

“In his signature blend of music and storytelling, Montreal-based pianist and composer Jesse Plessis brings a gentle and reflective recital to ProArts, featuring pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, songs by Robin Pecknold of the American indie folk rock band Fleet Foxes, and original compositions (including pieces from his upcoming album and the world premiere of Lazarus).”
ABOUT JESSE PLESSIS I am a pianist (primarily classical) and composer currently living in Montréal. I spend my days writing music, performing concerts and recitals in the city, around Canada, and occasionally abroad, teaching some wonderful young people the art of making music, and hanging out with my awesome friends and my dog, Aida.
When I was a teenager I got absolutely hooked on classical music. It started innocently enough with Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, and Liszt, but before I knew it I was listening to Ligeti, Palestrina, Xenakis, Sorabji B-sides … you name it. With my family’s help I managed to secure as much education about classical music as one could get in the East Kootenays in the early 2000s.
Teachers and mentors are such an important part of an artist’s life. My first teachers were Douglas Lyon (in Jaffray BC), Arne Sahlen (in Kimberley BC), and Allen Reiser (in Calgary, AB). I studied in and out of academia for a long time, including at the University of Lethbridge (B.Mus with Deanna Oye for piano and Arlan Schultz for composition, as well as mentorship and friendship I will appreciate forever with Bente Hansen and Brian Black), Brandon University (M.Mus with Megumi Masaki for piano and Patrick Carrabré for composition), the Université de Montréal (D.Mus in piano performance with Paul Stewart), and I have also had the wonderful opportunity to attend classes with Hardy Rittner at the Banff Centre, Norma Fisher in London, England, and Edith Fischer in Blonay, Switzerland.
In the autumn of 2020 I developed a neuromuscular condition called focal dystonia. While working through various recovery methods, I decided to try to improve as a composer and grow a career oriented more towards writing music. To that end, I am currently pursuing studies at McGill University (D.Mus in Music in music composition with Philippe Leroux), and have been grateful to be included in special mentorship projects with Ana Sokolovic (thanks to the Opéra de Montréal) and Jocelyn Morlock (thanks to the Canadian Art Song Project).
February 25 ’25 Concert Programme:
Te Pari (“Les Falaises/The Cliffs”) Jesse Plessis
Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major, BWV 825 Johann Sebastian Bach
I’m Not My Season Robin Pecknold (The Fleet Foxes)
Jara arr. Jesse Plessis
Lazarus Jesse Plessis