Flore Laurentienne

Rooted in the Québec landscape and inspired by the vastness of the St. Lawrence River, Flore Laurentienne’s music— a harmonious blend of strings and analog synthesizers—takes us on a journey to the edge of the sublime, where we find ourselves both fragile and powerful, suspended between vulnerability and wonder.

Flore Laurentienne draws inspiration from contrasting worlds: the melodic clarity and counterpoint of Johann Sebastian Bach; the narrative intensity and progressive audacity of King Crimson; and the electronic minimalism of Hans-Joachim Roedelius. From this unexpected encounter at the crossroads of classical, progressive, and experimental music, a dense and generous sound emerges, with unapologetic lyricism and dynamic textures. While deploying a unique and sophisticated language, Laurentienne's music seeks depth rather than complexity.

On stage, Flore Laurentienne comes to life through a core ensemble of seven musicians. At the centre stands composer and keyboardist Mathieu David Gagnon, surrounded by a string quartet and two keyboardists-percussionists. Over the past five years, they have developed a rich shared experience of live performance, a natural rapport and an instinctive bond that nourish both the project and the composer’s work. The power of the MiniMoog, the ensemble’s emblematic instrument, combined with the richness of the strings, creates a captivating interplay that draws the listener into a unique and memorable experience.

Since the release of the group’s debut album Volume I (2020), Flore Laurentienne has enjoyed undeniable success within the vast realm of instrumental music. The project has won over audiences and charmed critics, earning three Félix awards, a GAMIQ, a JUNO, and a spot on the Polaris Music Prize Long List. The piece “Fleuve no 1” was chosen to open the CHANEL runway show during Paris Fashion Week. Flore Laurentienne has shared the stage with renowned artists such as William Basinski, Colin Stetson, Mabe Fratti, and Brìghde Chaimbeul, and has graced the stages of numerous festivals, including Le Guess Who?, Trans Musicales, Big Ears Festival, and the Montréal International Jazz Festival. The project also stands out in the media sphere, having been invited twice for live sessions at KEXP and receiving support from BBC Radio 6 Music, Billboard, Stereogum, France Culture, Ouest France, Les Inrocks, La Presse, Le Devoir, Radio-Canada, among others.