World-renowned fiddler André Brunet will be performing at the Qualicum Beach Rotary House on March 3.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, email Joyce Beaton at beatonqualicum@gmail.com.
Brunet, who was born in Lacolle, in Quebec’s Montérégie region, will be singing, playing guitar, fiddles and sharing some of the joie de vivre (the exuberant enjoyment of life) of his home province.
Growing up, it was his parents who first noticed his keen interest in music and encouraged him to follow his passion. Brunet’s first love was for the violin and, at the age of nine, he began taking lessons. Along with brother Réjean, he created Les Frères Brunet and went on to record several albums and perform at various concerts around the world.
In 1997, Brunet’s unwavering energy and refined style earned him a spot with La Bottine Souriante, with whom he toured more than 15 countries over the course of 10 years.
Although his journey with La Bottine Souriante came to an end in 2006, Brunet remained immersed in traditional music. At the Grand Masters Fiddling Competition in August 2008 — an event showcasing more than 20 violinists from across Canada — Brunet took home top honours as Grand Master of Canada.
It was the first time a Quebecer had won the prestigious award since the competition’s inception in 1990.
Today, he performs with De Temps Antana and tours the world, most recently in Scotland for the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. His passion for traditional Quebec music continues to pave the way for dance and swing enthusiasts the world over — a true journey of musical discovery.
— Submitted by Joyce Beaton
