Vagues et ombres
(waves and shadows)
An ode to the aquatic world that surrounds us.
Immerse yourself in a world of colours and textures with the music of Claude Debussy and Luna Pearl Woolf, and the magical shadow theater of Mere Phantoms in Vagues et ombres (waves and shadows). The program includes original arrangements of works by Debussy including his iconic symphonic work, La Mer. A sonic evocation of the underwater world of belugas in the St. Lawrence River estuary, Woolf's Contact addresses an urgent situation affecting the marine ecosystem in Quebec.
This show was the subject of a film-concert released in 2021 and of an album published under the Alpha Classics label in 2022.
Music program
Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Des pas sur la neige, Passepied, Clair de lune
Luna Pearl Woolf (born in 1973):Contact*
Claude Debussy:La Mer
I. De l’aube à midi sur la mer
II. Jeux de vagues
III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer
Debussy's pieces are arranged by Thibault Bertin-Maghit.
*commissioned by collectif9
Creative team
Concept and artistic direction: Thibault Bertin Maghit
Music: Claude Debussy, Luna Pearl Woolf
Shadow theatre: Mere Phantoms (Maya Ersan, Jaimie Robson)
Lighting design (film-concert): Martin Sirois
What they said
“Contact, [...] a "sound evocation of the underwater world of belugas [...]" where the strings swarm, the energies meet and create a bewitching harmony. A captivating record. Both modern and timeless.”
- Le Soir
“...a spellbinding album that pays a passionate, sensory homage to the music of Claude Debussy. Vagues et Ombres by the Montrealers of collectif9 adds another beautiful milestone to the impressive career of a chamber orchestra unlike any other.”
- PAN M 360
“The fourth Étude sounds so natural for string nonet that for a moment one believes this was how it was conceived; ...La Mer concludes the programme and works extraordinarily well [...] recreating Debussy’s magical score afresh.”
- Gramophone
“Debussy's cycle of symphonic sketches gains a vitality of texture, rhythmic motricity and dare we say it ... also of colors [...] Superb reinterpretation of Debussy by a very in tune, admirably articulated collective.”
- Classic News
