The year 2024 will mark 50 years since Beau Dommage’s very first album. For the occasion, the Orchester Métropolitain (OM) will perform a symphonic version of around twenty of the group’s songs in an event show entitled We’ve known each other for 50 years.
As the 50th anniversary of their homonymous album approaches, the members of Beau Dommage are happy to “let themselves have fun,” says lyricist Pierre Huet in an interview.
“It’s absolutely clear that we are not releasing a new album, we are not writing new songs, we are not going on the road… But there are people who approach us with projects,” continues the who wrote five of the eleven songs for the first opus of Beau Dommage, released in 1974.
When the Productions Martin Leclerc team asked them to revisit pieces from their five albums in symphonic versions, the seven members of Beau Dommage said “yes”.
Each of them suggested pieces. If the final choice has not yet been made, Pierre Huet names La complainte du phoque en Alaska as an essential song whose arrangements lend themselves well to an orchestral version.
Written by Pierre Huet and composed by Pierre Bertrand, Robert Léger and Michel Rivard, Un incident à Bois-des-Filion, lasting 20 minutes in its full version, will also be among the pieces performed. “That one was close to our hearts. She’s going to be there and it’s going to be very, very beautiful,” reveals the one who acts as artistic advisor for this project, just like drummer Réal Desrosiers.
Regarding the choice of other songs, Pierre Huet affirms that they will also listen to the opinion of Adam Johnson, the conductor, as well as that of Antoine Gratton, who will sign the arrangements and musical direction.
Eleven performers, including some former candidates from La voix or Star Académie, will add their talent to the instruments of the Orchester Métropolitain: Alexandre Désilets, Allyson Pétrin, Audrey-Louise Beauséjour, Audrey-Michèle, Coral Egan, David Latulippe, Franck Julien, Jules, Krystel Mongeau and Lyxé.
Will the members of Beau Dommage take the stage during the premiere of the show, on August 31, 2024, at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place des Arts? “I don’t see why we would shy away from our pleasure,” replies Pierre Huet, who however did not indicate whether Beau Dommage would perform a song.
Regarding their presence at other events surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Beau Dommage album, “we will go on a case-by-case basis,” he indicates, depending on the state of health of each person, in particular. However, we feel that the group hopes to be able to attend the majority of these tributes. “It’s as if your grandchildren brought you gifts,” illustrates the lyricist.
In addition to Montreal, We’ve known each other for 50 years will be presented in Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke and Quebec.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public this Friday.
