The most famous secret agent will be entitled to his all-Quebec symphony concert. Starting in December, voices like Benoît McGinnis, Véronic DiCaire, Rose Naggar Tremblay and Sam Champagne will be accompanied by 48 musicians to bring the greatest songs from the James Bond cinematic universe to life on stage.
After having traveled the globe, this tribute to agent 007 will this time be presented by the FILMharmonique orchestra. The three performances in Montreal will count on the talents of Véronic DiCaire and Benoît McGinnis, while Rose Naggar-Tremblay and Sam Champagne will take over for the shows planned in Victoriaville, Quebec, Gatineau and Toronto in 2025.
Photo provided by ICI TÉLÉ
From Shirley Bassey to Billie Eilish and from Paul McCartney to Sam Smith, the artists who painted the soundscape of 007 explored a vast vocal palette and many styles. It was therefore a major challenge to find the right performers to pay tribute to them.
“We were looking for people who had voices recognized in Quebec, versatile voices who would adapt well to several styles,” explains conductor Francis Choinière, pilot of the project. It’s very varied musically. We do extracts from more recent films with Daniel Craig as well as older ones like Goldfinger.”
Véronic DiCaire did not hesitate for long when she was offered this unique challenge.
“It will be a privilege to perform these unforgettable melodies and to rediscover classics,” said the singer and impersonator. I am even more proud to share the stage with my friend Benoît McGinnis who is […] an incredible singer.”
Archive photo
An intergenerational show
Symphonic concerts of this type have become commonplace in recent years in Quebec, with megasuccesses like Harry Potter And Star Wars who were entitled to their orchestral adaptation. In substance as in form, Symphonic Leap will be a completely different experience.
“It’s not a film concert, it’s only a symphony concert,” explains the young maestro. It’s a completely different style: it’s not contemporary classic. Here, we’re more into symphonic pop jazz, which we don’t hear very often.”
Even if the pieces that will be presented are rather eclectic, the brass section will tie everything together in an “intergenerational” show.
“It’s going to be a show musically epic which is truly for everyone, concludes Francis Choinière. The Bond film scores are so well orchestrated.”
Symphonic Leapfrom December 5 to 7 at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Montreal, and March 27, 2025 in Quebec.
