Meditations de la Vierge Marie and Marie-Claire Saindon

Marie-Claire Saindon's Méditations de la Vierge Marie ("Meditations of the Virgin Mary") is the largest work on our program. We are thrilled to have a guest string quartet performing with us to lend a richeness to the vocal lines that already present in Saindon’s music.

Marie-Claire Saindon, composer

This work is in three-movements and offers a deeply personal reflection on the inner life of Mary in three pivotal moments: the Annunciation (L'annonce), her quiet acceptance of God's mysterious plan (Le secret de Dieu), and her expression of gratitude (Merci mon maître). The text is written by Saindon herself and imagines Mary's thoughts with warmth, humility, and humanity.

The opening movement, L'annonce, captures Mary's astonishment as the angel reveals that she will become the mother of Christ. Rather than emphasizing grandeur, Saindon portrays the vulnerability of a young woman suddenly faced with an unimaginable calling. The music balances wonder with uncertainty, allowing moments of stillness to coexist with soaring melodic lines. As Mary reflects on Joseph, her future, and her willingness to accept God's will, the work presents faith not as certainty, but as trust.

Saindon is a Franco-Ontarian composer based in Montréal whose music is recognized for its lyrical vocal writing, and sensitive treatment of text. She is a stable composer in the Cantala musical diet and has become one of Canada's leading voices in contemporary choral music. Saindon is also a composer of film scores and is an Irish Fiddler.

We are looking foward to introducing you to this beautiful work with string quartet accompaniment. Méditations de la Vierge Marie offers a reminder to all of us running through life that some of the most profound moments we experience are found in silence, contemplation and stillness.