Paula Citron
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Overview
Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur
Artistic Director – Anik Bissonnette
Jul. 31 to Aug. 10
Saint-Sauveur, Quebec
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There are two summer festivals in Quebec that I think deserve a visit. The mandate of Festival de Lanaudière at Joliette is classical music, while Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur features a wide range of dance and music.
In 12 years, Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur has grown into a major international player. The festival continues until Aug. 10 in the picturesque Laurentien resort town of Saint-Sauveur, about an hour’s drive north of Montreal. The Grand Chapiteau or Big Top is the festival’s main performing space, while Eglise Saint-Sauveur is the chamber concert venue.
This year’s FASS includes three North American dance premieres, a music program ranging from klezmer to jazz and classical, and a film series. There are also a host of freebee performances. Highlights include dance companies from Canada, Israel, Brazil and Germany. I’ll be reviewing Israel’s Kibbutz Dance Company tomorrow.
The Festival is reasonably close to home and the Laurentien setting is a tourist’s delight.