Founded in 1978, the Festival de Lanaudière is now recognized as one of North America's leading classical music festivals. Set in the heart of nature, it presents a program featuring internationally acclaimed performers alongside some of Québec's finest artists. Concerts take place at the Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay-Canada's largest outdoor concert venue specifically designed for classical music-as well as in churches and agritourism venues throughout the Lanaudière region. The festival offers an immersive experience that combines the atmosphere of a concert hall with the beauty and tranquility of the natural surroundings.
WASKAPITAN: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN CULTURES AND MUSICAL TRADITIONS
Co-produced with the Centre d'amitié autochtone de Lanaudière and presented in collaboration with the Musée d'art de Joliette as part of Waskapitan Day, this free concert will take place on June 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the museum. The program features violinist Tara-Louise Montour, pianist Soo-Hyun Ahn, and young violinist Edward Thibault-Echaquan in the opening performance. Through works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Claude Debussy, Amy Beach, and Cree composer Andrew Balfour, the concert explores the dialogue between diverse musical and cultural traditions in a spirit of sharing and discovery.
AN OPEN HOUSE DAY AT THE FERNAND-LINDSAY AMPHITHEATRE
On July 5, starting at noon, families are invited to discover the Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay during a large open house presented by Habitations Bordeleau. Activities include introductory music workshops, a public piano, cultural mediation activities, educational tours of the site, live performances, and relaxation areas on the lawn.
At 4 p.m., Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal will present the free participatory concert "Like in Italy! Italian Madrigals," inviting audiences to become part of the musical experience.
The day continues with a picnic on the amphitheatre lawn and concludes at 8 p.m. with an outdoor screening of the classic Fantasia. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite Disney character.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
Throughout July, the festival will host four free outdoor movie evenings. Set in an exceptional natural environment, attendees will enjoy free parking and a bistro offering snacks and refreshments. Themed evenings will add to the experience. Presented by Place des Arts in collaboration with the cities of Joliette and Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, as well as 103.5 FM, screenings begin at dusk (around 8 p.m.), with site access opening at 6 p.m.
Programming:
July 9 - En fanfare
July 16 - Sing Along! Pajamas and Plush Toys Night
July 23 - High School Musical (French version), featuring a "2006 Reunion - 20 Years Later" theme
July 30 - The Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by a masquerade ball theme
SILENT MACBETH ON TOUR IN LANAUDIÈRE
In connection with the presentation of Macbeth by the Orchestre Métropolitain on August 2 at the Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay, and with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the festival welcomes four performances of Silent Macbeth, a production by La Fille Du Laitier. This wordless adaptation combines bold artistic choices with dark humour to reinterpret Shakespeare's tragedy. Recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.
Performance dates:
July 21 - CRAPO, Saint-Félix-de-Valois
July 22 - Carrefour culturel de Notre-Dame-des-Prairies
July 23 - Cabaret La Crèche, Saint-Cléophas-de-Brandon
July 26 - Maison de la musique René-Charrette, Joliette
BAROQUOI? MAKING BAROQUE MUSIC ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
On July 16 at 7 p.m., as part of the Notre-Dame-des-Prairies Family Rendezvous series, the wooded area of the Carrefour culturel will host BaroQUOI?, a playful and interactive performance presented by Les Idées heureuses. Soprano Catherine St-Arnaud and harpsichordist Dorothéa Ventura will guide audiences through the world of Baroque music. Featuring wigs, crinolines, musical discoveries, and humour, the concert offers an engaging introduction to a fascinating repertoire for audiences of all ages.
