At the heart of Montreal's musical life for over forty years, Arion Baroque Orchestra is a pioneer in Quebec and Canada in the world of early music on period instruments. Under the artistic direction of conductor and bassoonist Mathieu Lussier since 2019, Arion presents a concert series featuring internationally renowned guest conductors and soloists.
Founded in Montreal in 1981 by Claire Guimond, Chantal Rémillard, Betsy MacMillan and Hank Knox, Arion has performed throughout Quebec, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Asia and Europe. The clarity and freshness of Arion's interpretations of Baroque and Classical works are underpinned by a discography of over thirty critically acclaimed and award-winning titles.
Committed to the creation and dissemination of youth and educational projects, and a partner of renowned institutions such as Université de Montréal, McGill University, the Arte Musica Foundation, the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles and SAMS, Arion is a key player on the Canadian musical scene.
Mathieu Lussier has passionately served as Artistic Director at Arion Baroque Orchestra since 2019. Over the past two decades, he has dynamically championed the modern and Baroque bassoon as solo instruments. He has recently taken on the role of Artistic Director at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, leaving a resonating impact across North America and Europe.
Among his extensive solo recordings are over a dozen bassoon concertos featuring works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Fasch, Graupner, Telemann, and Corrette.
Meet Claire Guimond, a standout figure in Baroque music. As a founding member and Artistic Director Emeritus of Arion Baroque Orchestra from 1981 to 2020, her influence and artistry have resonated globally. Beyond her artistic direction, Claire took on the role of Arion's General Manager, channeling her passion not just into music but also in shaping comprehensive management systems for the orchestra's journey.
Beyond sharing the stage with esteemed conductors, Claire's musical journey extends to recording over 40 globally distributed CDs, with nearly 30 as part of Arion. Her melodies have resonated not only in concerts but also on radio and television in Canada, Britain, Belgium, Ireland, and Mexico. Her awards and recognitions include the 2019 Betty Webster Award for impact on the Canadian orchestral community and the 2020 Opus Prize for Artistic Director of the Year.
Arion Baroque Orchestra is devoted to supporting youth and educational initiatives by working closely with respected institutions such as the Université de Montréal, McGill University, CÉGEP Saint-Laurent, and many other educational institutions. Together, we shape and enrich the future of the Canadian musical landscape, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community.
Arion offers tailored initiatives for families, youth, and new immigrants with partnerships with organisations such as La Maisonée, le CACI et La SAMS, coming together to offer inclusive live music experiences to those with potentially limited access.
