The Carillon - Rhythm in harmony with nature! The impressive carillon at the Oratory consists of 56 bells cast in bronze mixed with alloys of copper and pewter. In the North American system, it is classified as a Large Carillon. Designed originally for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was installed at the Oratory in 1954, a gift from generous donors. This carillon has a range of four and a half octaves extending chromatically from a low D to a high A. The largest bell weighs 1500 kg (3300 lbs.), the smallest 5 kg (11 lbs.). All together the ensemble weighs 10,900 kg (12 tons). Recital Schedule: Andrée-Anne Doane, Titular Carillonist Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Length: 15 minutes Saturday: 12 p.m.    - Length: 15 minutes 2:30 p.m. - Length: 30 minutes Sunday: Claude Aubin, Carillonist 12 p.m.    - Length: 15 minutes 2:30 p.m. - Length: 30 minutes Schedule is subject to change without notice. Information: Telephone: 514 733-8211

Carillon Photo: Annick Robert

Andrée-Anne Laferrière-Doane Titualar Carillonist at Saint Joseph's Oratory! The youngest of the Laferrière-Doane family, Andrée-Anne began singing with her family throughout Québec, Canada, the United States and Europe when she was only three years old. She studied music at the Vincent-d’Indy music school in Montréal and went on to obtain her Bachelor's in Music from the Université du Québec à Montréal in 2004. She has already received multiple awards and significant praise over the course of her young career and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows. She has also received advanced training in the United States and Italy.   Andrée-Anne has led the congregation in song during religious services at Saint Joseph's Oratory for five years. In the summer of 2008, she began studying the carillon under the direction of the Oratory's renowned carillonneur, Claude Aubin. We now have the pleasure of hearing her play the carillon Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at noon and 3 p.m.

Andrée-Anne Laferrière-Doane Photo: Marie Laferrière

Homage and recognition for Claude Aubin, titular carillonist at Saint Joseph's Oratory for 33 years. For over 33 years now, Claude Aubin, with his usual brio and enthusiasm, has been the titular carillonist at Saint Joseph's Oratory. A graduate of the University of Montréal majoring in music, he furthered his education in the United States and France. His teachers have been carillonists of international repute, such as the Montrealer Andrea McCrady (presently titular carillonist at the Canadian Parliament's Peace Tower in Ottawa), Jacques Lannoy in France and Milford Myhre in the United States.   In 1986, he recorded a collection of popular Québec Christmas airs on the Oratory's carillon along with the shrine's adult choir. (SNE-531). In 1993, he recorded a collection of sacred and secular music. This disc is still available in the Oratory Gift Shop. During his professional career, he has taken part in international carillon festivals in the United States in Springfield, Illinois, and in Lake Wales, Florida. He also gave a series of recitals marking the 125th anniversary of Canada, at the Peace Tower in Ottawa. Also, he has concertized in France, in Portugal, and on many carillons in the United States such as the University of California at Berkeley during the Convention of the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America in 1998.   He has composed many original pieces for the carillon as well as for voices. He is a member of the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America.   Claude Aubin officially retired on October 1, 2009. However he shall continue to play on Sunday at noon and at 2:30 PM. He will stay on even after the appointment of the shrine's new titular carillonist, Andrée-Anne Doane with whom on occasion he will offer recitals and participate in special projects. This will be something to see…er…hear!

Claude Aubin Photo: Lise Angers