History
“His very special music is based on the deployment of harmonic textures that vary progressively in relief and intensity” (Alain Brunet, 2022)
“Endowed with a rather singular voice in the Quebec landscape” (Réjean Beaucage, 2018)
“Simon Martin is a unique voice in our landscape and, it has to be said, on a more international scene.” (Benoît Côté, 2021)
These excerpts, drawn from the press coverage of Projections libérantes, express it well: the artistic path of director Simon Martin is unlike any other. As early as 2011, he envisioned an independent structure entirely dedicated to artistic intent. He founded Projections libérantes, a creative company that remains to this day the only organization in Quebec concert music entirely devoted to creation, with no permanent ensemble and no seasonal programming.
The clarity of Projections libérantes’ vision is reflected in the quality of its productions, as demonstrated in this summary:
- «Hommage à Leduc, Borduas et Riopelle» (2012) : selected for Conseil des arts de Montréal tour, national broadcasting, publication of a monographic album
- «Musique d’art (2015)» : recipient of the Prix Opus – composer of the year, publication of a monographic album
- «Musique d’art (2017)» : finalist for Prix Opus – creation of the year
- «Musique d’art (2019)» : creation by Ensemble Musikfabrik as part of the Montreal/New Music Festival, publication of a monographic album
- «Musique d’art (2021)» : premiered in Cologne in international co-production with Ensemble Musikfabrik
- «Musique d’art (2022)» : selected by the Conseil des arts de Montréal en tournée
- «Musique d’art (2023)» : finalist for Prix Opus – creation of the year
Simon Martin devotes himself entirely to natural harmony – the coordination of sound vibrations in simple ratios – and has emerged as a leading figure in this field in Quebec. This approach allows him to focus on the composition of sound itself rather than the traditional organization of notes. In addition to his concert works, Martin engages in ongoing research and knowledge sharing. He is the author of a Treatise on natural harmony and designs guitars, unique in Quebec, based on this principle.
Established in 2017 to support its social mission, the Projections libérantes Fund now holds $60,000 at the Foundation of Greater Montréal.