CGE 2021-22 Mentor
Marie-Chantal Leclair
Marie-Chantal Leclair is a passionate musician who is actively involved in fostering recognition and development of the saxophone. A versatile musician, she continues to dedicate considerable portions of her time and energy to new music. Contemporary and electronic music; improvisation; new and experimental instruments – all are frontiers she eagerly explores. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to Canadian music, the Canadian Music Centre awarded her the title of CMC Ambassador. Marie-Chantal Leclair is also President of the Le Vivier group, whose fifty members are organizations from Quebec dedicated to exploring and promoting the innumerable facets of new music.
As a member of the Quasar saxophone quartet, and its Artistic Director since the ensemble's inception in 1994, she has given concerts in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Asia, and over ten countries across Europe – with more than one hundred fifty works premiered in performance to date. Quasar has been awarded OPUS prizes by the Conseil Québécois de la musique including “Performer of the Year”, on nine occasions, and the group has held the honoured title of guest soloist with the Montreal, Longueuil and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras and Hangzhou Philharmonic.
Marie-Chantal Leclair has performed as invited soloist with Montreal's Orchestre métropolitain, Orchestre Appassionata, McGill Wind Orchestra, and with the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec. A highly regarded instructor, she has held Master Classes and conferences across Canada, in the USA, Europe, most notably at the Conservatory of Bordeaux and the Conservatory of Lucerne.
She is currently teaching at McGill University.
As a member of the Quasar saxophone quartet, and its Artistic Director since the ensemble's inception in 1994, she has given concerts in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Asia, and over ten countries across Europe – with more than one hundred fifty works premiered in performance to date. Quasar has been awarded OPUS prizes by the Conseil Québécois de la musique including “Performer of the Year”, on nine occasions, and the group has held the honoured title of guest soloist with the Montreal, Longueuil and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras and Hangzhou Philharmonic.
Marie-Chantal Leclair has performed as invited soloist with Montreal's Orchestre métropolitain, Orchestre Appassionata, McGill Wind Orchestra, and with the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec. A highly regarded instructor, she has held Master Classes and conferences across Canada, in the USA, Europe, most notably at the Conservatory of Bordeaux and the Conservatory of Lucerne.
She is currently teaching at McGill University.