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THE SCOOP | L'Ensemble contemporain de Montréal To Cease Operations In 2022

By Michael Vincent on November 30, 2021

Andréa Tyniec, Véronique Lacroix and ECM + at the Roundhouse. (Photo: Jan Gates)
Andréa Tyniec, Véronique Lacroix and ECM + at the Roundhouse. (Photo: Jan Gates)

Véronique Lacroix, the Artistic Director and Founder of L’Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+), has announced they will be shutting down operations.

The sad news was announced to a stunned audience in Montréal during what was to be their second final concert this past Tuesday.

Ludwig Van’s Caroline Rodgers spoke to Lacroix by phone to better understand the reasons behind the decision.

When asked what the motivation was, Lacroix said she felt that the organization had reached its limits. Even before the pandemic, there was some talk of wrapping it up.

“We have been here for 35 years,” said Lacroix. “We have made 300 creations, several international tours, 11 Canadian tours, and 70 concerts across the country just for Generation. The list of our accomplishments is very long and covers all aspects of the discipline.”

“We worked so hard,” she said. “I did exactly what I dreamed of […] I still have the flame, but no longer have the energy. Before, the word “fatigue” was not even a reality for me, but time does its work.”

Why this matters

ECM+, is one of Canada’s most premier chamber orchestras focusing on contemporary music. Since its formation in 1987, they have premiered over 275 pieces, including three operas and the bulk of works for large ensembles.

Their most notable contribution was Generation. Over 18 months, the program offers young composers the chance to tour across Canada and present their work.

“Generation plays a very important role in balancing the Canadian contemporary music scene,” says Lacroix. “The program has been in existence since 1994 and has been running nationwide for twenty years. It has been amazing to develop talent across the country and allow us to go deeper into the works, performing them up to ten times in great tours.”

As the only project of its kind in Canada, Lacroix confirmed Quebec’s Ensemble Paramirabo has agreed to take over the program and keep it going.

“They will take up the concept of workshops and tours […], and we will fund them for six years with a significant amount that will help them continue,” said Lacroix.

Moving forward…

…Véronique Lacroix will focus on teaching at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, where she has a class of about thirty students each year. Together, they create the pieces composed by their fellow composition students.

[Interview translated from French.]

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Michael Vincent
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