Jean-Michel Malouf: The man who brings music to life
October 10, 2023 - The Daily
From his deep love of music to his attention to perfect intonation, Conductor and Artistic Director Jean-Michel Malouf is one of Quebec's musical luminaries. His gentle, respectful approach makes him a humane, passionate and attentive conductor.
Olivier Bonjour - This content was produced by ATM-Journalism students at Cégep de Jonquière.
During the summer of 2023, Jean-Michel was appointed Artistic Director of the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra. He will serve as Director for both the Saguenay and Sherbrooke orchestras until the end of 2025. He will then step down from the Saguenay organization after nine years and continue his position with the Sherbrooke orchestra. A new challenge for which he is well prepared.
The catalyst
The moment music truly grasped him was when he set foot on a stage for the first time. "What hooked me were my first concert experiences in 2nd and 3rd grade,” recalls Malouf. “I was on stage with everyone, and the whole audience was applauding us. These are such galvanizing moments, still today. Being on stage generates a unique feeling... when one falls into it, it becomes an addiction.”
The trombone found a place of choice in his heart; an instrument he studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal from 1994 to 2002. Conducting soon became increasingly compelling, and the opportunities kept coming. Eventually, conducting became a permanent part of his life.
Perfect pitch
Each conductor has their strengths, for Jean-Michel, the quality of intonation is key. His focus on this aspect brings him continual praise. His approach with musicians doesn't go unnoticed either, as Marie Bégin, concertmaster of the Orchestre du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, explains: “I've always appreciated his kindness, respect and good manners towards the musicians".
Music is an emotional art form that can convey a powerful message. However, not everyone can achieve what he does, explains Ms. Bégin. “He makes music come to life, and that's what’s truly amazing, because music is alive, and yet it's often played as if it were dead when it should be in motion.”