Société de musique contemporaine du Québec

The Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of contemporary music, both international and Canadian. Founded in Montreal in 1966, it is one of the oldest and most prominent new music societies in Canada.

History

The SMCQ was established through the efforts of several leading Montreal composers and musicians, including Wilfrid Pelletier (then director of the music section of the Ministère des Affaires culturelles du Québec), Jean Papineau-Couture, Maryvonne Kendergi, Serge Garant, and Hugh Davidson. Jean Vallerand and Pierre Mercure were also involved in initiating the project. The first president of the SMCQ was Jean Papineau-Couture, who served from 1966 to 1972.

The society aimed to foster contemporary music by organizing concerts, commissioning works, and supporting new compositions. Its statutes emphasize the objective of disseminating and promoting contemporary music of both Canadian and international origin.

Activities and Ensemble

The first SMCQ concert took place on December 15, 1966, at Salle Claude-Champagne in Montreal, featuring works by Pierre Boulez, R. Murray Schafer, Harry Mather, and Serge Garant. Initially, the organization was fully subsidized by the Ministère des Affaires culturelles du Québec, later receiving additional support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Greater Montreal Council of Arts.

In 1968, the SMCQ established its performing ensemble, originally called the Groupe instrumental de Montréal until 1971. The ensemble is conducted by the society’s artistic director, a role held by Serge Garant from 1966 until 1986, followed by Gilles Tremblay (1986–1988), and Walter Boudreau from 1988 onward. The size of the ensemble varies depending on the repertoire, occasionally comprising as many as 45 musicians.

In 1982, the ensemble was recognized as the “ensemble of the year” by the Canadian Music Council. In 1990, two smaller groups were formed offshoot from the main ensemble: the Midi-Ensemble, consisting of eight instrumentalists, and the SMCQ Trio, featuring flute, piano, and cello.

Significance

Over its decades of existence, the SMCQ has played a critical role as a catalyst in the contemporary music scene in Quebec and Canada. It has organized important recurring artistic projects and fostered new music by Canadian and international composers. The society is recognized for its dedication to innovation and excellence in contemporary music performance and education.

Business Registration Number: 124401506RR0001
Country: Canada
Location: Montreal, Quebec

The Société de musique contemporaine du Québec remains a cornerstone institution for contemporary music in Canada.