Musicians are about to have four new venues in the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, with the unveiling of four painted public pianos located in Sainte-Barbe, Saint-Anicet, Franklin, and Saint-Chrysostome.
Combining visual arts with music, the pianos and their protective housings will officially be presented to the public on August 7 and 10 during inaugural ceremonies taking place in each of the host municipalities.
Local artists Audrée Bourdeau and Manon Béatrice Gauthier will be on hand to introduce the painted pianos and housings, and the concept behind their work. Pianist Vicky Donnon will also perform a 30-minute mini-concert during each of the four events.
The pianos will then be accessible to the public until mid-September, according to schedules established by each of the four municipalities. The pianos will then return for the 2024 summer season.
“The beauty of pianos is that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of their level, age, or talent. You can play alone, or get together with friends and family, whether it is to perform Au clair de la lune or a piece by Chopin, Bach, or Debussy,” says Louise Lebrun, the mayor of Sainte-Barbe and MRC prefect.
The official inauguration of the pianos and their protective housings will take place on August 7 at the municipal park in Sainte-Barbe at 1:30 p.m., and at the intergenerational park in Saint-Anicet at 4 p.m. The piano in Parc Antoine-Labelle in Franklin will be unveiled on August 10 at 4 p.m. and a similar ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the town hall in Saint-Chrysostome.
In case of rain, the events will take place at a later date.
For more information, contact Nancy Brunelle, the cultural development agent at the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, by email at nancy.brunelle@mrchsl.com, or by phone at 450-264-5411 ext. 238. (SR)
