Quebec is stirring up excitement as its musicians gain recognition on the international stage, with one notable group making headlines across the Atlantic. The Collectif de la Cité, a unique ensemble of string musicians based in Quebec, has caught the attention of Forbes, which featured the collective in its electronic edition on February 3. This exposure aligns with the group’s ambition to expand its reach to Europe by 2026.
Founded by the visionary musician Marie-Pier Gagné, the Collectif de la Cité brings together sixty talented musicians, specializing primarily in string instruments. They provide custom performances for events ranging from weddings to corporate gatherings. Gagné expressed her delight at the recognition: “We were very happy they approached us. This indicates we have good online presence and the collective is sparking interest,” she stated, highlighting the appeal of their service within the events industry.
Initially, the collective started with just five artists back in 2019, but it has since flourished, doubling its talent pool within five years and participating in over 100 diverse events last year alone. Gagné shared insights on her artistic and entrepreneurial voyage: “Throughout my career, I’ve done lots of studio work and tours with artists. At some point, I found the road life and unpredictability heavy to bear.” Seeking to create stability, Gagné gathered passionate musicians to explore the demand for their services, discovering it was substantial.
Unlike traditional artist agencies, the Collectif de la Cité allows musicians the freedom to take on various projects without requiring exclusivity contracts. This flexibility encourages creativity and career autonomy among its members. Gagné noted, “The goal, for us, is to give musicians the freedom of their career by providing them with other work opportunities.” This element is central to the collective’s mission, ensuring musicians can focus on their art and performance quality without the constant pressure of contractual constraints.
Reflecting on their wide-reaching services, the collective performs everything from the works of classical composers like Händel and Tchaikovsky to popular hits by artists such as Taylor Swift. They even integrate contemporary musical styles, collaborating with local DJs like Millimetrik to introduce electronic flair to their string trios upon request, showcasing their adaptability.
Within the broader music scene, the Collectif de la Cité is passionate about both local engagement and future aspirations. Plans to reach France both excite and motivate Gagné and her musicians, marking 2025 as significant for their European expansion. Gagné’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her commitment to nurturing new talent. The collective offers guidance to younger musicians stepping onto the scene, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.
Looking forward, Gagné envisions even more projects and potential collaborations laying the groundwork for the collective’s future. The decision to expand services to Europe signifies a bold step, not just for the collective but for Quebec musicians overall, creating pathways for international recognition.
The story of the Collectif de la Cité encapsulates the thriving artistic community in Quebec and demonstrates how with creativity and collaboration, local musicians are poised to make waves well beyond their borders. They are not just paving the way for themselves but also carving out opportunities for musicians around the world.