There is something magical that happens every time Passe-Montagne, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Partout take the stage. We witnessed this last year during the tour Hello Passe-Partout. The same power was manifested Thursday at the Maison symphonique.
As soon as the three friends appear at the front, the children’s eyes light up and smiles appear on their faces. It’s instant! If you attend one of the performances of Symphonic Pass-Partout this weekend, watch the crowd at this very moment. This is where one of the most touching scenes of the show takes place.
Because, it must be remembered, the trio is part of the routine of many Quebec families who listen to them daily on television. For little ones, this show is an opportunity to see their heroes in the flesh.
This time, actors Élodie Grenier (Passe-Partout), Gabrielle Fontaine (Passe-Carreau) and Jean-François Pronovost (Passe-Montagne) are not alone. Led by guest conductor Mélanie Léonard, the Orchester Métropolitain accompanies them by playing the famous tunes of Master key in symphonic version. The Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal also add their voices to the concert.
Original songs
Just like in the show Hello Passe-Partout, these are the original nursery rhymes, those created during the first version of the show in the 1970s and 1980s, which are put forward. Something to please all chicks and chicks, regardless of their generation.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The show has something to please all generations.
Beautiful vegetables, In the henhouse, The fish And Frogs follow one another while Passe-Montagne, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Partout sing while waiting for Grandmother to arrive at her birthday picnic.
As the guest lets herself be desired for a very long time – we understand why a little later – the friends take the opportunity to play some games inspired by the show with the audience. This is welcome, since we felt that the little spectators needed to release a little energy. They are happy to help Passe-Partout and Passe-Montagne find what Passe-Carreau is hiding in the guessing box. The end of the game of logic tiles leads to one of the funniest moments of the show: all the musicians stand up and sway their hips to prove that yes, they know how to dance.
A few more recent pieces also sneak into the show, including the enveloping A treasure in the eyes and the energetic Play outside.
Moments of sweetness
While the show Hello Passe-Partout was very rhythmic, a great softness envelopes different moments of the concert whose artistic direction is signed by Simon Boulerice and the musical direction by Andrew Gray. We particularly feel it during the few pieces sung only by the choir of young boys, aged 9 to 17. Under blue lighting, we let ourselves be carried away by The white ghost And Sometimes I’m afraid.
Another sweet moment of the show: the interpretation of Good sleep, my friend by Passe-Partout, then taken over by the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal. Like the three accomplices sitting on a bench on the stage, we then want to lean against those we love.
“Singing everyone together gives you chills,” says Passe-Partout, aptly, at one point in the show.
A pleasure for the orchestra
But beyond the singing, it is the interpretation of the musicians which conveys a host of emotions.
“Music takes on meaning when we can share it,” underlines conductor Mélanie Léonard, to whom we spoke a few hours after the performance. She finds it particularly touching to be able to experience this exchange with children and thus contribute to their musical awakening.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Guest conductor Mélanie Léonard
These are always concerts which are positive. Great experiences.
Mélanie Léonard, conductor
Especially since many musicians wear Master key in their hearts. “There are a lot of us on stage who grew up with Master key. […] We know nursery rhymes. We have fun playing them in a symphonic version. »
Versions whose arrangements were signed by François Vallières, would like to mention the conductor. ” They are magnificent. […] It really highlights the original nursery rhymes, but it also highlights the whole orchestra. »
Moreover, to the former chicks and chicks who have grown up, Mélanie Léonard launches this invitation: “It’s a concert that is aimed at everyone. […] I think there are a lot of people who grew up with these nursery rhymes, who don’t have children today, who would enjoy hearing them again. »
Symphonic Pass-Partout is presented at the Maison symphonique Saturday and Sunday, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The concert will then be broadcast on Télé-Québec on Saturday, December 9 at 8 p.m.