What a "European" weekend it was and I didn’t even have to get on a plane – not that I am boycotting them or anything. With the world’s favourite newlyweds in town on Saturday (still upset of the type of welcome that Montreal gave them) and French singer Amaury Vassili’s concert last night, my weekend was filled with some awesome memories. After a relaxing day spent in the country celebrating my 30th birthday (doesn’t get any better than this), HSP was invited by the folks at IMC to see Amaury Vassili close the 7th annual Mondial Choral in Laval.
At 22, Vassili is the youngest tenor in the world. Needless to say his voice did not disappoint. Think Josh Groban meets Il Divo with a charming French accent. Vassili was accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra and a choir. The staging was dazzling with stellar projections and lighting. I was extremely impressed. Even though the concert was in Laval, I felt as though I was watching a performance at an established outdoor concert hall. Congratulations to the team of organizers of this particular festival.
To add some drama and effect to Vassili's overall performance, it started to rain during the finale. Believe me, I am used to the whole touring outdoors thing, but I never had to use a garbage bag to keep me dry. On tour, I was always prepared with billy boots and rain jacket. I guess there is a first time for everything.
On Vassili's third visit to Montreal, he wowed the crowd with renditions of Con te partiro (Andrea Bocelli), Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen), Leonard Cohen’s classic Hallelujah, and songs from his two albums Vincero (2009) and Cantero (2010). This was Vassili’s first time performing with a live orchestra and choir at the same time. It defintely suited him. Management should take note. Everything set the mood for a memorable night highlighting a young, fresh, and talented young man with a bright future ahead of him.
Born and raised in Rouen, France, it was at age nine when he discovered his passion for singing. In 2011, Vassili was a finalist at the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest. Celine Dion won this competition back in 1988.
Vassili is on his way to becoming a household name here in Canada. What a treat it was to see him perform live.
Hi, I was conducting this concert! Would you kindly email me larger copies of your photos for my website (www.andrewgray.ca) please? You can send them to andrewgray73@gmail.com. THanks so much.
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