Montreal Pianist Celebrates 45 Years of Free Chamber Music

Montreal’s renowned pianist, Dorothy Fieldman Fraiberg, marked a significant milestone on October 5, 2023, as she celebrated the 45th season of the Allegra Chamber Music. This grassroots initiative aims to offer high-quality chamber music performances to the public at no charge, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.

The concert took place at McGill University’s Redpath Hall, showcasing the intimate nature of chamber music, which is often described as “the music of friends.” Fieldman Fraiberg, who founded Allegra in 1980, expressed her commitment to sharing this unique musical experience with all Montrealers. “I wanted to share that,” she said, emphasizing the importance of music as a fundamental human need.

Joining her on stage was the esteemed conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who has garnered international acclaim for his work with the Orchestre Métropolitain, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. On this occasion, he played the piano alongside Fieldman Fraiberg, reinforcing their long-standing friendship. “I love your warmth, your generosity, your friendship,” she remarked, highlighting the personal connections that define Allegra.

As the concert unfolded, Fieldman Fraiberg introduced the five talented musicians performing that evening. She praised Simon Aldrich for his quarter-century of contributions as an extraordinary clarinetist and artistic adviser. Violinist Alex Lozowski, who has been with Allegra for 19 years, was lauded for his exquisite artistry, while violist Pierre Tourville, who is also Nézet-Séguin’s husband, was celebrated for his vibrant spirit. Cellist Sheila Hannigan and violinist Amélie Benoit Bastien were recognized for their profound contributions, with Bastien notably performing just hours before giving birth.

Fieldman Fraiberg’s dedication to the Allegra mission was evident as she expressed her emotional connection to the musicians. “Through every note, rehearsal, and concert, we have become more than just a chamber music group: We’re family,” she told the audience, emphasizing the strong bonds formed through their shared passion for music.

The evening featured an array of classical pieces, beginning with Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor, a duet that Nézet-Séguin described as “the most intimate way of playing chamber music.” The concert also included Aldrich’s arrangement of Brahms’ Intermezzo in A major and Mozart’s Concerto for Piano and String Quartet No. 12 in A major, K. 414.

Fieldman Fraiberg’s musical journey began at the age of six, and she holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Université de Montréal. Her experience extends beyond performance, as she founded the Bach Before Bedtime program in 2008, aimed at introducing children under seven to the warmth of chamber music in a welcoming environment. The initiative reaches approximately 5,000 children each year, featuring engaging performances that combine classical music with storytelling.

The Allegra Foundation, which supports both Allegra and Bach Before Bedtime, relies on fundraising efforts from corporate sponsors and individual donors, supplemented by federal and provincial grants. Stephanie Riddell, a board member and past chair of the Allegra Foundation, noted Fieldman Fraiberg’s pivotal role in the organization: “Dorothy is the heart and soul of Allegra. She gives us that glimpse of the artistic side and keeps us going.”

Rehearsals for both Allegra and Bach Before Bedtime concerts take place at Fieldman Fraiberg’s home in Westmount, where her golden retriever, Frankie, often greets the musicians. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie, reflecting the very essence of chamber music as a shared experience.

As Allegra Chamber Music embarks on its 45th season, the commitment to making beautiful music accessible to all remains unwavering. The organization continues to thrive, uniting musicians and audiences in a shared love for the art form. For more information about upcoming concerts, visit allegrachambermusic.com.