Photo: Vitor MunhozCharles Labrèche began his apprenticeship in traditional dance at Drummondville’s Compagnie de danse Mackinaw, where he still performs today. He takes part in other dance projects with Les Chamaniers de Saint-Hyacinthe, La R’voyure and BIGICO. In 2023, he presented the final phase of a contemporary jig research incubator (10 pieds sous tête) at Théâtre aux Écuries, produced by BIGICO.
Trained as a classical pianist, Charles began learning traditional Quebec music at the Village québécois d’antan in Drummondville. He learns fiddle, guitar and mandolin from experienced musicians. He builds up his knowledge of these instruments through personalized training with renowned fiddler Stéphanie Lépine. He performs as a musician in several projects on the Quebec trad scene, including Les Manteaux su’ l’lit pis les bottes dans l’bain organized by La R’voyure, en 2 Temps, Les Chamaniers de Saint-Hyacinthe, the Centre de valorisation du patrimoine vivant and many others. He regularly hosts traditional Quebec music sessions in Montreal, at bars La Petite Marche and Vices&Versa.
His new indie-folk-trad musical project Paruline recently performed at the 28th edition of Les Francouvertes. His first single, Théophile, is available on all platforms.
He will be present at Chants de Vielles as a music session host, as well as with the orchestra of the veillée de danse de la vingtaine.