At the end of each semester, the University of Montreal’s world music ensemble, under the direction of Julian Gutierrez Vinardell, presents the work of the program’s students. If you’re looking for a good, free Latin music concert (Vinardell’s specialty), featuring respectable performances of salsa, merengue, cha-cha-cha, and other classic Latin rhythms, all heavily influenced by jazz, you should add this group’s concerts to your calendar.
Last night was the end-of-fall session concert, with Julian Gutierrez Vinardell tasked with offsetting the early darkness and the (also early!) chill with good cheer, sunshine, and warmth. He succeeded rather well, playing the role of an effective, yet thankfully restrained, entertainer. The young musicians (with the exception of two additional veterans on trumpet and percussion) readily grasped the fluid nature of Latin rhythms in a program consisting of two Vinardell compositions, a traditional Dominican tune, several songs arranged for the occasion, and a version of Michel Legrand’s “La valse des lilas.”
I noticed the fine performances of David Gareau on vocals and Raphaël Labonté-Mathieu on piano. The former for his seductive timbre, his ease with Spanish and Latin rhythmic legato, the latter for beautiful improvisational and jazzy flourishes.
An evening that pleasantly warmed the vast and rather formal space of the Claude-Champagne hall, which was, incidentally, quite sparsely attended. On that note, I wonder if it wouldn’t be more interesting to offer this kind of concert in a more suitable venue like the Balattou or the Sala Rossa? The efficiency and proximity of the musicians greatly enhance the performance.
In any case, another program will be offered in May 2026. I’m really looking forward to it because I’ve been convinced. I suggest you give it a try too, if you haven’t already.
OTHER PANM360 PUBLICATIONS ON THE SUBJECT:
Entrevue de Vinardell par Frédéric Cardin il y a quelques jours
Entrevue de Vinardell par Michel Labrecque en mai 2025
Recension de l’album De Ti Lo Quiero Todo de Vinardell, sorti en 2024
