"We are proud to provide a remarkable local artist, already recognized internationally, with the opportunity to be heard and seen by millions of viewers from around the world. With the special participation of Alain Lefèvre at the opening ceremonies, the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada will once again demonstrate its distinctiveness", expressed President and CEO of Octane Racing Group Inc. and President of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, François Dumontier. "We are also very happy that Alain has agreed to interpret parts of his repertoire during our inaugural gala "The Grand Evening" on Thursday, June 6, with other artists, to support the Fondation de l'Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal and the Canadian Olympic Foundation, beneficiaries of the proceeds generated by this prestigious event."
"It is with deep gratitude that I welcome the innovative initiative of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada and its president, making way for an artist from the world of classical music to interpret the Canadian national anthem on the piano in the few minutes preceding the start of the race on June 9. This unusual encounter between two very contrasting worlds will hopefully be an inspiring testimony for future major events, whether for sporting purposes, humanitarian or otherwise in an effort to increase the appreciation of less popular art forms", declared Alain Lefèvre.
"Acclaimed as a "hero" (Los Angeles Times), a "spectacular pianist" (Fanfare), a "smashing performer" (Washington Post), an "artistic winner" (Music Week, London), and as "the 10 most agile fingers to have emerged from Quebec…" (Toronto Star), Canadian pianist and composer Alain Lefèvre has a sparkling international career, touring repeatedly world-wide, performing to prestigious venues, in recital and with international orchestras and leading conductors", can be read on the website of the artist who recently returned from a major tour in Asia. He has been invited, among other artists, by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, the China Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra. Artistic Ambassador of the Festival de Lanaudière, he will participate in the opening concert on July 13. Winner of a Juno Award, 9 Felix (ADISQ) and numerous other awards, we owe him the revival of the forgotten work of genius of pianist and composer André Mathieu, on record and on stage, in capitals such as Paris, London, Berlin and Shanghai. He will commemorate Mathieu on December 10, at Carnegie Hall in New York. He was also invited on the famous American journalist Charlie Rose's show broadcasted on PBS, to speak about Mathieu and the film "The Child Prodigy", directed by Luc Dionne and produced by Denise Robert, accomplishing his first film as a music director.
During his participation at the inaugural gala "The Grand Evening" on Thursday, June 6 and at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Sunday, June 9, Alain Lefèvre will perform on a piano generously provided by Yamaha Canada. Recordings of Alain Lefèvre can be purchased on the Analekta label and his life and career can be read in the biographical portrait by Georges Nicholson and published by Druide.