Stéphane Tétreault, cellist (by Pierrette Brière)

We have been hearing about 19-year old cellist Stéphane Tétreault for the past year, whose reputation has been steadily growing outside Quebec. But who is this wunderkind and what is his genealogical link to our ancestor Louis Tétreau? This is what we shall discover.

The son of Alain Tétrault and Ginette Ravary, Stéphane is André Tétreault and Pauline Leclerc’s grandson. He currently resides in Montreal with his parents, but his family hails from the Mauricie Region.  He is many times descendant of ancestor Louis Tétreau, not only by latter’s son Daniel who has passed on the patronym, but also by his other son Joseph-Marie. And although he inherited his father's good looks, the vivacious look in his eyes reminds of his mother’s.   

The budding cellist grew up surrounded by music, a passion which does not only come from his music-loving father - who played electric bassist in rock groups for many years - but from his mother’s side of the family as well (his grandfather had passed on his love for music to his children and grandchildren.) 

Stéphane was undoubtedly a child prodigy, whose superior intellectual capacities were manifest early on. “He is like a sponge for information,” his mother says, “he can remember anything after reading or hearing it once.”  

His personal interests range from history and archeology to fine cuisine and opera. More, he has also developed a passion for writing, citing Shakespeare as an early influence (the great author inspired him to write a play at age 15).  Bilingual, he studied in english and in french. At age 16, he scored amongst the top 700 students to audition that year at the University of Montreal’s music performance program. 

Demonstrating talent in many domains since early childhood, his growing passion for music and the arts attracted the attention of his parents who decided to enroll him in F.A.C.E., an arts-based school located in the enclave of McGill University, when he was still in kindergarten. One of his music intructors immediately recognized in him the ability to identify musical pitches effortlessly, a rare gift known as “perfect pitch,” and recommended that he receives training in the Suzuki Method. The violin class being already full, the instructor promissed gifts to all those willing to change instrument for the cello. Young Stéphane agreed to the switch. “ She bought me three CDs once the schoolyear was completed,” he quips. Charmed by his new instrument, dreams of one day having a career as a soloist were now slowly growing inside him.   

A meeting with cellist, founder and artistic director of I Musici of Montreal, Yuli Turovsky when he was 9 years old was to greatly impact his life. Upon meeting Stéphane, Turovsky agreed on giving him cello lessons and prompted him to develop his own sound. As their relationship quickly outgrew that of mere teacher-student, Stéphane soon saw in the elder statesman not only a mentor, but something of a grandfather figure. Stéphane has been taking cello and conducting lessons with maestro Turovsky for the last ten years.     

A few months ago, our young virtuoso made the headlines. We learned that he was going to be given a cello made in 1707 by the late master luthier Stradivarius. The beauty was appraised at approximately 6 million dollars.  

A patron of the arts of Montreal, who wished to retain her privacy, saw a report on Radio-Canada’s Téléjournal in which Stéphane was soloing under the baton of reputed violinist and conductor Maxim Vengerov. Blown away by his performance, she asked that the young man be hired to play at an upcoming private party at her residence. As their relationship grew tighter, the lady asked him to find himself an instrument that measures to his talent. Although quite satisfied with his cello, the young man began his research and soon discovered a Stradivarius who was once the property of Beaux-Arts Trio founder, the late Bernard Greenhouse. As part of his will, the latter had asked that the cello not be put into a museum, but lent to a promising talent. The paperwork duly filled out, Stéphane slowly began to befriend his new instrument.   

While he grows fond of the Stradivarius, Stéphane nevertheless stays grounded. “This cello allows me to surpass myself,” he says. Though conscious of the value of the instrument, he declined it being protected by security guards while making an appearance at popular TV show Tout Le Monde En Parle, noting that “There's no need. Dad will be there!”  

Prestigious accolades and platforms asides, the emerging artist remains a young adult prone to experimentation when opportunities arise. For example, he has recently recorded a composition for electric cello and turntable inside the elevator of a Montreal theatre company. “…It was also in line with my father’s own personal taste in music…” he says, confessing having truly enjoyed the experience. As a matter of fact, his father travels with him whenever he gets the chance. “… I like to know he is there for me; it reassures me and he genuinely loves it.”  

Stéphane Tétreault is not only an exceptional musical talent, but an immensely generous young man who stands proud, humble and sensitive; a caring being who leaves a positive impression on everyone he meets.    

Over the course of a discussion with his loving and devoted mother, we have witnessed first hand how proud his parents, grandparents, and extended family are of him. I add that all members of the Tétreault family are honoured to count him amongst the descendants of the Louis Tétreau and Noëlle Landeau couple.   

He cherished his childhood dream to one day travel the world with his cello and play concerts. Well, this dream is now a reality. The members of our association wish him all the best in his professional and his personal endeavours. We graciously thank his family for giving Quebec such a stellar talent. This came with great sacrifices and we are hopeful they shall spend many more happy moments together.  

Sources : Ginette Ravary, La Presse, La Voix, L’Express Outremont/Mont-Royal, La Scena Musicale, Internet – Guide de Montréal-Nord. Photos from Caroline Bergeron.

Links  

Web Site: http://www.stephanetetreault.com  

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/capricciomusic 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephanecello  

Recently I attended a concert of Stéphane in Victoriaville . It was a real moment of grace .

Josée Tétreault, Varennes