Maude Cyr-Deschênes and Olivier Dion Unveil “Évangéline” Musical Album

Maude Cyr-Deschênes and Olivier Dion have unveiled the musical album for “Évangéline,” set to premiere in February. This album features 14 songs that capture the deep emotional spectrum of the show. Cyr-Deschênes emphasizes that audiences will experience a variety of emotions upon attending the performances.

Historical Context of Évangéline

The story of Évangéline Bellefontaine and Gabriel Lajeunesse stems from the tragic separation of lovers during the Acadian deportation of 1755. This narrative is rooted in the poem by American poet Henry W. Longfellow. Various artists, including Isabelle Pierre and Marie-Jo Thério, have popularized the classic song associated with the story.

Production Details

The musical adaptation, crafted by Frédérick Baron and Steve Marin, dives deeper into this legendary tale. It promises to showcase more than the central characters, enriching the audience’s understanding of the story. From a total of 25 songs in the production, 14 have been released with the new album.

• Album Details: Features 14 tracks, including previously released singles “Des amants légendaires” and “Vivre malgré tout.”
• New Arrangements: Includes an updated version of the classic “Évangéline,” performed by Cyr-Deschênes and Raphaël Butler.
• Musical Diversity: The show encapsulates various musical styles and moods, enhancing the narrative experience.

Creative Journey

Olivier Dion, who plays Gabriel Lajeunesse, expresses optimism about the project. He praises the epic arrangements, noting the emotional crescendos that contribute to the show’s grand expression.

Baron, a lyricist and co-author, reflects on the album launch as the culmination of over fifteen years of effort. He notes that the initial spark for “Évangéline” ignited in 2009, underscoring perseverance through obstacles in the creative process.

Release and Performance Information

The album for the musical “Évangéline” is available for purchase online and in a physical version which can be acquired with a special issue of Échos Vedettes. The musical will be performed in several cities, including:

• Montréal
• Québec
• Trois-Rivières
• Moncton

Performances start on February 5. For more information, visit evangelinemusical.ca.