Pianist Minna Re Shin in Concert: Sonate des Saisons – Album and Video Launch

A Landmark Album and Video Launch Blending Music, Movement, and Meaning

In collaboration with ombú productions and the Cedars Cancer Foundation, Joseph-Rouleau Hall of Montreal welcomes on Wednesday, June 10th the Canadian pianist-producer Minna Re Shin, who will invite the audience into a world where sound becomes story and the seasons unfold through music. With poetic depth and bold artistic vision, she announces the official launch of her new album and performance project, Sonate des Saisons.

At the heart of this highly anticipated event is Minna Re Shin’s world première commercial recording of Sonate en mi mineur, Op. 2 (1982) by the extraordinary Canadian organist and composer Rachel Laurin, who passed away from cancer in August 2023. A composer Shin holds in the highest regard, Laurin’s work forms a powerful centerpiece of the project. While honouring Laurin’s artistic legacy, Sonate des Saisons is foremost a powerful artistic statement from Minna Re Shin herself–an ambitious, multidisciplinary creation that reflects her distinctive voice, cultural heritage, and commitment to innovation in classical performance.

Watch the Sonate des Saisons trailer on the artist’s YouTube Channel.

A Multidisciplinary Collaboration

True to her expansive artistic vision, Minna Re Shin brings together an exceptional team of collaborators to elevate the project beyond a traditional concert experience, including director Carlos Ferrand, choreographer Shawn Hounsell, dancers Alexander Ellison, Clara Koçollari, and Arnaud Mongeon, Chinese calligrapher Ngan Siu-Mui, and animation in motion designer Loïc Bruderlein.

Through the intimate interplay of solo piano, choreographed movement, expressive logograms, and cinematic design, Sonate des Saisons becomes a multidimensional narrative. The integration of Chinese calligraphy and other Asian artistic elements–reflecting Minna Re Shin’s cultural background–creates a striking East-meets-West dialogue that is both contemporary and deeply personal.

With Sonate des Saisons, Minna Re Shin affirms her role as an innovative force in Canada’s classical music landscape. Her interpretation, creative direction, and interdisciplinary approach place her at the centre of a project that is at once musically rigorous, visually compelling, and socially conscious.

An Evening of Art with Impact

The June 10 launch event will feature a live solo piano performance by Minna Re Shin, followed by a screening of the performance video. An informal reception with light refreshments will conclude the evening, offering the audience an opportunity to celebrate this milestone alongside the artist and collaborators.

All net proceeds generated by this event will directly benefit the Cedars Cancer Foundation, in support of excellence in patient care, research, and education at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).