Bouchard and Morisset

Bouchard and Morisset, piano duo. Victor Bouchard (born 11 April 1926 in Ste-Claire-de-Dorchester, Québec) studied at the Québec City branch of the Conservatoire de musique du Québec, where he took first prize for piano in 1950. Renée Morisset (born 13 June 1928 in St-Damien-de-Bellechasse, Québec) studied with Germaine Malépart at the conservatory’s Montréal branch and took first prize for piano there in 1947. After marrying in 1950, Bouchard and Morisset continued their studies in Paris, with Alfred Cortot and Antoine Reboulot, from 1950 to 1952. Their performance of Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos, K.365 in Québec City in 1952 launched their international career as a piano duo. After their recital in New York’s Carnegie Hall, they toured the United States and Canada many times. In their live performances and many recordings, they helped audiences discover little-known repertoire and premiered several works by Canadian composers, including Clermont Pépin, Roger Matton, and Jacques Hétu. Bouchard and Morisset received Québec’s Calixa Lavallée music prize in 1964, were named Members of the Order of Canada in 1981 and were promoted to the rank of Officers in 1985. Both of them taught at the Orford Arts Centre in Québec’s Eastern Townships. Bouchard was the centre’s director from 1955 to 1966. He also served as national president of Youth and Music Canada (1957-1959), director general of the Québec City branch of the Conservatoire de musique du Québec (1967-1971) and director and advisor for the music section of the Québec Ministry of Cultural Affairs (1971-1980).