L'Heptade d'Harmonium adventure), Florence K (singer), Gregory Charles (President and Artistic Director), Nathalie Choquette (singer), Marc Déry (singer), and Joël Legendre (production designer).
(Photo: Martin Alarie)">
Pictured are some of the major figures of Mondial Choral Loto-Quebec 2008, left to right, they are: Mouffe (production designer and stage director), Boom Desjardins (part of the L'Heptade d'Harmonium adventure), Florence K (singer), Gregory Charles (President and Artistic Director), Nathalie Choquette (singer), Marc Déry (singer), and Joël Legendre (production designer).
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Novelty and nostalgia at Mondial Choral 2008
Premieres, premieres, and more premieres! That's what the president of the fourth edition of Mondial Choral, Gregory Charles, has in mind for North America's largest gathering of choirs and choral singers, scheduled for all corners of Laval June 20 to 29, 2008.
The visitors will be led by none other than the world's best-known choral ensemble, the Boys Vienna Choir, who'll be joined by the Voix Bulgares, The Gents, and the new diva of Gospel, Anne Nesby. An exceptional fête nationale with an integral performance of Harmonium's <@Ri> L'Heptade. <@$P> A tribute to the yé-yé years by Joël Legendre and Gregory Charles. The return of free concerts in the churches of Île Jésus. For 2008, the Mondial Choral team has a grand vision.
"We want to carve new paths in unexplored territory in a framework of great diversity. And once again we invite the world to Laval, a city which can take you in four minutes from a shopping centre to a tobacco field," says Gregory Charles, who was instrumental in moving the heart of the event from Montmorency College to Centropolis.
At Centropolis
In addition to serving as general headquarters, the Centropolis will also host a giant karaoke show with an open invitation to all ages from the youngest to the oldest, in solos, duos, trios, or in family groups. While the visiting choral singers will leave their personal touch on a group mural, artistic and historical journeys will also be offered on site.
Here's another of the other fantasies dreamed up by the Gregory Charles, singer and founder of Mondial Choral: a huge car-wash 'le Choeur Wash' inspired by the film Grease, at which choirs will wash cars to the rhythm of their songs.
Youth camps
"The people can come to know of the place earned by group singers in all musical styles, through an exploration of the history of music. It's another step in my evangelization of the world toward the common people's art of choral singing," emphasizes the former director of the Petits chanteurs de Laval, with tongue in cheek and great humour.
Gregory Charles will also touch base with the teacher in him, as he orchestrates the first national youth camp in Laval, where young artists can perfect their singing and acting talents.
Sainte-Rose Church
In addition to shortening the festival which will last 9 days in 2008, compared with the month devoted to it last year, another initiative is the importance accorded Sainte-Rose Church, in order to take full advantage of its exceptional acoustics.
The series of 'prestige' concerts that will take place at the church include, among others, the first appearance on stage of Gregory Charles's latest protégés, Les Anges. As well, the Church will host the world premiere of Natalie Choquette's new show, and two very special Masses, one in jazz, the other in go-go.
Mother and daughter
Natalie Choquette and Florence K have accepted to be the spokespersons for the fourth edition of Mondial Choral Loto-Québec. "Singing people are healthy people. It's a gift to be able to bring this wonderful message to the people and to sing it for them," states the Quebec diva, under the watchful eye of her daughter, who doesn't miss a beat in adding: "I had my first taste of singing while standing next to my mother as she sang at Notre Dame Basilica, with the Montreal Opera Company or in European stadiums in front of more than 20,000 people. I experienced the full effect that can come from this love of music. It is at one and the same time simple and grandiose."
"When music is coming out of their mouths, children have no time for silliness and stupidity," insists Natalie Choquette, who says she is deeply touched by the major role given young people at Mondial Choral 2008.
The 2008 Mondial Chorale Loto-Québec will take place June 20 to 29. Free and paid concerts will be offered throughout Laval island. Information: (450) 667-2040, (514) 790-1245 or
www.mondialchoral.org Photo:Choir 2
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 6 juillet 2008 / 25°C
/ Généralement dégagé
/ Vents: 11 Km/h / Humidité relative: 44 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
