FOR A UNIQUE, COMPLETE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
In ballet, having a live orchestra in the pit, rather than using a simple audio recording, is invaluable, which is why Les Grands Ballets Canadiens has been proud to have its own orchestra for 30 years.
Did you know that Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is the third largest employer of musicians in Montreal, after the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and the Orchestre Métropolitain? In addition to rehearsing for over 60 hours per season, the musicians are in the pit for approximately 40 performances (5 productions per year), which represents approximately 90 additional hours. The number of musicians varies for each ballet, depending on the musical score.
Present during rehearsals, they follow and carry the dancers through every variation of the choreography to ensure perfect cohesion. Les Grands Ballets is dedicated to providing the spectator with a unique, complete and immersive experience, an unmatched fusion between the stage and the audience.
This artistic vision requires an annual investment of nearly $1 million in musical expenses.
“Creating ballets keeps the artist in us very much alive, and it’s that process that allows us to really connect with audiences. The ballet starts being internalized through working on technique, learning the roles, the theatrics. But it’s when the orchestra starts to play that we can really see the dancers metamorphose.”
Ivan Cavallari, Les Grands Ballets' Artistic Director
Well known for her energy, precision and versatility, Dina Gilbert enthusiastically tackles great symphonic works while giving due attention to new compositions.
Les Grands Ballets Orchestra is composed of over 60 independent professional instrumentalists, who also work for other renowned musical ensembles. Of variable formation, the Orchestra can also invite numerous choir singers and soloists to join them in the pit to adapt to the needs of each particular score.
