Classic Music in a Historic Site
WILLIAMSTOWN, ONT.
CLASSIQUARTS.CA
After 18 months of planning, Classiqu’Arts SD&G 150 will debut for its first year on Aug. 19, 2017 at the St. Raphael’s Ruins in Williamstown, Ont.
Organized by two musicians, Danielle Vaillancourt and Thérèse Motard, and Director of Your Arts Council, Jean-Roland Tremblay, the event sold out its 300 seats in just three weeks.
“We never imagined it going as well as it has so far,” Vaillancourt said.
Due to popular demand, Vaillancourt and Motard decided to add an overflow section to the outside of the historic ruins where the performances can be viewed on a big screen for only $15 per ticket.
Guests will be able to watch close to 50 performers from string, to piano, to singing, and even dancing, while taking in the breathtaking history of the 200 year old church.
“I was approached to do a show here before, but decided it needed a lot more planning than just I could give it, so it made sense to team up with Thérèse,” Vaillancourt said.
With over 60 years experience combined between the two, Vaillancourt is a classically trained singer while Motard is a cellist who has played with David Bowie, Pavarotti, and Céline Dion among many other well-known musicians.
For Vaillancourt, raising the profile of many artists in SDG is important to her.
“This is an untapped market here,” she said. “We have so many great musicians from the area.”
It also gives an opportunity for younger musicians to play with many of the professional musicians who have gone off to make a name for themselves, then return back for this performance.
As the only classic music performance in Eastern Ontario, Vaillancourt and Motard describe Classiqu’Arts SD&G 150 as a way to not only showcase artists, but SDG and the area as well.
“This is going to be a great way for people to discover where Canada began,” Vaillancourt said.
Interested guests can find more information about the overflow available and the artists at the Classiqu’Arts website.