Are you looking for a cultural outing to brighten up your weekend? Here are the activity suggestions proposed by our journalists.
Slick Rick for the first time in Montreal
As part of his first Canadian tourAn Evening of Storytelling, the legendary Slick Rick will make a stop in Montreal, at the Théâtre Paradoxe, on May 21. On the 18th, the British rapper will be in Ottawa and the day before in Toronto. Recognized as one of rap’s greatest storytellers, he gave us the brilliant pieces Children’s Story And Mona Lisataken from his first album released in 1988, The Great Adventures of Slick Rickas well as his memorable collaborations with Doug E. Fresh, The Show And La Di Da Di. His colorful style and numerous jewels only add to the charisma of the venerable MC.
At the Paradox Theater, May 21, 7 p.m.
Pascal LeBlanc, The Press
Visit the show website
Escape into childhood imagination
In the room Beats of dreams, a child waiting for a heart transplant finds himself under general anesthesia. Until he wakes up, he leaves the medical world for that of the imagination. Thanks to a huge digital projection with which actor Maxime-Olivier Potvin interacts, spectators witness the inner journey of the boy who, rather than giving in to fear, courageously navigates the world of dreams. Created by the Youtheater company, this contemplative and almost wordless show is intended for an audience aged 6 to 12.
At the Maison Théâtre, from May 15 to 26
Véronique Larocque, The Press
Visit the Maison Théâtre website
An evening with the pianist Rousso
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Pianist Rousso at the gala of the Foundation of the Professional Society of Authors and Composers of Quebec last fall
Winner of the André-Gagnon prize awarded to the instrumental music composer of the year by the Foundation of the Professional Society of Authors and Composers of Quebec (SPACQ), pianist Rousso will be in concert at the Cinquième Salle at Place des Arts, SATURDAY. A great opportunity to discover his classical music tinged with jazz and influenced by his popular tastes. During the evening, Xavier Rousseau, his real name, will play pieces from his albums Iceberg And Rosemont in addition to some unpublished pieces. Two musicians from the Orchester Métropolitain will accompany him on stage.
Rousso’s musicat the Cinquième Salle at Place des Arts, Saturday, at 8 p.m.
Véronique Larocque, The Press
Visit the artist’s website
The music of John Williams performed in Quebec
TAMPHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO, PROVIDED BY GFN PRODUCTIONS
The FILMharmonic Orchestra plays the music of John Williams.
Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Harry Potter. John Williams is probably the composer whose cinematographic work is most recognized in the world. The FILMharmonique Orchestra, under the direction of Francis Choinière, will pay homage to the American’s famous scores during a Quebec tour, the fourth in the series The symphonic world of cinema. The concert, which brings together 78 musicians and 100 singers, will be presented three times in Montreal, on May 17 and 18, and will then be offered in Trois-Rivières, on May 23, then three times in Quebec, on May 24 and 25. The tour will conclude in Toronto on May 31.
Pascal LeBlanc, The Press
Visit the concert website
Punk weekend
PHOTO PROVIDED BY POUZZA FEST
Laura Jane Grace
Music lovers underground meet this weekend at Pouzza Fest. For his 12the edition, the Montreal festival, which mainly highlights artists from the punk scene, welcomes more than 150 artists who will perform on 8 different stages, from Friday to Sunday. Laura Jane Grace, singer of the group Against Me!, and the San Diego quartet Wavves are among the headliners who will take the stage of the Foufounes Électriques this Sunday. Comedy shows, yoga, wrestling, a flea market and even a brunch are part of the event’s programming.
Pouzza Fest, from May 17 to 19, in different locations in the Quartier des spectacles
Véronique Larocque, The Press
Visit the festival website
Choral festival
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE ARTISTS
The Jireh Gospel Choir, from Montreal, will be at the festival.
Choral singing is in the spotlight this weekend during the Podium festival. Seven concerts will be presented at the Pierre-Mercure Hall, at Christ Church Cathedral (635, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest) or at St. Andrew and St. Paul Church (3415, rue Redpath). There will of course be classical or Renaissance singing (Legacieswith pieces by Fauré, Poulenc and Janequin), but also contemporary indigenous choral singing (Ahskennon’nia: songs of peace) and also an event dedicated to Afro-descendant voices (Lift Every Voice: from African-American spirituals to hip-hop).
Alexandre Vigneault, The Press
Visit the Podium website
CMIM, the final
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL COMPETITION
The piano final takes place this Thursday.
It is this late Thursday evening that the winning performer of the Montreal International Musical Competition will be known. After a first evening of finals on Wednesday, the judges will hear the last competing pianists on Thursday at the Maison symphonique. The Montreal International Musical Competition was founded in 2001 and presents the elite of the new generation of classical music.
Alexandre Vigneault, The Press
Visit the competition website
At the movie theater : Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
“Although they are referenced, it is not necessary to have seen the previous three chapters to grasp the essence of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Two other feature films are planned. We hope that they come to fruition, because, alone, kingdom does not reach the intensity of those made by Rupert Wyatt then Matt Reeves. Besides its short length and a somewhat generic antagonist, its only fault is limited stakes. However, if it is indeed a new entry into the matter, it is frankly successful,” writes our journalist Pascal Leblanc.
Read the review
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