A cornerstone of Montreal’s music scene 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 series of concerts 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 in Quebec, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The clarity and freshness of Arion’s interpretations of baroque and classical works are supported by a discography of more than thirty titles, have received numerous awards, and widespread critical acclaim.
Committed to the creation and dissemination of youth and educational projects, and a partner of renowned institutions such as the Université de Montréal, McGill University, the Arte Musica Foundation, the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles and the SAMS, Arion is a unique and vital contributor to the Canadian musical scene.
Artistic Director of Arion Baroque Orchestra since June 2019, and recently appointed Artistic Director of Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, Mathieu Lussier has energetically and passionately promoted the modern and baroque bassoon as solo instruments for more than two decades throughout North America and Europe. He also devotes considerable time to chamber music as a member of ensemble Pentaèdre de Montréal and is a Professor at the Music Faculty of the Université de Montréal.
Previous appointments include Associate Conductor of les Violons du Roy from 2012 to 2018, where Lussier led the orchestra in over 100 concerts in Quebec and on tour in greater Canada, the United States, Mexico and Brazil, collaborating with artists such as Marc-André Hamelin, Philippe Jarrousky, Alexandre Tharaud, Jeremy Denk, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Julia Lezhneva, Anthony Marwood, and Karina Gauvin. From 2008 to 2014 he served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Lamèque International Baroque Music Festival, and has also conducted many other Canadian ensembles such as the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, I Musici de Montréal, Symphony Nova Scotia (Halifax), the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Drummondville and Sherbrooke Symphonies.
His numerous solo recordings include over a dozen bassoon concertos (Mozart, Vivaldi, Fasch, Graupner, Telemann, and Corrette), a CD of bassoon sonatas by Boismortier, three CDs of music for solo bassoon by François Devienne, and two CDs of wind music by Gossec and Méhul.
Arion Baroque Orchestra presented a captivating concert featuring the revolutionary spirit of Italian Baroque music. This showcased the talent and passion, highlighting the rebellious energy of the early Baroque period through their dynamic and expressive playing.
Isabeau Proulx Lemire is a captivating performer who seamlessly blends singing and acting on the international stage. His impressive resume boasts over 30 "sung theatre" productions, showcasing his versatility from the Baroque operas of Monteverdi to the electrifying energy of Broadway musicals.
Beyond his theatrical talents, Lemire is a passionate advocate for Baroque music. He has graced the stages of renowned companies in Canada and internationally, including a captivating performance in La Révolte des anciens at the Arion stage. This showcase further solidified his versatility as a performer.
A further highlight of his career includes performing André-Cardinal Destouches' Le Carnaval et la Folie with the prestigious Opéra Comique de Paris, directed by the acclaimed Hervé Niquet and presented by France's Académie baroque européenne d'Ambronay. This prestigious performance solidified Lemire's reputation as a leading figure in the world of Baroque music.
Hailing from Quebec, Jessy Dubé began her musical journey at the Conservatoire de Musique de Saguenay and further developed her skills at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik Basel in Switzerland. Her talent landed her the concertmaster position with the Orchestre de la Francophonie, leading them on tours across South America. She also toured Europe and Israel with Chamber Music Basel.
Beyond her impressive violin career, Jessy's passion for early music led her to workshops with Tafelmusik in Toronto and the renowned Sigiswald Kuijken at the Petite Bande Summer Academy. This passion is evident in her memorable performances with Arion Baroque Orchestra, where her vibrant playing has captivated audiences. L'Harmonie des Saisons also benefits from her artistry.
From McGill University under the tutelage of Matthias Maute to international acclaim, Vincent Lauzer has carved his path as a recorder virtuoso. Recognized as "Révélation Radio-Canada 2013-2014" and "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at the 2012 Opus Awards, his talent is undeniable.
As a soloist, Lauzer is a regular feature with prestigious groups like Arion Baroque Orchestra, La Bande Montréal Baroque, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. His captivating performances extend to international festivals and series. Vincent's dedication is reflected in his impressive list of awards, including the Fernand Lindsay Career Award and a Diapason d'Or for his Vivaldi concerto recording with Arion Baroque Orchestra.
Canadian harpist Antoine Malette-Chénier brings his musical expertise and creativity to every stage. His repertoire spans centuries, weaving magic with both Renaissance and Baroque music on period instruments and embracing the energy of contemporary creations. He's a familiar face at Arion Baroque Orchestra, showcasing his historical harp mastery.
As a sought-after artist, Antoine has graced stages at renowned events like the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival and the World Harp Congress. He is also a scholar, holding master's degrees in harp performance from Yale University and historical harp performance from the esteemed Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Lyon.
Camille's artistry extends beyond traditional boundaries. She is a familiar face (and sound!) with diverse ensembles, including Quatuor esca, ensemble Les Songes, and the esteemed Arion Baroque Orchestra. Her historical cello expertise was recently on display in Arion's captivating performance of "La Révolte des anciens." In addition to her classical and baroque endeavors, Camille actively contributes to Montreal's vibrant pop music scene.
