The Festival begins with collectif9 who will perform a varied selection of classical and folk-inspired music, in this unique celebration of the violin. Quebec’s globe-trotting collectif9 (“collectif neuf”), a nine-piece string ensemble, presents classical music with rock-style charisma, combining boldness and the highest of musical standards with amplifi cation and lighting. From Gagnon to Golijov, passing though Brahms and Schnittke, the classical and Québécois repertoire of the group is integral to its identity.