An interview with Julien Bisaillon

While I prepare the review for the new Canadian Guitar Quartet recording, here is an short interview with Julien Bisaillon who is a new member of the Quartet and founding member of Trio Alla Grande. -Brad

Julien on the web:

Trio Alla Grande: www.myspace.com/trioallagrande

Canadian Guitar Quartet:  www.canadianguitarquartet.com/

Brad: You’re now a member of the Canadian Guitar Quartet, how did this come about? How’s it been so far?

Julien: It’s been a wonderful experience playing with an amazing guitar ensemble. The quartet asked me to fill in for Denis Donegani who is taking a sabbatical. I had studied with Patrick for many years and have known Louis and Philip for a long time. I’m really grateful to them for offering me this great oppurtunity.

Brad: What can we expect to see from the Canadian Guitar Quartet this year? Concerts? Premiers?

Julien: The new CD is really exciting and we think it has the potential to extend the quartet’s reputation even further. Winter 2011 is going to be a busy time for us with many concerts in the USA and Canada including a performance with the Saguenay-Las-Saint-Jean Symphony http://www.lorchestre.org/saison-2010-2011/grands-concerts/details/26, and in a Brouwer tribute organized by Benjamin Verdery in New York http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T-TC5LG14

Brad: Will you still be performing with Trio Alla Grande? Any big plans with the trio?

Julien: Yes! the trio is still in full swing too. We recently shared the stage with the CGQ and we’re looking forward to concerts in Montreal for the Guitar Society http://www.societedeguitaredemontreal.org/en/activite.asp?date=1_2011, University of Sherbrooke and concerts in Ontario during summer 2011.

Brad: Can you tell us about the classical guitar scene in Ottawa?

Julien: The big event this year is Guitare Alla Grande 2011, February 10th to the 13th, which will feature Odair Assad on his solo tour!! Also during that weekend we’ll have John Alac, a former Ottawa University student, performing Aranjuez Concerto with the uOttawa Orchestra and an amazing ensemble of over 40 high level guitar students performing under the direction of Denis Poliquin. We also have GFA finalist François Fowler performing in March 2011 and a great series of local artists.

Brad: Any final words for the readers of Classical Guitar Canada?

Julien: Read this: http://www.classicalguitarcanada.ca/2010/11/how-you-can-help-guitarists-and-composers-today/ We all need a strong guitar community and we have to get music lovers to go to a guitar concert once in while. The basis of our public cannot be only the other guitar players!