Jean-Michel Blais - mirador

Information

Composer: Jean-Michel Blais

1. muses
2. ulysse
3. pavane
4. carnavalito
5. mirador
6. quwi
7. granada
8. kyrie
9. laulasmaa
10. silhouettes
11. querelle
12. la chambre des possibles

Dorothea Ventura, Len Torrie & Marie Magistry, sopranos

Sandra Simard, Josee Lalonde & Claudine Ledoux, altos

Arthur Tanguay-Labrosse, Jean-Francois Daignault & Kerry Bursey, tenors

William Kraushaar, John Giffen & Emanuel Lebel, basses

Jean-Sébastien Allaire, conductor

Jean-Michel Blais, producer

Date: 2026

Label: Mercury Classics

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On his fourth album, mirador, Montreal pianist-composer Jean-Michel Blais shifts from contemporary minimalism to a vibrant, light-hearted maximalism. Conceived in Nicolet, Québec, and inspired by expansive global influences, including Estonian forests, Spanish caves, and Andean musical traditions, the album evokes a vivid, imaginative journey rooted in childhood wonder. Across diverse tracks ranging from sacred chorales and flamenco to courtly dances, Blais crafts rich, light-footed, and intimate compositions using wide-ranging elements like strings and choirs. Ultimately, mirador invites listeners on an odyssey back to the boundless world of childhood fantasy, transforming simple creative beginnings into expansive musical landscapes.

Classically trained Montreal pianist and composer Jean-Michel Blais (b. 1984) has established a signature style defined by intimate piano compositions and personal expression. Since his critically acclaimed 2016 debut, Il—featured on TIME’s Top 10 Best Albums list—Blais has drawn upon his experiences as a queer artist, caregiver, and traveler to craft reflective, emotionally resonant works. Signed to Arts & Crafts and Mercury KX, Blais expands his artistic perspective on his fourth album, mirador. Moving beyond adult introspection, the release offers a vivid, forward-looking exploration of childhood imagination, inviting listeners to experience his music with renewed wonder and curiosity.

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