“An event hall that doesn't present rap today is missing something,” says the Grand Théâtre's program director, Christian Noël.
By further promoting this style of music, the program director hopes to diversify his performance hall's audience and democratize the performing arts. Frenchman Dadju's performance last May confirmed that he was on the right track.
“It wasn't a given, but there were 1,900 people in the room. Of those 1,900 people, there must have been 1,800 who had never set foot in the Grand Théâtre,” he remembers. “As a programmer, I see a renewal of customers and people saying to themselves: I have my place in this Grand Théâtre, this is the best pay.”
The program director of the Grand Théâtre de Québec, Christian Noël. Photo Cédric Bélanger
“Rap is one of the most listened to music genres and has taken up a lot of space in Quebec over the last 20 years,” notes Mr. Noël, who has worked in show programming for 25 years.
Beyond the negative image
Mr. Noël remembers a time not long ago when he wrote a letter of support for Souldia that was sent to theaters in the province to inform them that the performance of Souldia had taken place properly and professionally.
“There is a false image around rap that is largely no longer true […] He [Souldia] looks the way he looks, but he is a fabulous person and very grateful for what is happening to him; you have to go over [cette image négative]» explains Mr. Noël and at the same time welcomes the involvement of rap artists in the community.
The rapper Souldia, originally from Limoilou. Photo Alexandre Caputo
Souldia, whose latest album is in the running for French-language album of the year at the next Juno Awards gala, will perform at the Grand Théâtre on April 12.
Leave the walls of the Grand Théâtre
Maskoutain Rymz, who opened for Loud at the Paris Olympia last Thursday, and Gaspésie Q-052's Mi'kmaq will also perform at the Grand Théâtre on February 10th. In collaboration with KWE Festivals! and Phoque OFF, among others, the performance of the two rappers will be broadcast free of charge on social networks.
Rymz will be at the Grand Théâtre on February 10th with Q-052. Photo agency QMI, René Leclerc
“My idea is to never do things alone. [Pour ce spectacle]“We wanted to really reach out to the indigenous communities, so we called our friends at KWE!” explains Mr. Noël. “We need to find an anchor and do something that brings everyone together.”
The Grand Théâtre will also present a performance by Alaclair Ensemble member Eman at the Musée de la Civilization de Québec on February 29. This joint broadcast by the two institutions is part of the Sur Paroles exhibition. The sound of Queb rap that has been successful since its debut in November.
Eman will perform at the Musée de la Civilization de Québec on February 29th. Photo courtesy of Claude Bégin
“We are once again going beyond our limits, but today it makes a lot of sense to get closer to our customers,” says the program director of the Grand Théâtre happily.