Music and poetry at Maison Jésus-Marie

Multidisciplinary artist Marie Chouinard and her three granddaughters presented a recital of music and poetry on August 6 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

The joy and pleasure of this recital was palpable, both for the Sisters and for the quartet. It must be said that the artists’ last visit to the MJM was in August 2019! The little girls have grown up a lot since then. They have continued to learn and develop their musical skills, much to the delight of the audience.

The performance began with a poem recited by Marie Chouinard, entitled Trois petites filles. Reminding us that “There is always something left in us from childhood…”, Marie Chouinard, who is also an author and lecturer, read poems between each musical block.

Violin, piano and cello

Nine-year-old Dalia, on violin, began her program with a piece by Brahms, followed by Les deux grenadiers by R. Schumann and Air varié by Charles Dancla.

Following the reading of the poem Dalia et le vieux, it was 11-year-old pianist Lélia’s turn. She played three pieces, including two by Christopher Norton (Positively Swinging and Caribbean Song).

The recital continued with the poem Le piano familial and a performance by 13-year-old Floria on cello. The latter performed four pieces of music, including Largo from the Sonata in G minor (Henry Eccles), Cygne (C. Saint-Saëns) and Sicilienne by Maria Theresia von Paradis.

The presentation concluded with Marie Chouinard reciting three poems, evocatively titled Surprise de petites filles | Au balcon | Quand j’étais petite fille.

This poetry-music recital delighted the hearts of all present. Several Sisters, having taught music in the past, were aware of the hard work done by these young girls to develop their skills and talents. At the end of the concert, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for refreshments with the girls’ families and the opportunity to chat. It was a beautiful moment.

Photos credit: Sr Hélène Harvey