Recorder Festival - workshops

Montreal Recorder Festival
While the performers rehearsed, the amateur participants enjoyed workshops. In the morning there were several groups of varying levels working with workshop leaders. It is always satisfying to play in small ensembles. The wet weather ouside did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants. Recorder enthusiasts came from Montreal as well as other parts of Canada and the U.S.

Participants could also visit the exhibition. Jean-Luc Boudreau had a variety of recorders on display, including his new bass recorder (I have to keep a lock on my wallet). I was not able to resist a couple of CDs by the performers at the festival.

In the afternoon we were treated to a baroque dance workshop, directed by Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière. Within an hour she had us dancing a minuet, perhaps not as fluidly and gracefully as our predecessors of the baroque era, but nonetheless with our own style.

There was little time for rest. Later in the afternoon there was a workshop with Matthias Maute. Within an hour we prepared a few pieces which were performed as the audience arrived for the evening concert by Caprice and Rebel.

A full day of musical challenges and experiences.