Quebec celebrates Beethoven’s concert.
2008 is Quebec's 400th anniversary. It's a known fact. What is less known is that it is also the anniversary of what may have been Ludwig von Beethoven's most famous concert. The program presented in decembrer of 1808 consisted of major works like the 5th and the 6th symphony, two movements from the Mass in C major, an aria and a piano concerto and the choral Fantasy. Now what has that got to do with Quebec's anniversary? Simply that, as part of the celebrations of this anniversary, the musical formation Les Violons du Roy and the choir of the Chapelle de Quebec have recreate this unique concert next last June 17 à 8:00PM. The concert, this time was directed by Bernard Labadie and given at the palais Montcalm with live transmissions on giant screens on neighboring Place d'Youville. It has been reported that when the original concert was given, the theatre was not heated, the orchestra was unrehearsed and the soprano soloist had a bad case of stage fright.
Well last June 17, that was not be the case. The orchestra and choir had rehearsed and the soprano was ready. The only thing that spoiled the event was the rain early that evening. In spite of that many people who came as early as 6:00PM to attend this unique event waited patiently and courageously. This came to with no surprise for we all know the saying: «Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor...» would have kept these music lovers away.