Chanson from here and elsewhere
French songwriting is international, but its Québec incarnations are intrinsic to our local culture. Voices of chansonniers from this part of the French-speaking world have resonated at Place des Arts since its founding, strengthening the bonds between a people and their culture, artists and history. So it’s no surprise that it holds a place of honour in our programming, with performers both varied and brilliant. When you attend a performance by a Franco artist at Place des Arts, you’re sure to hear a hit from one era or another, and it’s also your job to sing along with these timeless classics, loud and proud!
Available now
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French Song
Gala de l’Adisq
November 9, 20251 performanceSalle Wilfrid-PelletierAttend the Gala de l’Adisq hosted by Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais. This 47th edition of the Gala de l'Adisq will once again highlight the excellence of music from here.
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French Song
Ma première Place des Arts | Quart de finale #4
November 12, 20251 performanceSalle Claude-Léveillée -
French Song
Du Haut des Airs Canada
November 14, 2025Salle Claude-LéveilléeFor the 12th edition, under the artistic direction of artist Yves Marchand, four emerging French-Canadian artists will come together to present a repertoire of contemporary songs written and composed by various well-known or new Canadian artists.
Paying tribute to the greats
Every Franco musician who treads the boards at Place des Arts does so in the footsteps of Claude Léveillée, a titan of Chanson Québecoise. The first Québec singer to perform solo in the Grande Salle (now Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier), he played Place des Arts a total of 14 times between 1964 and 2004. One of our halls now bears his name, in recognition of his huge role in spreading the fame of French-language songwriting far and wide.
Over the years, the crème de la crème of Franco artists across the full range of styles have conquered a growing and varied fan base. In the early ’70s, Jean-Pierre Ferland’s performances in support of his emblematic album Jaune deeply affected Québec audiences. In the ensuing years, big names from Diane Dufresne to Charles Aznavour, Daniel Bélanger and hundreds of others have also topped the Place des Arts marquée.
Stages of discovery
The list of Franco performers who have showcased their talents on the stages of Place des Arts is long indeed. And we always give the emerging generation pride of place on our marquées. The Ma Première Place des Arts competition, produced by the arts organization SACEF, has for the past 25 years supported up-and-coming talents in the Franco music industry, giving them a career-boosting opportunity to perform at PdA for the first time.
From rousing spectacles to intimate atmospheres
Our arts complex’s many concert halls welcome Francophone performers from all over the world. Over the years, Place des Arts has expanded to include new venues with more intimate atmospheres. Cinquième Salle, inaugurated in 1992, is one of these artists’ favourite places to play, allowing them to create memorable moments and up-close-and-personal connections with their fans.
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