04/15/25

Clémence DesRochers

Clémence DesRochers, born on November 23, 1933, in Sherbrooke, Québec, is a versatile artist known for her work as a comedian, singer-songwriter and broadcaster. She studied at the Conservatoire de Musique et d’Art Dramatique de Montréal, which helped refine her skills for a career that began in the late 1950s. Her early performances in cabarets, such as Montréal’s St-Germain-des-Prés, established her as a significant figure in Québec’s entertainment scene. DesRochers was also part of the influential group Les Bozos and created her own cabarets, including La Boîte à Clémence and Le Fournil, which were vital in shaping Québec’s cultural landscape.

Throughout her career, DesRochers became known for her unique combination of monologue, song, satire, and poetry, often focusing on women’s lives. Her shows, including Les Girls (1968), marked a cultural turning point, addressing feminist themes and offering a critical yet playful look at societal norms. Her work was bold, and Les Girls made history as the first all-female produced show to challenge traditional portrayals of women in entertainment. Her poems, short stories, songs, and monologues continued to reflect the realities of Québécois women, with her works being performed by various artists, including Edith Butler and Renée Claude.

DesRochers became renowned for presenting both humorous and poignant reflections on Québec’s identity, culture, and the role of women in society in her role as a host on CBC for many years. She continued to tour and make recordings with LP Pro-Culture as well as work with Radio-Canada throughout her career. Her performances gained widespread acclaim for their candid, tender, and sometimes caustic nature, making her one of the most influential figures in Québécois entertainment.

Over the years, DesRochers’ contributions to music and theatre earned her numerous accolades, including the Prix Denise-Pelletier (2005), the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2009), and multiple honors from SOCAN and the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec. She was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Québec (2001) and an Officer of the Order of Canada (2010), securing her place as one of Quebec’s most beloved and impactful cultural icons.

Related Contents:

Édith Butler

La Vie d’Factrie

Clémence DesRochers

Québec

Suggested Sources:

The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Clémence DesRochers.” Last modified July 27, 2016. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/clemence-desrochers-emc.

The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Clémence DesRochers.” Last modified September 29, 2011. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/clemence-desrochers

Clémence DesRochers Official Website. “Biographie.” Accessed March 23, 2025. http://www.clemencedesrochers.ca/html/biographie.html.

National Film Board of Canada. “Clémence DesRochers: Among the Gods.” Accessed March 23, 2025. https://www.nfb.ca/film/clemence_desrochers_among_the_gods/.

04/15/25

Fiddling In Canada

The Evolution of Fiddling in Canada: A Musical Tradition Rooted in History

One of Canada’s most resilient and dynamic folk traditions is the practice of playing the fiddle. Canada’s rich history of fiddling stretches back to the 17th century and has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of rural communities across the country. Until around 1960, fiddling was the dominant medium of dance music in Canada, providing a soundtrack for social gatherings, celebrations, and community events. Rooted in the musical practices of the British Isles, French-Canada, and various Indigenous communities, fiddling has not only reflected the nation’s diverse cultural heritage but has also served as a lens through which the development of Canadian society can be viewed. Through its continuous evolution, fiddling has remained the nation’s premier instrumental folk tradition, with more practitioners today than ever before in history.

The history of fiddling in Canada is marked by early written records that date back to 1645, when violins were first documented in New France. In the following centuries, fiddle music was interwoven with social events such as dances and veillées, or evening gatherings, where fiddlers provided the lively rhythms for popular European dances. By the 18th century, the influx of Scottish, Irish, English, and French immigrants to Canada further enriched the fiddle repertoire, as various musical traditions from the British Isles and beyond were introduced and adapted. Scottish and Irish immigrants, in particular, played a key role in spreading fiddling traditions across the country, with distinctive regional styles emerging in places like Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and parts of Québec.

A significant aspect of Canadian fiddling history lies in its interaction with Indigenous and Métis communities. As European settlers introduced fiddling to the continent, fiddling became a central to many diverse communities, particularly in northern Ontario, the Prairies, and the northern territories. Métis fiddling, which blended Indigenous, French, and Scottish musical influences, flourished as a unique tradition that quickly spread and ultimately developed its own distinct sound. By the late 19th century, Canada had developed many broad regional styles of fiddling, each shaped by the unique cultural influences of its inhabitants such as: French-Canadian, Scottish, Irish, and Métis. Despite the interactions and cross-pollination of these styles, each maintained its distinct characteristics, which continue to be celebrated in contemporary Canadian fiddling. There are over ten Canadian regional fiddle styles recognized today.

Fiddling remains an active and vibrant practice in Canada. The rise of formal instruction and modern media, such as recordings, radio, and television, has brought new audiences to the tradition, while the influence of earlier fiddlers can still be heard in performances across the country. From its origins in 17th-century New France to its modern-day revival, fiddling has endured as a testament to Canada’s diverse and rich cultural tapestry, offering a window into the social and historical forces that have shaped the nation. As more Canadians take up the fiddle, this tradition will continue to evolve, ensuring that the music of the past remains alive and relevant to the present day.

 

Related Contents: Voyageurs, Les Rats d’Swompe, Red River, Manitoba, Québec, Acadia

 

Suggested Sources:

Canada’s History. “Métis Violin,” Canada’s History, last modified December 11, 2019, https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/arts-culture-society/metis-violin.

The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Fiddling,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, accessed March 10, 2025, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/fiddling-emc.

Burnyeat, Michael. “Fiddling in Canada.” YouTube, October 29, 2017. https://youtu.be/2LBOUB2PWfo?feature=shared.

“Fiddling Around the World: Canada,” Fiddling Around, accessed March 10, 2025, https://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/canada/.

04/15/25

Angèle Arsenault

Angèle Arsenault, a pioneering Acadian singer, songwriter, and broadcaster, made significant contributions to both the music world and her community. Born in Abrams Village, Prince Edward Island, on October 1, 1943, Arsenault’s career spanned several decades, blending her natural talent with her commitment to promoting the Acadian culture. Throughout her life, she was celebrated for her infectious energy, distinctive humor, and captivating melodies. Her 1977 album Libre, which sold over 200,000 copies, earned her the prestigious Félix Award for Best-Selling LP.

From a young age, Arsenault demonstrated her musical talents as a pianist guitarist and by winning a televised singing contest at 14. Her academic background and interest in literature, paired with her passion for traditional Acadian songs, helped shape her distinctive style. Arsenault’s bold move to write and perform her own songs in both French and English was a defining moment in her career, thanks to the encouragement of impresario Lise Aubut. She became known for her ability to blend playful social commentary with upbeat tunes, which resonated widely with audiences across Canada and beyond.

Beyond music, Arsenault was a gifted broadcaster and actor, hosting several television programs and acting in popular films and series. She brought a warmth and relatability to every role, becoming a beloved figure in the Acadian community. Her shows, including Avec Angèle and Le Radio-café Provigo, showcased her multifaceted talents, while her appearances in television commercials and as a cultural ambassador only solidified her place in Canadian entertainment history.

Arsenault’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Her awards, including the Officer of the Order of Canada and the Member of the Order of Prince Edward Island, highlight her lasting impact on the cultural landscape. With her music, her advocacy for French language and culture, and her joyful spirit, Angèle Arsenault remains an iconic figure who celebrated her Acadian heritage by sharing it with the world.

Related Contents: Acadia, 1948-1980

Suggested Sources:

  • Taylor Rachelle, Durrell Bowman, Suzanne Thomas, and Hélène Plouffe. “Angèle Arsenault.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published June 10, 2008; Last Edited July 17, 2015.