The 43rde The Montreal International Jazz Festival edition is currently in full swing in the heart of downtown. After the Francos who reached and even exceeded the goals two weeks ago, the organization expects great things for the return of the FIJM. “We will celebrate the music,” says program director Maurin Auxéméry.
• Also read: Eight Montreal Jazz Festival concerts not to be missed
The Jazz team almost literally held their breath at the severe air quality issues Montreal had been experiencing over the past few days. Because the event had planned around 160 open-air concerts over the ten-day celebrations, it was impossible to move everything indoors, according to Maurin Auxéméry. “We hope that the situation will change,” he told the Journal earlier in the week. For once we want rain! It would be better for everyone. »
people are back
The smoke also worried the Francos, but the open-air concerts went off without a hitch.
How does Maurin Auxéméry assess the francophone festival this year, given that it’s the same organization behind the Francos and jazz?
“We had great parties. We have reached our pre-pandemic levels. It’s nice to see that people are back, that they want to participate culturally in our festival. This is really good news. I think that bodes well for the future. »
- Listen to Anaïs Guertin-Lacroix’s cultural contribution live every day at 7:10 a.m. on the Alexandre Moranville broadcast QUB radio :
The Effects of Inflation
A few days before the Franco conference, the programmer told us that the biggest problem this year is inflation. This meant that there was no outdoor show during the day on Monday.
“I don’t think anyone really noticed,” said Maurin Auxéméry. That evening we still had internal events. Taking a little break on Monday was good for everyone. At the jazz festival, on the other hand, there will be no break during the ten days of the event.
“It will be ten full and intense days, music everywhere. It’s the big festival in its most complete form,” says the programmer.
♦ The 43rde The Montreal International Jazz Festival edition lasts until July 8th. For all programming: montrealjazzfest.com