Reels and Waltzes: The Enduring Sound of Montmagny’s Accordionists

For more than three decades, the small Quebec municipality of Montmagny has been hosting the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon. This world-renowned accordion festival attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually. But Montmagny’s accordionists had been igniting passion for their instrument of choice long before the creation of an international event. In fact, the fire has been burning brightly in the region for over a century!

This exhibition showcases a number of influential amateur musicians who were active in the Montmagny area during the second half of the 20th century, all of whom left their mark on local musical traditions. The different pages address a wide range of questions: How did Montmagny’s accordionists learn to play? Who influenced them? Where did they play? How did they pass on their knowledge and their repertoires? What sort of cultural setting did they grow up in?

But rest assured, the music remains front and centre!