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: NO PERFORMANCES IN FEBRUARY Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Length: 15 minutes Saturdays and Sundays: 12:00 p.m.  - Length: 15 minutes 2:30 p.m.    - Length: 30 minutes Schedule is subject to change without notice. Information: Claude Aubin Telephone: 514 733-8211 extension 2581

Carillon Photo: Annick Robert

Carillon Recitals: An Enchanted Air Sundays from July 5 to August 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the bell tower. July 5 John A. Widmann, Frederick, Maryland, United States July 12 Rosemary Laing, Victoria, British Colombia August 2 Andrea McCready, Ottawa, Ontario August 16 Andrée-Anne Doane et Claude Aubin, Oratory carillonneurs

 

Claude Aubin A graduate of the Faculty of Music at the Université de Montréal, Claude Aubin has been the titular carillonneur at the shrine of St. Joseph's Oratory for more than 30 years. He first studied carillon with Andrea McCardy in Montréal, then continued his studies in the United States and France with professors such as Milford Myrhe and Jacques Lannoy. In 1986, Claude Aubin recorded ''Noëls populaires'' (''Well-known Christmas Carols'') on the Oratory's carillon with the shrine's chorale, as well as a compact disc of religious and secular carillon music in 1993. He has given carillon recitals in France, Portugal, and the United States, where he frequently plays at festivals. He continues to perform regularly at St.Joseph's Oratory, where he is heard by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Claude Aubin Photo: Lise Angers

Andrée-Anne Laferrière-Doane Introducing Andrée-Anne Laferrière-Doane, Singer, Musician and Now… Student Carillonneur! 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 at noon and 3 p.m. as well as Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m.   We should mention that Andrée-Anne is also the organist for three parishes in the east end of Montréal. In addition to performing, Ms. Laferrière-Doane also shares her love of music and singing with the students at the Vincent-d’Indy music school.   With her inspiring love of music, this musician's career looks very promising indeed!

Andrée-Anne Laferrière-Doane Photo: Marie Laferrière