Welcome to another edition of “5 Questions with…” This week’s guest is oboe & English horn player Caroline Lemay. She has performed with Cirque du Soleil & was recommended by past blog guest Nathan Lerohl.
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What is your musical background?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been playing music. I started piano at a young age and studied privately until I discovered the oboe in high school. I immediately fell in love with the instrument. I loved the charming sound of it but also the manual challenge of the instrument with the reed making aspect. But mostly, I liked the social side of it; the opportunity to play in orchestras, wind ensembles and chamber music ensembles of all sort. I decided then to keep studying the oboe and moved to Montreal to do a Bachelor in Classical Music Performance at McGill University followed by a Master of Music Performance at University of Montreal.
Meanwhile I was freelancing in Montreal and around in multiple orchestras and classical ensembles. Right after my studies I was asked to participate in the creation of a new touring show, Cavalia, involving acrobats, a live band and… horses! The music composed by Montreal composer Michel Cusson, was very inspiring, including very rich melodies played by a “classical section”; oboe and cello and supported by the strong presence of a more rhythmical section to keep the horses dancing!
I found myself liking the touring life a lot so I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil where I ended up participating in another creation, Ovo. The music composed by Berna Ceppas, was very much Brazilian flavored and it was a nice opportunity for me to play a music style quite foreign to my instrument.
What is your favorite type of music?
I like pretty much all styles of music, but classical music is kind of home to me. I find it very complete and inspiring. I also like when musical styles are mixed up. Or when music is supporting a visual, or a visual supporting the music in a context of live performance.
How does playing for a live show like Cirque du Soleil differ from other musical performances?
The energy. The passion. Every day you find yourself surrounded by artists of every nationalities performing their best at what they do; amazing acrobatic performances. As a musician you follow them and you give the musical voice and emotion to their act, it’s very inspiring. Seeing other people of different disciplines warming up and do what they need to do to get ready to perform on stage with you is energizing, everyone is there to share his passion and make the magic happen.
Also, as an oboe player, the opportunities to play in a band are quite rare! We’re mostly used to see the oboe in a more classical environment. Ovo has allowed me to play a different style of music, and to play other instruments. Along with the oboe and English horn, I also play recorder and Native American flutes. Touring with a production like Cirque du Soleil becomes a way of life. You travel, play shows and live with the cast and crew and it quickly becomes your family and home away from home. It’s intense, challenging and very fulfilling.
Do you have any advice for other musicians who want to make music a career?
Work hard and follow your dreams. Don’t get distracted, listen to your inner voice and do it!
Who else should be a guest for the “5 Questions with…” series?
I would suggest Nathan Lerohl, very inspiring musician and band leader. (I know he already did the interview but I would suggest him anyway!)
I would suggest Sebastien Savard, amazing violin player, great entertainer and passionate musician.
I would also suggest Francis Covan, violin, piano and accordion player, musician and improviser with great musicality and beautiful to see play on stage.
And there are 5 Questions with…Caroline Lemay! Let me know in the comments, who else would you like to see interviewed in this series?
Caroline is an oboe and english horn player from Montreal, Canada. She’s been mostly seen touring around the world with live entertainment productions. Lately she was touring North America with Cirque du Soleil, Ovo, as a bandleader, oboe and English horn player.
Want to be interviewed or have a suggestion for a “5 Questions with…” interviewee? Let me know via the contact form!
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Barbara Fischer runs Fischarper, LLC and loves her job as a harpist and private music educator. She enjoys blogging about various aspects of the music field on fischarper.com/blog. For more music resources, check out the Fischarper store. Find out where you can find Barbara on the interwebs here. And you can sign up to receive Fischarper updates by joining the email list.