Fernand Nault: a passion, a legacy will be on display until November 17, 2024

CHRIS KLEIN, “Floret silva nobilis” 2021, acrylic on canvas, 42 x 70 inches

Curated by André Laprise, the exhibition is a tribute to the celebrated dancer and choreographer, Fernand Nault, and features paintings by Chris Klein, sculpture by Joanne Migneault, costumes and models by Jeanne Méthé and photographs by Claude Wauthier, all inspired by the landmark ballets of Fernand Nault and the costumes designed for them by Françios Barbeau. These include Nault’s best-known work, from his spectacular production of The Nutcracker which has been performed annually during the Christmas season in Montreal for many years, to his Carmina Burana, created in 1966 for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and presented with much acclaim at Expo 67, and the hugely successful rock ballet Tommy, created in 1970 and based on the rock opera by The Who.

Fernand Nault (born in Montreal in 1920) studied dance with Maurice Morenoff in Montreal and later with prominent teachers in New York City, London and Paris. In 1944 he was hired by the American Ballet Theatre, where he became a distinguished character dancer, ballet master and later director of the company’s school. After 21 years with the company he returned to Montreal in 1965 to become co-artistic director, with Ludmilla Chiriaeff, and resident choreographer of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

Nault was also choreographer and ballet master for the École Supérieure de Danse du Québec, the school established by Ludmilla Chiriaeff in 1966. He remained active with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens for many years and in 1990 was named choreographer emeritus, a title he held until his death in 2006. Nault was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1977 and a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Québec in 1990. In 2000, Nault received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

Agora Gallery is delighted to present this tribute to Fernand Nault, an important artist in the world of dance who is perhaps less well-known in parts of English-speaking Canada than in New York City and Quebec. The exhibition is also a tribute to all the artists who work behind the scenes to make the choreographer’s vision a reality: costume designers, sewers, prop-makers and scenic painters, and includes recent paintings by Chris Klein, who was Head Scenic Painter of the Stratford Festival for nearly a decade.

Fernand Nault: a passion, a legacy will be on display until November 17, 2024; Agora Gallery will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The exhibition is presented with support from the Counseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, l’Académie de danse de l’Outaouais and the Fonds chorégraphic Fernand Nault.