NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA CONSERVATORY
************************
Freshly back from an international tour in Brazil, pianist Andrée-Ann Deschênes is excited to perform at The Loft again after performing for audiences in São Paulo, Natal and João Pessoa, in addition to lending her expertise and artistry to the IX Encontro Internacional de Piano Contemporâneo. Come hear some Brazilian-inspired piano music and experience a unique evening of music and stories!
Celebrated by The Whole Note as possessing “a tremendous amount of energy, humour and astonishing talent,” Canadian pianist Andrée-Ann Deschênes brings a fresh perspective to piano music. Encouraging listeners to sit back and settle into the music, she pairs her classically trained sensibilities with elements borrowed from jazz and other inspiring art forms to communicate “just the right amount of drama, power and/or grace” (Mainly Piano) each piece demands.
Placing Latin American music at the forefront of her studies, Deschênes takes to the bench with reverence and intrigue to present vibrant interpretations that spotlight her “intense virtuosity and cool control” (Villa-Lobos Magazine). Her commitment to sharing the works of lesser-known composers keeps her in pursuit of unearthing regional rarities. Her 2018 studio album, The Ovalle Project, is a direct result of this passion and drive, showcasing the unique and bold works of early 20th-century Brazilian composer Jayme Ovalle.
Daring to push the boundaries of the classical landscape, Andrée-Ann rebels against tradition. From salsa groups and jazz ensembles to accompanying singer-songwriters, Deschênes has lent her artistry to a variety of projects and performances. Unafraid to explore creative connections in unlikely places, her curiosity once led her to share a stage with Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister — but that’s a story for another time.
Her new album, Wanderings, is a mosaic of newly commissioned compositions, underscoring Deschênes’ commitment to new piano works influenced by jazz, Brazilian and classical aesthetics. Recorded at The Loft Studio in Sault Ste. Marie, the collaborative album features new works by seven esteemed composers, highlighting exploration of the spirit and the spaces it occupies. Wanderings was selected as the Record of the Week on CBC Music’s In Concert in 2024 by award-winning host Paolo Pietropaolo, as well as featured on CBC Music’s Saturday Night Jazz and Classical WSMR’s Modern Notebook, and received rave reviews in The Whole Note and Brazil’s Revista Concerto, among other media outlets.
Both educational and performance opportunities have taken Deschênes across North America, from Montreal to Toronto to Los Angeles to her current home, Sault Ste. Marie. Having earned an Advanced Diploma in Jazz (Humber College), followed by a master’s degree in Afro-Latin music (California State University), and most recently, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (Claremont Graduate University), Andrée-Ann brings considerable experience and enthusiasm to her performances and recorded works.
The show will be on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Loft. Tickets are available here.
************************