When we asked Véronic DiCaire to perform the biggest songs from the franchise James Bond in the spotlight, a formula that has conquered Europe, the singer immediately wanted to share the stage with Benoit McGinnis.
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We know the power of the voice of the first, on the other hand there are still people who are unaware that the second pushes the note with talent. The actor has a lot of voice, in fact, as he proved Wednesday morning, in front of the media, by performing the play From Russia with Love during the press conference revealing production details Symphonic Leap. This will be presented from December 5 to 7 at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts.
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Benoit also took over, in a duet with Véronic, the success of Adele Heavy rain. Véronic, who will be the singing director of the next season of Star Academyalso demonstrated the power of his vocal instrument – we already knew that! – going from a felt version of Diamonds are Forever. We would have taken more, which is a very good sign.
The two were flanked by a few musicians from the FILMharmonique Orchestra and conductor Francis Choinière, but British agent 007 and his Bond Girlm will share the stage with 50 musicians in the three performances staged by Guy Lévesque.
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Put yourself in danger
Benoit McGinnis “puts himself completely in danger” in this project, he who surprised in another production, Hedwig.
“With Hedwigthere are more singing suggestions coming to me. It always surprises me that there are people who tell me they didn’t know I sang. I feel like I’m singing in every show! (laughs),” said the man who dreamed, when he was younger, of being a rock star.
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“I have the same confidence in singing as in acting, and it’s a challenge that stimulates me, that awakens me in my acting journey,” he added.
Initially, he intended to refuse the proposal, until he was told that Véronic DiCaire wanted to sing with him.
“She said to me, ‘I want an actor who sings.’ I felt wanted!” (laughs) She’s an incredible partner. She texted me two days ago asking if I was okay with my songs. Mutual aid, working with talented people who want you to be there, it elevates you. People are going to hear me like they’ve never heard me before, because there are lots of different tones and timbres.”
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Benoit McGinnis and Véronic DiCaire surround conductor Francis Choinière, who will direct 50 musicians on stage for the “Bond symphonique” show.
Véronic DiCaire is full of praise for Benoit McGinnis.
“I wanted to explore this repertoire, from a singing side, but also from a playing side. James Bond’s music is a story in itself and I wanted to experience that with Benoit. He sings so well and our voices blend well.”
Imitate or offer your own voice?
Véronic DiCaire therefore does not know what place the imitator in her will take in this show, but she is convinced that she will deliver “the entirety of her voice” without each time reproducing that of another singer.
Still, having an orchestra behind her – she has already done so as part of the OSM Pop Concerts – is a real pleasure.
“You feel supported, it’s incredible. It’s an energy, an intensity that moves you, especially since the melodies of James Bond songs are very dramatic and unusual.”
Two pairs of twins in production
The show Symphonic Leapwhich is produced by Les agents doubles productions, the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Productions GFN is unique in that it is carried by two teams of twins, namely the sisters Luce and Lucie Rozon for Agents doubles, and the brothers Francis and Nicholas Choinière for the Orchestra and GFN.
Initially, the two duos were each carrying out a similar Bond-related project without knowing that the other was moving in the same direction. It was the Place des Arts team who told them that they had sort of the same project. As all these wonderful people were already collaborating together, it was natural to join forces and share the work.
After Montreal, a tour with two other performers – Rose Naggar-Tremblay and Sam Champagne – will follow in 2025. A stop is planned for March 27 at the Grand Théâtre de Québec.
