melchior Franck, Alain Langrée, Morten Lauridsen, W.A. Mozart and Lionel Daunais.
Throughout the performance by the Ensemble vocal Polymnie, Louis Lavigueur took the time to give information about each piece, which resulted in a better experience for the audience. Also noteworthy was the magnificent work of accomplished pianist-accompanist Anne-Marie Denoncourt, a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.
A return to the roots
This first visit of the Ensemble vocal Polymnie de Longueuil to Maison Jésus-Marie coincides with the 40-year existence of this choir which was founded by Raymond Laforge, assisted by Sister Maryse Moisan, S.N.J.M.
Sister Maryse remembers the rehearsals in the Blue Room at Collège Durocher. "What beautiful memories," she stated when the current choirmaster, Louis Lavigueur, paid tribute to her at this concert. Of the 40 choir members making up the current vocal ensemble, there remains one person from the era when the choir was founded.
The members of the Ensemble vocal Polymnie de Longueuil were impressed by the acoustic quality of the chapel and by the warm welcome from the Sisters. The experience was so positive that they hope they will be welcomed back if the need for a place to rehearse arises in the future.
Photo album – Photo credits: Sister Gisèle Lalande
