A landmark contemporary Québécois composer passed away Thursday evening.
Gilles Tremblay (September 6, 1932 – July 27, 2017) was a significant player in the province’s compositional landscape beginning in the 1960s. By the 70s, Tremblay’s legacy had already been established with works such as Fleuves (1976) and Vers le soleil (1978).
A native of Saguenay, Tremblay studied at the Quebec Conservatory of Music in Montreal (CMM), followed by studies at the Paris Conservatory and in Darmstadt with Messiaen, Boulez, Stockhausen, Xenakis, and Pierre Schaeffer. Returning to Quebec in 1961, Tremblay began his teaching career at the Orford Arts Centre, followed by the Quebec Conservatory of Music in Quebec City, then returning to the CMM before retiring in 1997. Notable students of his include Claude Vivier, Isabelle Panneton, and François Dompierre.
Tremblay is known for building bridges between past and present musical styles, while staying away from overt references to Québécois or Canadian cultures. Notable accomplishments include a commission for Expo 67, as well as being awarded the Denise Pelletier Award for the highest level of distinction in Quebec’s performing arts.
“His compositions are pure, expressive and innovative while displaying a deep respect for tradition,” Walter Boudreau, Artistic Director of the Quebec Contemporary Music Society, said of Tremblay in a press release. “An entire portion of Quebec’s history and music has departed along with him.”
Gilles Tremblay’s funeral is scheduled for this Friday at the St. Albert Le Grand Church in Montreal.
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