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Our history in photographs – SLCS collection from the Société d’histoire Mouillepied

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Bertha Belasco Burland
Its first artistic director, British musician Percival J. Illsley, directed the choir from 1919 until his death in 1924.
The St.Lambert Choral Society – who used the name St. Lambert Amateur Operatic Society – presents operettas and comic operas; one production per year, with performances 3 to 4 nights in a row. Circa 1920.
Between 1919 and 1965, the St.Lambert Amateur Operatic Society​​produces 10 of the 14 comic operas composed by British duo Gilbert & Sullivan, very critical of Victorian society.
Some productions, with elaborate decor and sumptuous costumes are even presented in Montréal, at the Théâtre St-Denis and at the Mont-Royal Chalet.
Pinafore 1937
Ruddigore 1938
The SLCS in 1947
When the cost of producing such shows explodes in the 1960s, the institution must change its orientation.
The SLCS favoured sacred works, classical music and opera extracts.
David Christiani becomes the Artistic Director of the SLCSL in 1978.
David Christiani studied music in Canada and the USA and had song with different ensembles such as the ​Festival Singers of Toronto, the Tudor Singers of Montreal, the choir the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, and the OSM Choir.
Master class in Stuttgart with the legendary German choir director Helmuth Rilling (1982).
With his wife Betty Jo Seath Christiani, dean of our choir, member since 1975.
The SLCSL experiences a long period of stability under his direction.
The choir increases its collaborations and works with other conductors, instrumentalists, soloists and orchestras, presenting three concerts per year.
He has created some important musical “firsts” including the Montréal premiere of John Rutter’s Requiem (1988)
In 1994, the 75th Anniversary Gala took place at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal, in front of 2000 people.
David Christiani, Emeritus Conductor was the Director of the choir for 35 years. Named Grand Lambertois in 2000. Photograph by Johan Barkhuis
Xavier Brossard-Ménard became the 18th Artistic Director of the SLCS in 2015. Photograph by Christian Barrette