RIOPELLE SYMPHONIQUE A Musical Creation By Serge Fiori And Blair Thomson to Be Performed By The OSM

GSI Musique and Oziko, in partnership with the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation, will unveil the first part of the Tableaux series, a rich blend of visual art, symphonic music and cutting-edge technology produced in collaboration with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.

The first concert in this signature series and the first album, both titled Riopelle symphonique, will be devoted to the internationally renowned Quebec painter Jean Paul Riopelle, whose 100th birthday will be celebrated in 2023. This is one of the major projects in the official program for the centenary celebrations spearheaded by the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation. The multimedia concert will premiere on February 16, 17 and 18, 2023, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts, kicking off the Montréal en Lumière festival.

The original production will be composed by Serge Fiori, one of Quebec's greatest artists of his time and founder of cult band Harmonium, and Blair Thomson, a composer, pianist and conductor hailing from Toronto who has worked with artists from all over the world and who will produce the symphonic arrangements, under the artistic direction of Nicolas Lemieux. The 75 minute musical production will be recorded for CD and performed live by the OSM, conducted by the ever-charismatic Adam Johnson and accompanied by Les Petits Chanteurs de Laval choir.

Gabriel Poirier-Galarneau from Champagne Club Sandwich will oversee the multimedia concert's visual design and staging, under the artistic direction of Nicolas Lemieux. Renowned designer and close friend of Riopelle's, Marie Saint Pierre will dress the musicians and conductor Adam Johnson.

The Riopelle Symphonic Experience will include other components drawing on the ingenuity and savoir-faire of Montréal's leading art, culture, entertainment and innovative technology companies, which will be unveiled later this year.

"GSI Musique is very proud to participate in centenary celebrations in honour of Jean Paul Riopelle by presenting an original musical creation performed by the OSM. The project combines the musical sensibilities of Serge Fiori, who greatly admired Riopelle, and the passion of composer and arranger Blair Thompson. At the intersection of intensity, creative freedom and virtuosity lies Riopelle symphonique, a five-act work that vibrantly pays tribute to significant periods throughout the artist's career," said Nicolas Lemieux, president of GSI Musique

"The OSM is delighted to be part of this unique project and to celebrate the world of Jean Paul Riopelle in its own way. Thanks to GSI Musique for its renewed trust! We are eager to perform the first notes of this creation, which are bound to delight your eyes and ears!" said Madeleine Careau, CEO of the OSM

"Jean Paul Riopelle's centenary in 2023 is a unique opportunity to celebrate the artist's tremendous legacy and legendary creative genius. The Riopelle Foundation is very proud to partner with GSI Musique and the OSM, as well as with exceptional creators the likes of Serge Fiori, Blair Thomson and a host of other artists.Through a multitude of art forms, the celebrations in honour of Riopelle will showcase Quebec's talent and creativity around the world. The time has come for Riopelle to take up his rightful place in Canadian and inter-

national art history," saidManon Gauthier, executive director of the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation

Starting at $63,50 (plus tax), tickets for the concert will go on sale on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m., at www.riopellesymphonique.com. Exclusive presale for members of the OSM, Place des Arts, GSI Musique, Montréal en Lumière festival and Friends of the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation, from Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. to Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m.

Scheduled for release in November 2022, the album is now available for exclusive pre-order, also at www.riopellesymphonique.com, in the following formats: digital album, HD digital album, signature CD box set, deluxe vinyl box set and numbered 100th anniversary collection vinyl box set.