A Passing of the Torch

by Louis Trépanier (July 2011)

 After just over a decade as a founding member of the Canadian Guitar Quartet, Denis Donegani has retired from the group. Citing having accomplished all that he had set out to do in starting such a quartet, and that it was simply time for something different in his life, Denis performed his last concerts with the CGQ in June of 2010 in Mexico and El Salvador, and then went on to oversee the completion of the quartet’s third CD, Orchestral Works for Guitar Quartet. Denis was both producer and editor of this recording and put many, many, many hours into its production. This CD will live on as a testament to his conviction and vision of what a guitar quartet can do.

Taking over for Denis is Julien Bisaillon. Julien, like Denis, is a former student of Patrick Roux and a formidable musician in his own right. Julien was still studying with Patrick at the time the quartet was founded and was already well versed in the CGQ’s sound and practices. Recently, Julien and other former Roux students Rémi Barette, and Bruno Roussel have formed Trio Alla Grande. Like the CGQ, Trio Alla Grande strives to break new ground in chamber music on guitar, and like the CGQ, performs from memory. Julien started rehearsing with the CGQ in the summer of 2010 and first performed as a member of the quartet that autumn. Julien’s previous and almost first hand knowledge of the CGQ’s workings, his consummate musicianship, and his simply being a first rate team member have all made the transition seamless and quite pleasant. While he has big shoes to fill, he is doing quite well. Denis is proud of how his replacement is doing.

  With all of this going on, it seemed a good time for Patrick Roux to take a well deserved sabbatical from the group. His break began in January 2011 and is planned to last through the 2011-2012 season. With teaching, composing, and his family, he is not going to be bored. While on leave, his seat in the CGQ is filled by Julien’s Trio Alla Grande colleague, Bruno Roussel. Bruno not only studied with Patrick Roux and Benjamin Verdery at Yale, but started his guitar studies when he was very young with CGQ member Louis Trépanier. Bruno has already performed with the CGQ in concerti and recital,  and has coached workshops and master classes. His time in the quartet has been action packed and fully successful already. Founding members Philip Candelaria and Louis Trépanier are having as much fun as ever with two new members.

The upcoming season will feature debuts in Mont-Tremblant’s Fête de la musique, with the Edmonton and Saksatoon Symphonies, and a short tour in Texas. Plans are underway for an interesting collaboration for the summer of 2012. Stay tuned