In The Footsteps Of Flamenco

Step into the vibrant world of flamenco, where Spanish tradition meets the rich musical influences of cultures from around the world. This virtuosic concert for cello and guitar takes us on a journey through the many traditions that shaped this deeply expressive art form.

Discover the roots of flamenco through the colourful music of Spain’s diverse regions, the haunting melodies of Jewish culture, the sounds of the Arab world, and the rhythms and freedom of Gypsy music.

Then, experience flamenco in all its intensity and emotion. At times explosive, lyrical, introspective or joyful, flamenco is a world of contrasts and incredible musical expression. The guitar is at its heart, driving the rhythm with passion and elegance, while the cello takes on the role of the singer, expressing the longing, heartbreak and ecstasy at the heart of the music.

The journey culminates in an original composition inspired by these traditions, bringing the concert to a powerful and poetic close.

Christ Habib is an acclaimed classical guitarist recognized for his exceptional artistry and passionate performances. He has earned numerous distinctions, including first prize in classical guitar at the National Music Festival (FCMF) in Saskatoon (2019) and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 30 Classical Musicians Under 30 (2020).

In October 2020, he made his debut with the National Arts Centre Orchestra under renowned conductor Alexander Shelley, performing Jacques Hétu’s Concerto for Guitar and Strings, Op. 56. Habib’s competitive successes span both national and international stages, consistently earning top placements.

A graduate of the Gatineau Conservatory of Music, he completed a Master’s degree and received the Prize in Chamber Music after 12 years of study with Patrick Roux. He has further refined his craft through masterclasses at the Boston International Guitar Academy and the Domaine Forget International Academy, studying with distinguished artists from around the world.

Dominique Beauséjour-Ostiguy is an award-winning cellist and composer, celebrated for his artistry and versatility. Recipient of the 2018 Prix d’Europe, the 2021 Choquette-Symcox Award, and the 2017 Peter Mendell Award, he was named one of CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” in 2018. A two-time first prize winner at the Canadian Music Competition, Dominique has performed as a soloist with leading ensembles including the Laval Symphony Orchestra and the Drummondville Symphony Orchestra.

An active chamber musician, he is a founding member of the Trio de l’Île and the Andara String Quartet, performing across North America and Europe, and joined the acclaimed Hochelaga Trio in 2018. As a composer, Dominique earned third prize in the Domicile Adoré competition organized by the Fondation Jeunesses Musicales Canada in 2020. The Laval Symphony Orchestra has performed two of his works under the direction of Alain Trudel. He is also the co-founder of BOA Experience, a collaborative instrumental project of original compositions, and released Aux deux hémisphères—an album of his complete works for cello and piano—with pianist Jean-Michel Dubé.

Dominique holds a Master’s degree in performance from the University of Montreal, where he studied with Yegor Dyachkov, and has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Mischa Maisky, Alisa Weilerstein, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Hans Jørgen Jensen, Raphaël Wallfisch, Philippe Muller, and Richard Aaron. He performs on a 1704 David Tecchler cello and a c.1855 Pierre Simon bow, generously loaned by Canimex Inc. of Drummondville, Quebec.