Marianne Trudel

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor, and arranger. A generous and engaging artist, a veritable powerhouse in Quebec and Canada’s instrumental music scene, Marianne Trudel has presented multiple artistic projects that not only bring her considerable skills to the fore but also her keen sense of creativity. At once energetic and passionate, her music cross-cuts a wide swath of musical interests. Her moving, spellbinding music is not easily labelled, one of its many strengths. At once sophisticated and catchy, authentic and unique

As a performer, she pursues an active career in a variety of settings ranging from solo performance to: duets (MTrudel+ John Hollenbeck, MTrudel + Karen Young), trios (Trifolia), quintet (Marianne Trudel 4 + Ingrid Jensen), septet, and large ensembles. She has presented her music in various countries: Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Italy, Hungary, Lituania, and China.

She has shared the stage with many international artists, among others: Chucho Valdes, Kenny Wheeler, John Hollenbeck, Ingrid Jensen, Tony Malaby, Mark Feldman, David Liebman, Mark Dresser, Hamid Drake, William Parker, Mark Helias, Muhal Richard Abrams, Ranee Lee, Jean Derome, Karen Young, René Lussier, Charles Aznavour, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (Kent Nagano), Quebec Symphony Orchestra and Violons du Roy (Quebec) .

She has published 7 recordings as a leader, all having garnered rave reviews and numerous nominations and awards: Marianne Trudel & Karen Young — Portraits: songs of Joni Mitchell (2018) La vie commence ici — Marianne Trudel featuring Ingrid Jensen (Justin Time Records 2014) —J (Juno Awards nominee, ADISQ 2015 nominee) Le Refuge, Trifolia (2013) — Juno Awards nominee + Prix Opus 2013 (Quebec) Espoir et autres pouvoirs, Marianne Trudel Septet (Effendi Records 2011) — Nomination at ADISQ 2011 & Finalist at Opus 2010-11 L’embarquée, Duo Trudel-Bourbonnais (2009) Sands of Time (Live), Quintette Marianne Trudel (2007) Espaces libres, solo piano (2005) Her music for large ensemble can be found on this critically-acclaimed big band album: Dans la forêt de ma mémoire, L’Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal (ATMA 2015)

Marianne Trudel has composed and arranged for large ensembles and orchestras such as: Violons du Roy (Quebec), the American Composers Orchestra (NYC), the Henri Mancini Institute Orchestra (Los Angeles), the Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal, the Hard Rubber Orchestra (Vancouver), The Guelph Symphony Orchestra, the Kingston Choral Society, Oktoecho (Montréal).

Her previous studies have included a Master in Ethnomusicology (Université de Montréal), a Bachelor in Jazz Performance (McGill University), and numerous jazz and improvised music workshops in North America and Europe.

“Montréal-based pianist and composer Marianne Trudel is an influential figure on the national scene in Canada. […] She seeks to retain the crucial element of spontaneity that makes improvised music so exciting. "Dan Paton, LondonJazzNews (UK), September 2016

“The three times I’ve seen Marianne Trudel perform in person, she’s radiated rapture. Alert at the piano, she looked possessed by her music, expressions of intent thoughtfulness and unfettered joy alternately crossing her face.” — Neil Hobkirk, Wall of Sound (Canada), December 2014

“Whether she is writing for the 17 musicians of Montreal’s Orchestre national de jazz or for a trio, Marianne always puts forward a greatly refined musical offering.” — Mathieu Charlebois, L’actualité (Québec), September 2013