Quebec composer raises money for Ukraine through music (7 photos)

Dozens of locals headed to The Loft at the Algoma Conservatory of Music this afternoon to enjoy a soothing collection of music from pianist Christian Malard.

Travelling from Quebec, the Sault is Malard’s first stop on a tour where he’s raising money for Ukraine through ticket sales.

“Last year, when the war was starting, I felt compelled to compose some music for Ukraine,” he told attendees.

Malard’s show was broken into two segments – the first featuring some of his older music, and the second featuring newer songs he composed for Ukraine.

He performed with a trio of instruments, which included a pair of electronic keyboards he brought from Montreal, as well as a traditional piano.

Proceeds from the first 50 tickets will go towards St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the rest will go towards the Ukrainian community through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

Some of Malard’s family were in the audience on Saturday, including his son who married a Ukrainian woman.

Every attendee was provided with a free CD of Malard’s music following the show.

Malard received the bronze medal in 2017, silver in 2019, and gold in 2021 for original compositions in the adult category at the Festival de Musique de Sorel-Tracy in Quebec.