Guy Soucie, the founder and former director of the Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal, passed away on Monday, , at the age of 94. Soucie transformed the historic chapel into a renowned music venue, dedicated to making classical music accessible to a wider audience.
Born in Matapédia, Quebec, Soucie had a diverse career in Montreal’s cultural sector before establishing the Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur in . His vision centered on creating an intimate space for musical performance, recognizing a gap in the city’s venue landscape. As he observed, there was a need for smaller halls suitable for chamber music and emerging artists.
The Chapelle quickly became known as a “model of democratizing classical music,” according to the City of Montreal’s website. Soucie’s approach wasn’t simply about providing affordable concerts; it was about fostering a welcoming environment for both performers and audiences. He equipped the chapel with a Fazioli grand piano, described as perfectly complementing the space and delighting the hundreds of artists who performed there.
Soucie’s leadership spanned 25 years, culminating in his retirement as director in . During his tenure, the Chapelle served as an incubator for talent and new musical works, offering free concerts and a platform for emerging musicians. He was recognized for his contributions with the Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Pléiade and two Opus Awards from the Conseil québécois de la musique.
The Chapelle’s story took a tragic turn in when the building was destroyed by fire. Soucie’s greatest wish, his family stated, was for the chapel to be rebuilt. Currently, concerts continue, primarily at the Centre canadien d’architecture, while plans for reconstruction are considered.
Soucie’s impact extended beyond the physical space of the chapel. He cultivated a community around the venue, fostering relationships with numerous musicians and becoming a respected figure in Montreal’s musical life. His family emphasized that he was “attentive to emerging talents,” actively supporting the next generation of artists.
The Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur, under Soucie’s direction, wasn’t just a concert hall; it was a cultural experiment in accessibility. By prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, Soucie challenged the traditional perception of classical music as an elitist art form. He created a space where anyone could experience the beauty and power of live performance, regardless of their background or financial means.
His legacy is one of dedication to the arts and a commitment to making culture available to all. As Simon Blanchet, the current director of the Chapelle, noted on social media, Soucie’s passing marks a significant loss for the Montreal music community. A tribute to Soucie will be held in the coming weeks at the Chapelle musicale du Bon-Pasteur.
The loss of Guy Soucie is deeply felt throughout the musical community of Montreal and Quebec. He is remembered not only as a founder and director but as an ally, a friend, and a champion of emerging artists. His vision for a democratized musical landscape continues to inspire, even as the physical chapel undergoes the process of potential rebuilding.
