LARA (singer-songwriter)

LARA (singer-songwriter)
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Description

Montreal-born singer-songwriter-composer LARA presents a repertoire ranging from cabaret to world music, with jazz to gypsy overtones. With her rich voice and theatrical stage presence, she proposes original compositions which explore themes such as urban nightlife and perceptive allegories on human folly, in a uniquely personal style.

Biography

After two years' studying theatre, LARA opted for a career in singing. In September 2004, she was a finalist at the Festival International de la Chanson de Granby, where she won the Prix du Public (Popular Vote) and the prize Coup de coeur de la fête nationale de Granby.

In November 2004, she was awarded a grant in the context of the contest Mon accès à la scène 2004, for the production of a musical work. This contest is co-produced by La Fondation du Maire de Montréal pour la Jeunesse, Le Cirque du Soleil, and La Maison de la culture Villeray, St-Michel, Parc-extension. LARA composed words and music to create a musical style influenced by world music, jazz, a mix of retro and today's music. In 2005-2006, LARA created and produced with the help of Luzio Altobelli and Benoît Sari the album Kabaret Montréal, a collection of her original compositions, along with her interpretation of a Clémence Desrochers song and a traditional Bosnian song. The launching of the album took place on September 11, 2006 , at the Lion d'or in Montreal.

In June 2006, LARA gave several concerts at the 6th edition of the biennial Festival Pully-Lavaux à l'heure du Québec (Switzerland). This festival brings together both established and up-and-coming Quebec artists (such as Richard Desjardins, Pierre Lapointe, Catherine Major, Chloé Ste-Marie ...). She was awarded the Prize for the Revelation of the Festival 2006, which Chloé Ste-Marie had received in 2004 and was invited to return for the next edition in 2008. LARA returned home from this edition with a second Guy Bel trophy, that of the Best Female Vocalist, along with an invitation to the 2010 festival.

In January 2008, LARA obtained a grant from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec for the composition of her second album. Also in 2008, LARA placed 4th in the 12th edition of Les Francouvertes 2008, a Quebec competition for emerging artists on the alternative francophone scene.

While writing and composing, LARA, accompanied by her four talented musicians, continues to present in Montreal and region her concert Kabaret Montréal which includes her original compositions along with a judicious selection of songs adapted to her own inimitable style.

Members

Lara Hurni (singer-songwriter)
Cédric Dind-Lavoie (bass, doublebass)
Martin Desranleau (drums and derbuka)
Pierre-Emmanuel Poizat (clarinet, bass clarinet, melodica and percussions)
Guillaume St-Laurent (piano, accordion)

Upcoming Shows

22 November 2008, 20h30
Butte St-Jacques @ Montréal

7 March 2009, 20h00
Série Découvertes @ Montréal

3 April 2009, 20h00
Cégep de St-Félicien @ St-Félicien

Videos

LARA à Belle et Bum:

LARA au festival Pully-Lavaux en Suisse: