MEDELLIN, Colombia | Solange Bouchard, 54, was previously part of the Orchester symphonique de Longueuil. Her 25 years in the orchestra make her one of the proud deans of the group. Energetic and passionate, she happily opened up to the changes that come with the Maestro’s arrival
• Also read: “Stradivarius in Vienna”: from Longueuil to Medellín.
• Also read: Opening night for the Longueuil Symphony Orchestra in Bogota
“It’s wonderful to make a living from music,” says the Howick musician. I wanted to be a violinist in an orchestra, I wasn’t interested in being in the foreground. Being part of a whole is what excites me, my joy is when we are together! »
This stimulating togetherness, which has become like a family, has been managed by a certain Alexandre Da Costa since 2019. A very talented soloist who has known Solange since he was young and studied with him at the Montreal Conservatory of Music.
“It’s absolutely impossible not to engage with the intensity of Alexandre,” affirms the mother of three, all of whom have been involved in music. He gives so much, he is so generous with his game, time and energy that you want to give it all too! »
live a dream
The violinist could never have imagined one day flying to South America with the Orchester symphonique de Longueuil. A quarter of a century after her audition, she is still pinching herself while currently playing first violin on the stages of major theaters in Colombia and Brazil.
For the experienced musician, whose father is a violinist and his mother is a crazy music lover, making music under the direction of Alexandre Da Costa means a gentle letting go and a kind of awakening from the heart.
“My symphony while sitting, I do that with other orchestras,” explains the one who is called to play the violin standing with Da Costa. So, yes, why not otherwise with Alexandre! From the moment I got involved there I followed and have been having a lot of fun ever since. »
It also praises the heterogeneous but complementary aspect of the group of musicians that make up the orchestra. Especially from the 33 participants of this first South American tour, with whom she feels at home. The energy of the young, she says, blends well with the experience of the older.
Still the stage fright
She also shares her stage desk with Roxanne Sicard (see other text), the youngest musician in the orchestra.
“One of the old hands and the youngest!” laughs the one who toured with Bruno Pelletier in 2000 and who will join Mario Pelchat in September.
“I obviously still have stage fright and I don’t want it to go away,” she adds, eyes shining. And then we’re still learning from others, even after 25 years, and that’s the beautiful and stimulating thing. »
- The trip Stradivari in Vienna by Alexandre Da Costa and the Orchester symphonique de Longueuil will continue in Brazil until August 18th. The ensemble will perform at the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro tonight and at the B32 Theater in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
“Alexander’s deep motivation corresponds to my values”
Photo Sarah Emilie Nault
Roxanne Sicard during the concert in Medellin, Colombia.
At 26, Roxanne Sicard is one of the youngest OSDL musicians. She had just landed her position as a violinist last May when she realized she was about to fly off with the orchestra on a tour of South America.
At the age of three, Roxanne Sicard saw the film Violins of the Heart and it changed her life.
“I’ve always wanted to play the violin,” says the young woman from Joliette. I didn’t come from a musical family at all, but I had a hard head. My parents lent me a violin for my birthday and gave me lessons. I have never asked myself any questions about my career choice. »
After various formative experiences and seven years studying at the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, she is proud to be part of the Orchester symphonique de Longueuil and to work with the conductor Alexandre Da Costa, who has his unique way of conducting.
The sense of belonging to this group also gives him great pleasure.
dream job
“Alexandre is inspirational,” she says. His personality is so close to the audience, that’s the most important thing. Because what we learn in school is very sharp, but we have to reach the public. »
Both because she has always loved doing different things and because she was chosen by a violinist and “full musician” she has a hard time understanding what is happening to her.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today, which is what I wanted, even though it was difficult. It’s fun to have the chance to do a job you love. Every morning I get up and feel happy. I can’t come back yet! »
The tour in brief…
Photo courtesy of Marc Dussault
A first concert in Brazil
After Colombia, the Stradivarius tour conducted by Alexandre Da Costa continues in Vienna, Brazil. The ensemble shone at the Sesi Theater in Porto Alegre (whose modern version was inaugurated in 1997) on Sunday night. Porto Alegre is the capital and largest city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and has 1.5 million inhabitants.
A maestro in clothes by Quebec designers
Photo Sarah Emilie Nault
Alexandre Da Costa proudly wears clothing from Quebec designers during the tour. In Bogota, he wore a frock coat by Thailand-born Quebec designer Nathon Kong. On the back of the Maestro’s tailored jacket were the conductor’s sheet music and a picture of his Stradivarius. In Medellin he wore – with style! – a black skirt by designer Denis Gagnon.
Because Costa’s son the controls
Photo courtesy of Marc Dussault
At the age of 8.5, Mattenzo Da Costa already has 5 years of experience in the music field (piano, singing, directing). While touring – and since the age of five – he has shared the stage with his famous father to stage Radetzky’s March. “I’m very tempted to be like dad,” he said. If he can play the violin and conduct, I can play the piano and sing. My father inspires me! »