Québec’s Rémy Bélanger de Beauport is filled with anticipation as he prepares to embark on his journey to New York City, where he will be residing in less than a week.
“It’s quite amusing, almost shy to admit, but this will be my first time in New York City,” he shared. “I’m going to the hub of the music scene that I’m deeply passionate about.”
Bélanger de Beauport, an avant-garde cellist whose music is rooted in free improvisation, was selected by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec for a prestigious five-month residency in SoHo. While the program welcomes artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and literature, only those with more than 10 years of experience are eligible to apply.
“I had never applied before, but last year I made a promise to myself that I would apply for the studio in New York for the first time, and if necessary, I would continue applying for the next 10 years until I made it there,” he recounted. “And to my surprise, I was accepted on my very first attempt.”
The residency provides the chosen artist with a fully furnished apartment in New York City, enabling them to completely immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant art scene. Established in 1981, this grant has welcomed numerous local artists over the years.
“I feel incredibly honored. My selection was based on my artistic work and acknowledged by my peers and the CALQ,” Bélanger de Beauport expressed. “Moreover, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have my own apartment in New York and dedicate my time to my art in a new environment, which brings a fresh perspective.”
The CALQ receives around 30 to 40 applications per studio per year, and only two artists are selected, each receiving a six-month residency.
This achievement marks a significant turnaround for Bélanger de Beauport, as he previously had to put his music career on hold following a random sword attack in Québec City’s historic district on Halloween night in 2020. He was one of seven people stabbed, and tragically, two individuals lost their lives.
“I appreciate that now the focus is solely on my music and not on the attack,” he remarked. “However, it’s an undeniable part of me and my journey, and many people may know me simply because of that incident.”
After the attack, Bélanger de Beauport dedicated nearly two years to intensive physiotherapy and ergotherapy.
“Every step forward was a genuine achievement. In November 2020, I couldn’t even stand up, so the moment I regained my ability to stand was a significant milestone for my musical journey since now I can perform while standing up. There was a period when I couldn’t utilize my fingers, but then I regained that ability as well,” he explained. “I try not to dwell on what I could do before and can’t do now. I focus on moving forward.”
Although Bélanger de Beauport had to make minor adjustments to his playing technique, he doesn’t perceive a notable difference in his music.
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