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About Us

Grosse Isle

The traditional music trio Grosse Isle was born out of the “absolutely magical” collaboration between three exceptional musicians from Quebec and Ireland (The Irish Music Magazine). Together, Sophie Lavoie (fiddle, piano, vocals), François-Félix Roy (guitar, podorhythmie), and Fiachra O’Regan (uilleann pipes, whistle, banjo & vocals) shine with their rich and enveloping music. These musicians all have a national and international reputation.

In 2016, the first album of the duo Sophie & Fiachra with André Marchand, entitled Un Canadien errant, was hailed as “a striking musical experience” (Le Devoir). In 2018, the group dazzles with Portraits, “a work of art in itself” (Roots Music Canada), “a real treasure” (Folkword) unanimously applauded by critics. Both albums received a nomination at the ADISQ awards in the category “Album of the Year-Traditional”. The latest album Le bonhomme sept heures / The Bonesetter was launched in 2021 by this three-artist group, who henceforth bear the new name Grosse Isle. All three albums have been nominated in the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The band name refers to the story of the mass arrival of the Irish in the 19th century, on Grosse Île in the St. Lawrence River, as they fled the Great Famine. It is a striking encounter between two peoples and two cultures.

Fusing Irish and Québécois repertoire with original compositions, Grosse Isle presents pieces from the album The Bonesetter as well as many surprises on stage! The harmonious blend of the two cultures, the authenticity and the immense talent of the artists give a sublime result! From laments to more rhythmic songs, the concert is varied and showcases the 1001 colors of the band.

In addition to performing at several traditional music festivals in Quebec, the musicians have also performed in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and of course, Ireland!

Sophie Lavoie

“One of the rising stars of Québécois music”
fRoots magazine

“Sophie Lavoie is also a sublime composer on Celtic/French terrain”
folkworld.de

“lovely voice and expert fiddling”
Songlines magazine, UK

“Her tune compositions are lithe and masterful”
The Irish Times

Sophie Lavoie is a musician (fiddle player, pianist and singer) and ethnomusicologist from Lac-Saint-Jean, in Québec. She has recorded on numerous albums acclaimed by critics and has been described as a “sublime composer” (Folkworld) and an “expert fiddler” (Songlines Magazine). Her latest album Bleu bleu, entirely original, is « a gem » and « has captured the essence of quebecois music » (Fiddler Magazine). sophielavoie.ca

François-Félix Roy

“une voix claire et un jeu plein de finesse à la guitare” Guido Festinese, Giornale della musica (Italie)

“His music is united by fresh arrangements [and] deft fingerstyle guitar work” Li Robbins, Songlines Magazine (UK) 

“If [his solo album] is anything to go by he will only continue to impress” Li Robbins, Songlines Magazine (UK)

Aldor Emerging Artist Award winning guitarist and singer François-Félix Roy (Festival Trad Montréal 2022) is a new and refreshing rising star in the Québécois traditional music scene. His unique approach combines the liveliness of traditional music with the nuance and subtlety folksingers are known for. From spirited war songs to introspective laments, his skillful guitar playing is empowered by the vibrancy of typical French-Canadian foot percussion. His concerts also feature instrumental reels and waltzes, reimagined through delicate fingerstyle arrangements. François-Félix launched his debut album Peines perdues in 2023, produced by Éric Beaudry (De temps antan, La bottine souriante). Its success has carried him to a variety of reputable venues, including the National Theater of Genova in Italy. His music has earned prizes in Canada and in the USA, where juries have lauded his instrumental mastery as well as the genuineness of his enthralling performances. He has shared the stage with many renowned artists such as Italian virtuoso Beppe Gambetta and Oji-Cree songwriter Aysanabee. francoisfelixroy.com

Fiachra O'Regan

“Fiachra’s piping is particularly impressive, sometimes wild like Paddy Keenan,  sometimes more delicately restrained like Liam O’Flynn could be, and always spot on”
fRoots Magazine

“Fiachra’s pipes shine on the modern irish jig Sport
folkworld.de

“…O’Regan’s piping is characteristically subtle, unfussily anchoring the trio…”
The Irish Times

Fiachra O‘Regan, from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, plays Irish music on the Uilleann Pipes and Whistle, He is a senior All Ireland Champion on both these intruments. Fiachra has performed throughout the world, touring in his own group as well as with many other artists and groups. He is also saught after as a teacher in private lessons and at festivals. In 2008, Fiachra recorded Aisling Gheal, his first solo album, and has since recorded three albums with quebecois fiddler Sophie Lavoie, as well as appearing as a guest on many other albums. More info can be found on his website: fiachrapipes.com

© 2024 Grosse Isle