Duo Cordelia
violin & piano
PHOTO | Duo Cordelia
Duo Cordelia
Vanessa Marcoux | violin/violon
Marie-Christine Poirier | piano
As Duo Cordelia, violinist Vanessa Marcoux and pianist Marie-Christine Poirier invite you into an unexpected musical landscape, where classical compositions mingle with fresh repertoire, playful improvisation, and unconventional technique.
Both graduates of the Université de Montréal and individually recognized as talented musicians, the two have been curating captivating performances together for almost a decade. Their 2024 album “Cendres” was honoured with an Opus Award for Album of the Year in the ancient, classical, romantic, modern and postmodern category.
Wander with Vanessa and Marie-Christine through a program rich in storytelling and invention, where connections spark between genres that rarely intersect, and anything is possible.
“This contemporary classical repertoire was highly entertaining and performed so perfectly by these two brilliant musicians. Our audience enjoyed hearing about each piece, and were drawn into the performance and the chemistry on stage between Marie-Christine and Vanessa …. This is not a show to be missed.”
> Shannon Finnegan, Bulkley Valley Concert Association President
BIOGRAPHY
With concerts of “stunning virtuosity and spectacular originality” [King’s Theatre, Annapolis Royal], pianist Marie-Christine Poirier and violinist Vanessa Marcoux are making a name for themselves across Canada as Duo Cordelia.
Their performance pushes the boundaries of piano and violin, exploring new aspects of the expressive range of these instruments. Duo Cordelia’s programming includes works by Shostakovitch, Piazzola, Fauré, Aguirre, Shedrine as well as traditional songs, new compositions and arrangements, and improvisations. The name Duo Cordelia is a small wordplay on “cordes”, which means “strings” in French. It also references the character of Cordelia in King Lear, an embodiment of the values of authenticity, courage and love.
Both Vanessa and Marie-Christine hold master’s degrees from the Université de Montréal and have performed internationally. Marie-Christine also appears regularly with the Opus Award-nominated Duo Fortin-Poirier, while Vanessa is increasingly recognized as a classical and contemporary composer for concert and film.
“Duo Cordelia brought the magic of their music to communities of all sizes, uniting audiences with their passion, artistry, and unforgettable performances …. Their approachable, warm personalities made them fantastic to work with. Their performances left lasting impressions on audiences of all ages, creating an experience that was both inspiring and deeply memorable.”
> Erin Sparks, Executive Director of Debut Atlantic
VANESSA MARCOUX
Throughout Vanessa Marcoux’s career as a violinist and composer, she has received numerous awards, including the Opus Prize for Duo Cordelia’s album “Cendres.” Vanessa has appeared with ensembles such as the McGill Chamber Orchestra (2014) and the Orchestre Métropolitain (2016). Her improvisational skills have also led to collaborations with many renowned artists and Juno-nominated ensembles.
Vanessa has performed worldwide, including locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa as well as across Canada with Marie-Christine.
- Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Violin as part of her Bachelor in Violin Performance from McGill University
- Bachelor in Instrumental Composition from the University of Montreal
- Master of Violin from University of Montreal
- Continued her training at the prestigious Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon (France)
Vanessa performs regularly as a soloist and a chamber musician in an array of musical activities ranging from classical and contemporary music to world music, jazz and improvisation.
MARIE-CHRISTINE POIRIER
Since 2016, Marie Christine has been half of Duo Cordelia, performing across Canada with violinist and composer Vanessa Marcoux. Their first album was released in February 2024. She is also recognized for her work with Amélie Fortin in the Duo Fortin-Poirier, a piano pairing which has won awards and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Marie-Christine shares her passion for music through teaching, and has performed with different musical groups in Canada, Mexico, USA, Europe and Japan.
- Master of Piano Interpretation from Paul Stewart’s class at Université de Montréal
- Superior Diploma (DESS) in piano 4 hands/and 2 pianos, also from Université de Montréal
“These two performers lead us into unusual musical landscapes …. A concert of the highest caliber, delivered by extraordinary artists who offer a unique perspective through a truly innovative lens.”
> Carole Trempe, Diffusions Amal’gamme
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