“It’s the first time I’ve jammed with cranes, but that’s Montreal,” said Alexandra Stréliski after her free mini-concert at noon at Place des Arts.
It was a surprise, or well almost, since the announcement had been made less than 24 hours in advance.
If we could indeed hear work in progress in rue Jeanne-Mance, Stréliski’s piano was able to have the instant soothing effect it always has on anyone who listens to it.
It would have been necessary to measure the cortisol level of the employees of the Complexe Desjardins towers before and after the six pieces performed by the pianist to prove to employers the beneficial effect of music on stress.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
A spectator attentive to the movements of the pianist
When Fabienne Lescadre, on her way to the office, heard on the radio that Alexandra Stréliski was going to perform at 12:30 p.m. on the Esplanade of Place des Arts, she told herself that she was certainly not going to miss the chance to see her in the flesh for the first time.
I love it ! I’m a pianist too. His music speaks to me and it makes me forget all my worries. When I’m stressed by work, I listen to Alexandra Stréliski.
Fabienne Lescadr
A few lucky ones were in the front row – it is the case to say it –, seated on red cubes barely two meters from the artist represented in large by Sony internationally.
A godmother and her goddaughter found themselves there… by chance. “I was so hoping to arrive in time! said Ginette Chayer, who had a hair appointment downtown.
“I cried again,” dropped his niece Caroline Gendron.
It is also in the open air, even lit by candlelight on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, that the latter had already seen Alexandra Stréliski at the Festif! of Baie-Saint-Paul.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Many people were on the steps of the Esplanade, listening to the artist at the piano.
If Alexandra Stréliski performed outdoors at the invitation of Place des Arts, it was precisely to give a taste of outdoor show In the woodswhich she will perform three times from August 24 to 26 in Joliette, at the Fernand-Lindsay amphitheater (managed by Place des Arts).
“It’s a magnificent natural amphitheater,” says Mylaine Albert, communications director at Place des Arts. There is a slope and people can bring a picnic. »
“It’s me who will choose the wine and the food,” even promises Alexandra Stréliski. The idea is really to live in the place. There is a forest all around and people can come with their children. »
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
Alexandra Stréliski, smiling, is about to start her “surprise concert”.
10 years already
In the woods is the title of a track from Alexandra Stréliski’s new album, Neo-Romancereleased on March 31, just before the start of a major tour that will stretch until 2024 with two shows at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
Place des Arts is a place dear to his heart. Alexandra Stréliski still remembers when Laurent Saulnier, then programmer at the Jazz Festival, invited her to perform in 2013 (10 years ago!) in the – small – 5e room.
Then it was Maisonneuve and it will be Wilfrid-Pelletier. “Want, don’t want, it’s symbolic”, launches Alexandra Stréliski.
On Friday, she had been back in Montreal for barely 24 hours for her surprise mini-concert. “I kind of lost track of time. Tomorrow is Ottawa. Afterwards, Los Angeles, New York and I will come back, ”lists the one who has a great ability to keep both feet on the ground.
“I like when I can give music in a simple and spontaneous way like today, she wanted to emphasize when we met her backstage. This is the most normal relationship between a musician and the public. »
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, THE PRESS
To applause, Alexandra Stréliski says see you soon to her admirers.
An experience to repeat
Could there be other free shows at lunchtime on the Place des Arts Esplanade?
“We wanted to offer a moment of sweetness to Montrealers before the major festivals take over the premises. […] People have experienced something and that gives the taste, ”answers Mylaine Albert.
Finally, Alexandra Stréliski will have offered the public Lights, Into the Woods, The Hills, The Breach And BORDERS.
“I’m here to start the summer,” she told the crowd with her characteristic humility and naturalness.
Finally, Alexandra Stréliski rocked the crowd with Earlier. Isn’t this song listened to millions of times all over the world the perfect balance between contemplation, melancholy and reverie?
One thing is certain, among the spectators seated on the steps of Place des Arts, there were eyes closed, tears in their eyes and gazes staring contentedly into space.
Then there was an unexpected appearance. That of comedian Mathieu Dufour, who came to join Alexandra Stréliski next to her piano for a short interview which will be broadcast on Sweety salty.
We had to come back to reality.