What makes Daniel Constantineau run? Galileo's conductor is really proud to be taking on his first and most exciting challenge, that of leading his ensemble of some 30 musicians with the choristers of the Vaudreuil-soulanges classical choir in a joint concert of Haydn's Creation on December 23.

What does conductor Daniel Constantineau have to say about the work to be performed on December 23: Haydn's Creation? 

A unique experience

"We're constantly striving to produce different, high-quality concerts. On December 23, we're offering a major production, for a number of reasons. The oratorio is of such high quality that it's extremely gratifying to work on it. I never thought I'd have so much fun performing it. And everyone agrees: it's a work that everyone loves, musicians and choristers alike, and it should be just as popular with the public", says Constantineau.

Described by Claude Gingras, a respected journalist and music critic with La Presse newspaper for many years, as "a sensitive performer and an eminently respectable musician in every respect", Daniel Constantineau, retired from the Valleyfield CEGEP where he taught music, devotes some 50 hours a week to the ensemble he founded in 2010.

Supported by his board of directors, he is Galileo's sole employee, assisted by a few volunteers. The head office is located in Pincourt. He oversees all artistic and administrative management, as well as grant applications.

"Unfortunately, the Valleyfield CEGEP eliminated music from its Arts et Lettres program in the early 2010s. I suggested replacing it with a new program for music neophytes, but this was not accepted," he deplors.

Although the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Beauharnois-Salaberry regions boast a large number of visual artists and venues where they can perform, Mr. Constantineau notes that "the population of our region, and of the Montérégie as a whole, has no access to musical training and schools that teach music.

"The perverse effect of this situation is that the region's public is not as keen on classical music as elsewhere," he adds. In fact, only two or three musicians in his ensemble come from the region. What's more, "the pool of musicians who can work on period instruments, which Galileo specializes in, is already smaller," he adds.

Nevertheless, the conductor is delighted to be able to count on a sizeable core of loyal musicians within his classical ensemble. Galileo presents 2 to 3 concerts a year.

A demanding path

On a slightly sadder note, Mr. Constantineau admits that having to complete project-based grant applications for each work he produces is a huge burden. For several years now, Mr. Constantineau has been dreaming of obtaining operating grants, known as mission support, which are applied for every four years. 

"Filling out the applications for each organization for each project is extremely demanding, and we do it without ever neglecting quality. Over the years, a little fatigue has set in. Despite the letters of nobility acquired by Galileo, the awards, the nominations, the grant-makers are no more indulgent. One day a project is accepted, a few days later another is rejected, and all by the same organization. Yet the quality and presentation criteria are identical," he points out.

In addition to donations and sponsorships, Galileo's main backers are the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Conseil des arts et de la culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion.

"When you're bitten by the music bug, it's a bit like a permanent virus, but I'd like to see more regular support and stop the constant justification. On the one hand, you get a pat on the back; on the other, you're pushed aside, it becomes unequal and demotivating. I'm going to try again in 2024 to get long-term funding. After that, we'll see," concludes Daniel Constantineau. Let's hope it works out for Galileo and the public.

In the meantime, give yourself a Christmas present and see this magnificent concert.

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m. on December 23, are available on the following link or at the door of the Sainte-Rose-de-Lima church this Saturday:

https://lepointdevente.com/billets/creationhaydn.

Links to Galileo and the Choeur classique Vaudreuil-Soulanges:

https://www.orchestregalileo.com/ and their Facebook page

http://choeurcvs.org/ and their Facebook page