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Once upon a time, there was a modern Quebec composer, one of the most performed in the world, who wrote a concerto for violin, cello, and piano with a large orchestra. Few were his colleagues who had dared to do that. Only one, really, had created a masterpiece (and what a masterpiece!): Beethoven. Hétu’s concerto (which is called the Triple Concerto, like its illustrious predecessor) was played only once in its intended form, on July 26, 2003, at the Amphithéâtre de Lanaudière under conditions, they say, that were not very favourable (which had nothing to do with the quality of the performers at the time, OSM/Jacques Lacombe and Trio Hochelaga, but rather due to temperature issues and the arrangement of the musicians because of a nearby choreographic performance). As a result, and with the exception of a chamber interpretation at the Conservatoire de Montréal in 2025, no ears have had the opportunity to appreciate this music since.
INTERVIEW WITH ANNE ROBERT ON THE HISTORY OF THIS CONCERTO (Watch the video interview below)
On April 17, 2026, at the Maison symphonique de Montréal (which didn’t even exist in 2003!), the “resurrection” of Jacques Hétu’s Triple Concerto will take place in due form. One could even say that it will be its true birth, given that the conditions will, this time, be perfect. For the occasion, the Orchestre métropolitain (OM) will be conducted by François Leleux, and the solo performers will be the three members of the Trio Hochelaga (for whom the concerto was written), namely Anne Robert on violin, Dominique Beauséjour-Ostiguy on cello, and Dantonio Pisano on piano. Hétu (who passed away in 2010) will also have the immense pleasure, from his celestial seat, to share the stage with his friends Maurice Ravel (the suite Ma Mère l’Oye), Mel Bonis (1858-1937) (Le Rêve de Cléopâtre), Georges Bizet (Symphony in C major).
It should be noted that this program will be produced on a tour through the Montreal boroughs, with a few modifications: Hétu will be played ONLY during the concert at the Maison symphonique, whereas in the boroughs, it will be replaced by the Pelléas et Mélisande suite by Gabriel Fauré.
DETAILS AND TICKETS FOR THE PROGRAM TITLED COLOUR PLAY
I spoke with the violinist Anne Robert about Hétu’s Triple Concerto and its tumultuous history.
