2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Beau Dommage’s very first album. To mark the occasion, the Orchester Métropolitain (OM) will perform a symphonic version of around twenty of the group’s songs in an event show entitled “We have known each other for 50 years”.
Published at 12:58 am. Updated at 8:00 a.m.
As the 50th anniversary of their eponymous album approaches, the members of Beau Dommage are happy to “have a good time,” says lyricist Pierre Huet in an interview.
“It is absolutely clear that we are not releasing a new album, we are not writing new songs, we are not going on tour… But there are people who come to us with projects,” continues the man who has written five of the eleven Songs for Beau Dommage’s first opus, published in 1974.
When the Productions Martin Leclerc team asked them to revisit pieces from their five albums in symphonic versions, the seven members of Beau Dommage said “yes”.
Each of them suggested songs. If the final choice has not yet been made, Pierre Huet names La Complaine du Phoque en Alaska as an essential song whose arrangements lend themselves well to an orchestral version.
The pieces performed also include the piece “Un Incident à Bois-des-Filion,” written by Pierre Huet and composed by Pierre Bertrand, Robert Léger and Michel Rivard, which lasts 20 minutes in the full version. “That was important to us. “She will be there and it will be very, very beautiful,” reveals the man who, like drummer Réal Desrosiers, acts as artistic advisor for this project.
Regarding the selection of the other songs, Pierre Huet assures that they will also listen to the opinion of the conductor Adam Johnson and Antoine Gratton, who will take care of the arrangements and musical direction.
Eleven actors
Eleven performers, including some former candidates of La voix or Star Académie, will add their talents to the instruments of the Orchester Métropolitain: Alexandre Désilets, Allyson Pétrin, Audrey-Louise Beauséjour, Audrey-Michèle, Coral Egan, David Latulippe, Franck Julien, Jules, Krystel Mongeau and Lyxé.
Will the members of Beau Dommage take the stage at the show’s premiere on August 31, 2024 at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts? “I don’t understand why we should shy away from our pleasure,” replies Pierre Huet, who does not specify whether Beau Dommage would perform a song.
Regarding their presence at other events related to the 50th anniversary of the album Beau Dommage, “we will proceed on a case-by-case basis,” he indicates, in particular depending on the state of health of each individual. However, we believe the group hopes to participate in most of these honors. “It’s as if your grandchildren brought you presents,” illustrates the copywriter.
In addition to Montreal, “We have known each other for 50 years” will also be presented in Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke and Quebec.
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday.