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History

Situated in the heart of St-Irénée, amidst the magnificent Charlevoix region, between the St-Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains, the Domaine Forget is a non-profit organization located on a vast 150-acre property. A fabulous setting and music are united in - a privileged haven – the most evocative demonstration of the expression « harmonious ».

Three eminent proprietors

What is known as Domaine Forget was originally separate properties belonging to three very eminent citizens who lived at the turn of the century; Joseph Lavergne, judge and colleague of Sir Wilfrid Laurier; Adolphe-Basile Routhier, judge and poet, lyricist of the O' Canada !; and Sir Rodolphe Forget, member of Parliament, entrepreneur and visionary who was instrumental in bringing Charlevoix into the twentieth century. Rodolphe Forget instigated the railroad project linking Quebec to Charlevoix, founded what was to become Donohue Brothers, Charlevoix's first pulp and paper mill and the prestigious Manoir Richelieu, leaving an indelible mark on the county.

Les Petites Fransciscaines

The properties were merged into one estate in 1945, when they were bought by the religious order, Les Petites Franciscaines de Marie of Baie Saint Paul and converted into an educational institution.
In 1977, under the leadership of Françoys Bernier and a group of local personalities, a non-profit organization was incorporated, Le Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, whose mission is dedicated to the performing arts, specifically music and dance.

Artistic mission

Home to an International Music Festival, a Music and Dance Academy for young and aspiring professionals, a meeting place for artists from the four corners of the globe, the Domaine Forget has welcomed over 10 000 students and presented more than 680 events. In 2004, nearly 600 students attended the Academy, 46 % originating from Québec, 29 % from other Canadian provinces and 25 % from foreign countries. The reputation of its teaching staff, recruited from both this country’s most prestigious music schools and from internationally renowned institutions has greatly contributed to attracting students from all over the world.

Major renovations

The Domaine Forget has undergone several development stages which have marked its history. In 1978, major renovations were made to some 10 heritage buildings, dating back to 1902, in order to make them more functional for both teaching and concert-going purposes. Ten years later, in 1986, in order to welcome an increasing clientele and respond to its needs, a 30-unit housing complex was added, it included five practice and teaching studios. From 1994 to 1996, in the face of this new reality, a vast rejuvenation project is set into place in order to renovate and upgrade several heritage structures.

Françoys-Bernier Concert Hall

The inauguration, in 1996, of Domaine Forget's 600 seat concert hall venue was a major turning point in its history. This hall, endowed with exceptional acoustics, has allowed the Domaine Forget to expand its role as a catalyst and leader in the organisation of high quality musical events of international calibre. This acquisition has allowed the Domaine Forget to extend its programming to the Spring and Fall seasons, giving birth to the “The Domaine’s Season”.

Reconnaissance européenne

In September 2000, the Domaine Forget was accredited as the first non-European institution, a recognition that had never before been awarded to a non-European heritage site. The “Association des centres culturels de rencontre” is comprised of 40 centres in Europe dedicated to creation and arts training. Each Centre is located on a historical and heritage site. This recognition paves the way for the development of high-calibre international cultural exchanges.

Bâtir sur le succès : major capital appeal

In August of 2003, a major $3.5M capital appeal was launched, its objective was to raise $2.5M for the improvement of its infrastructures, $1M to augment the scholarship fund and $0.5M for the creation of an endowment fund which will be used to pave the way for new artistic avenues. The total development project is evaluated at $9M, $3.5M of which represents the Domaine Forget’s share in this ambitious project. To date, the Bâtir sur le succès capital appeal has raised more $2M, a successful campaign which should reach its goal by the Fall of 2005.

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