Composition & Contemporary Music

The workshop for contemporary composition and music is a space where musical innovation and artistic collaboration come to life. This unique collaborative workshop is designed to please passionate composers and performers alike. Participants will have the privilege of collaborating with renowned mentors, including Jeffrey Stonehouse, Pamela Reimer, Jimmie LeBlanc, and other accomplished musicians from the Paramirabo Ensemble.

For Composers
Immersing composers in the heart of a stimulating creative process, the months from April to June will be dedicated to the composition of an original piece for a solo instrument. Throughout the workshop, composers will work closely with an intern performer, thus benefiting from an unparalleled hands-on experience. Working hand in hand to bring the compositions to life, composers and performers will exchange ideas about artistic possibilities and intentions. Simultaneously, composers will participate in collective sessions aimed at exploring new artistic approaches and deepening their creative vision, fostering invigorating collaboration and continuous evolution.

For Performers
Through close collaboration with composers, performers attending this workshop benefit from an invaluable experience, further contributing to their creative process. They will work in tandem with a composer to bring their work to life, exploring the nuances of interpretation and contributing to the evolution of the composition. Through these sessions with members of the Paramirabo Ensemble, performers will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of contemporary repertoire, whether in solo or chamber music settings. This immersion in the world of contemporary music promises an exceptional educational and artistic experience.

Jeffrey Stonehouse
Graduate of the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal and McGill University, flutist Jeffrey Stonehouse has performed across Canada and abroad in Europe, the United States and Mexico. Very active in the Montreal new music scene, he is co-founder and artistic director of Paramirabo and flutist of the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne. He also performs with ECM+, SMCQ and No Hay Banda. He is the artistic director of the specialized broadcaster Le Vivier.

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Pamela Reimer
Montréal pianist Pamela Reimer is known for versatility in her capacities as soloist, chamber musician and creator. She has premiered new works, toured and recorded numerous albums with ensembles Bradyworks, Blue Rider Ensemble, Ensemble Contemporain de Montréal, Orford Six Pianos, Erreur de Type 27, Ensemble Paramirabo, No Hay Banda, and in duos with flutist Marie-Hélène Breault and percussionist Beverley Johnston.

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Jimmie LeBlanc
In his instrumental and mixed compositions, Jimmie LeBlanc (Québec, 1977) explores how music can be thought in terms of capture of forces and logic of sensation, particularly through such concepts as performative figure and texture. The interaction between sense and sensation, through the more explicit integration of extra-musical references to his music, characterizes his research. His music has carved out a place for itself on local and international scenes with, among others, Ensemble Contrechamps, Esprit Orchestra, Quatuor Bozzini, Nouvel ensemble moderne, Ensemble Paramirabo, Continuum Ensemble, Camerata Aberta, the Quasar saxophone quartet, and many soloists.

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In addition to the above, the workshop also includes:

• Opportunities to participate in one or more student concerts
• Networking activities with fellow musicians and faculty members
• Access to conferences presented by musicians and guests from various backgrounds on topics related to a musician’s career such as mental health, technique, finances, psychology, physical fitness, and more
• Accommodations in one of our two artist residences
• Three meals a day, as well as full access to the kitchen and common areas
• Practice studios equipped with pianos (available 6 AM-11 PM)
• Housekeeping, laundry (for a fee), parking, and free WiFi
• Free tickets to live performances in the Gilles-Lefebvre Concert Hall (subject to availability)
• The opportunity to explore the beautiful Mont-Orford National Park, Lake Memphremagog, as well as access to activities in Magog.

Please note that all Covid-19 regulations set forth by the Gouvernement du Québec will be rigorously followed.