On November 22, 2014, several SNJM musicians attended a concert marking the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Claude-Champagne Hall. This concert was a tribute to the Congregation and particularly to Sister Marie-Stéphane, the foundress of the Vincent-d’Indy School of Music.

“Since its founding, the Vincent-d’Indy School of Music has earned one of the most enviable reputations as a center of excellence in musical training, and this, well beyond our borders”, stated Mrs. Isabelle Panneton in her words of welcome. 

In her presentation, Mrs. Marie-Thérèse Lefebvre, Professor Emeritus of the Université de Montréal, presented illustrations which supported the history of Salle Claude-Champagne. She also recalled the names of several musical personages who had been a part of the history

Subsequent to this, a reunion-concert was presented by the piano class from the Université. The program brought back memories as the audience listened to the works of Messiaen, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rhené Jaque, S.N.J.M., and one of her students, Denis Gougeon.

Sister Marie-Paule Demarbre, representing the SNJM’s, thanked everyone … Here are a few excerpts:

“Thank you to our musician sisters … for having chosen a mission focussed on the teaching of music. Thank you to the personnel of the School … and to the personnel of the Faculty of Music … for continuing, with your own colors and your own style, the work of the SNJM’s and of Sister Marie-Stéphane! The students who have attended your institutions have been marked by the values transmitted, and by the quality of the teaching. These former students are, in turn, making a mark in their milieus. With good reason, I think I can attribute to each one of you the title of « passeur de culture » which was given to Kent Nagano in an article in the Devoir”.

Following this tribute, the guests attended a ‘wine and cheese’ reception which also included a 50^th anniversary cake!