Imagine young talents taking flight. Jeunesses Musicales Canada helps them soar. It is a story of nurturing musical dreams and sharing classical music. It’s a story deeply rooted in Montreal.
Jeunesses Musicales Canada stands here as a beacon. It champions young musicians. This organization was founded in 1949 by Gilles Lefebvre. His vision was simple. Bring classical music to young people. Support emerging artists.
The story of Jeunesses Musicales Canada begins with a meeting. Father J.H. Lemieux, Anaïs Allard-Rousseau, and Laurette Desruisseaux-Boisvert joined Lefebvre. They connected existing youth cultural societies. This collaboration led to concert tours and scholarships. A summer camp was also founded. It became the Orford Arts Centre.
Jeunesses Musicales Canada became affiliated with Jeunesses Musicales International. UNESCO recognizes this as a leading youth and music organization. Support comes from the JM Canada Foundation. The government also contributes.
Each season, Jeunesses Musicales Canada presents many concerts and workshops. Over 120 artists participate. They perform across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes. Concert tours visit over 130 Canadian cities yearly. This makes Jeunesses Musicales Canada a key classical music producer. A large annual audience attends these concerts. Many are children aged 3 to 12.
Gilles Lefebvre was a charismatic leader. He traveled the country recruiting talent. He established many Jeunesses Musicales Canada centers. Lefebvre united society members around two missions. Promote classical music. Support young musicians’ careers.
Since 1984, Jeunesses Musicales Canada has been located at 305 avenue du Mont-Royal. The Maison JM Canada is architecturally significant. The City of Montreal recognizes it as such.
The building has a rich history. It was once the Laurier Clinic or Seigler Clinic. Harold Lea Fetherstonhaugh designed it. Max Seigler championed its construction. He aimed to improve public health in this working-class, Jewish area.
Jeunesses Musicales Canada offers several prizes. The Prix Choquette-Symcox supports young Quebec artists. The Prix Peter Mendell promotes musical excellence.
Tournées offer public concerts. Many communities hear high-level classical musicians early in their careers. These concerts occur in Quebec and Ontario.
The organization was featured at Expo 67. It was showcased in the L’Homme et la musique pavilion. The pavilion was later moved. It is now part of Orford Music.
The organization has a rich history. Gilles Lefebvre served as president of Jeunesses Musicales International. Jean-Claude Picard and Pierre A. Goulet followed him.
Jeunesses Musicales Canada remains dedicated. They are committed to nurturing young talent. They share the transformative power of classical music.