While in the spring the theaters could operate at 50% of their capacity, the abandonment of the restrictions allowed them to accommodate more people in the halls and to present more profitable shows.
This recovery was manifested by the arrival of foreign artists who could cross borders more easily. This is the case of Ben Harper who came to Trois-Rivières in blues, Francis Cabrel and Boy George at the Cogeco Amphitheater.
Great Canadian Stars were also able to resume their tour. This is the case of Bryan Adams who drew 7,000 spectators to the Amphitheater in September, which made it the second most popular show after that of Celine Dion in 2016.
Poets from elsewhere were also able to find the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival, just like the dancers of the DANSencore International Festival.
Argentine Malavo Dance Troupe
Photo: Radio-Canada / Josée Bourassa
A triumphant resumption of festivals
The fear of people fleeing large crowds after the pandemic has disappeared as quickly as the wearing of masks. It is clear that people were impatiently awaiting the return of their events. The FestiVoix accumulated more than 300,000 admissions in 9 days and recorded record revenue totaling $5.2 million.
The Simple Plan group was back in Trois-Rivières after 16 years.
Photo: FestiVoix / Cyrille Farré
The music festival took advantage of the arrival of cult American groups, figureheads of the punk movement of the 80s and 90s: NOFX, Lagwagon and Face to Face. Simple Plan has also won back the FestiVoix16 years after his first visit to Trois-Rivières.
From the grandiose to the Amphitheater
The season at the Amphitheater began with an imposing spectacle, that ofsymphonic harmonium : stories without words with the musicians of the Orchester symphonique de Trois-Rivières. The concert managed to draw a few tears from Serge Fiori who was present. A moment that people will remember for a long time.
Serge Fiori on stage after the show
Photo: Radio-Canada
Then, the Cirque du Soleil was finally able to present its show Long live our divas. It had to be postponed twice during the pandemic. The acrobat show paid tribute to Quebec performers of the past 90 years.
The premiere of the Cirque du Soleil tribute series Vive nos divas took place on July 20, 2022 at the Cogeco Amphitheater in Trois-Rivières.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Yoann Dénécé
Leaders leaving
In the space of a few weeks, heads of important cultural organizations left their posts. The first in line were those of the Events Corporation: Steve Dube and Marie-Michelle Mantha, respectively Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director. They also directed Trois-Rivières en Blues and Les Délices d’automne. It is finally Thomas Grégoire, director of the FestiVoix who will take over while retaining the general management of the summer festival.
The time has come for Steve Dubé and Marie-Michelle Mantha to take on new professional challenges.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jean-Francois Fortier
Another major event in the region, the Festival Western de Saint-Tite has also lost its general manager, Pascal Lafrenière who has been at its head for the past 13 years has left his post, as has Valérie Therrien who has also left her post as director. General of the Pop Museum.
These departures could change the color of these organizations for years to come.
Artists who radiate
Some have walked red carpets, others have been decorated and some have touched the hearts of thousands.
Denis Villeneuve on the red carpet of the Oscars gala, March 27
Photo: Getty Images/Mike Coppola
The film Dunes by Denis Villeneuve was the most awarded at the 94th Academy Awards by winning six statuettes. However, the Best Picture Oscar eluded him.
Storyteller Fred Pellerin
Photo: Radio-Canada / Yoann Dénécé
Fred Pellerin was awarded the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. He is one of 85 Canadians to receive this honour, for their extraordinary contribution to the nation.
Gaston Bellemare at the 38th edition of the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival
Photo: Radio-Canada / Jean-Francois Fortier
Gaston Bellemare, the founder of the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival is also honored, this time with the Order of Arts and Letters of Quebec for having promoted, in a remarkable way, the arts and letters of Quebec not only here in the province, but elsewhere in the world.
Laura Niquay
Photo: Nomadic Music
Another accolade, this time for Atikamekw artist Laura Niquay. His album Moteskano ended up in the running for the Polaris Prize. His songs earned him SOCAN Foundation TD Songwriter Award just like the title of Aboriginal artist of the year at ADISQ.
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Culture exploded in 2022