“An accomplished violinist with exceptional sonority and charisma.”
M. J. Fuchs (Teacher, Julliard School)
Born for the violin
Even though there were no musicians in his family, Francois discovered the violin the tender young age of 4, during a family supper in a restaurant where a violinist was performing. Amaze, François started to ask how to play the violin and even used a guitar as a violin!
He began to learn playing the violin at the age of 7 and quickly attracted the attention of great teachers for his charisma and virtuosity.
In 1984, he was chosen to play during the welcome ceremony of the Pope John-Paul II on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Francois obtained several grants throughout his apprenticeship. After graduating in music from Montreal University, Francois made the short list of young adult fiddlers and attended an international musical camp in Germany. During this session, a renowned teacher invited him to study for two years at the master’s level at the Conservatoire Superieur de Musique in Paris. Back in Canada, Francois got his Prize from the Conservatoire of Quebec.
Francois refined his playing in attending master classes and private tutoring with numerous internationally renowned violinists in the USA and in Germany, like Eric Madsen, Ivry Gitlis, Gérard Poulet, Calvin Sieb or Mauricio Fuchs.
An international career
After completing his studies, Francois was invited to join youth orchestras as concertmaster and toured throughout France and Canada.
Since then, he has never stopped exploring all musical styles (Tango, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Blues, Broadway, film score, etc.), especially during his several trips in more than 30 countries. He has played for the Cirque du Soleil Carpet Rouge in Canada, Argentina and Italy. He has given recitals and performances of his shows in the United States, Mexico and France.
On stage or in studio sessions, alone or with orchestras, Francois has accompanied the biggest singers: Johnny Hallyday, Claude Dubois, Luc De Larochellière, Amaury Vassili, Karen Young, Isabelle Boulay, Daniel Boucher, Ima, Patsy Gallant, Richard Abel, Robert Marien.
Shows for general audience
In 2010, Francois wrote his first one man show, “The Magic Violin”. This show is intended to demystify classical music for the public through stories about our greatest composers lives. This show is full of anecdotes, and Francois wears costumes and accessories. It will lead the public to live a moment full of emotions, joy and nostalgia.
Then, Francois wrote several other shows: “From Bach to the Beatles” (2012), “The Dancing Violin” (2013), “Chapeaux” (2014) and “Voyages” (2015).
On a stage, Francois is at its best. He is a charismatic performer at ease and he can switch easily from a musical style to another with the ease of those who were born to perform on stage. Depending on his inspiration and the style of music he plays, he can dance, sing, keep the beat with his foot or stay almost still as a mime. His presence on a stage never goes unnoticed. Attending one of his shows remains a unique and unforgettable experience.