This December, Bond fans were swept away into the thrilling world of espionage and glamour at Bond Symphonic, a concert that masterfully married the iconic sounds of James Bond with the grandeur of orchestral music.
Performed from Thursday the 5th to the 7th of December, 2024, at Montreal’s Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, this grandiose, musical event was produced by Les Agents Doubles Productions, Orchestre FILMharmonique, and Productions GFN. Under the inspired baton of conductor Francis Choinière, Bond Symphonic is now set to embark on a tour, with an exciting return to Montreal in March 2025.
This two-hour musical extravaganza, complete with an intermission, featured the voices of Véronic DiCaire and Benoît McGinnis. Together, they delivered a dynamic performance with repertoire spanning Bond classics like From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, Thunderball, and Skyfall.
From the very first notes of the iconic James Bond Theme to the powerful vocals of the Skyfall encore, the 48-members FILMharmonique Orchestra brought the legendary 007 scores to life with remarkable precision and emotion. Each piece resonated with an energy that transported the audience straight into Bond’s high-stakes world of danger and sophistication.
Behind the Scenes: A Dream Collaboration:
Benoit McGinnis, a gifted actor and singer with a background in theater, brought his emotive depth and storytelling prowess to the stage. A graduate of the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal, McGinnis is widely praised for his standout roles in productions like Les Belles-Sœurs and Fugueuse.
According to him, this project was a thrilling and unexpected adventure. In a recent French interview with Daniel Daignault ( Rebel mag) , he shared how the opportunity came about:
“It was an incredible proposition that came from producers Lucie and Luce Rozon, with whom I had just worked on La machine de Turing at Théâtre du Rideau Vert,” Benoît recounted. “They contacted me to say they had approached Véronic DiCaire for a symphonic show centered on James Bond songs, and Véronic thought it would be fun to do it with me. I know her a little—we’ve done shows together—and in June, I had sung with her once, but I never would have thought she’d suggest my name for such a big musical production with an orchestra!”
Initially, McGinnis was apprehensive. “I told her, ‘Do you really want me to do this with you? A big show with an orchestra like this—will I be able to?’ She reassured me, saying, ‘Benoît, if I suggested your name, it’s because I know you sing well, and we’re going to have fun.’ She wanted an actor who sings, given the connection to films, so I decided to jump in,” he explained. Despite some nerves, McGinnis knew DiCaire’s confidence in him would guide him through this musical journey.
Véronic DiCaire, celebrated for her incredible vocal talent and uncanny ability to channel the voices of music’s greatest icons, dazzled the audience with her evocative performances and versatility . Known globally for her hit show Véronic Voices, she infused the evening with the glamour and drama that have become hallmarks of Bond’s musical legacy. Her remarkable range, Bond-girl gown and charismatic stage presence perfectly captured the spirit of themes like Goldfinger and Skyfall, leaving the audience in awe.
Together, DiCaire and McGinnis created an extraordinary synergy, breathing life into the legendary scores.
Orchestral Brilliance with a Touch of Intrigue
Francis Choinière, at the head of the 48-members orchestra, highlighted the unique appeal of the Bond theme repertoire. “The beauty of Bond’s music is its symphonic depth, which has captivated multiple generations,” said Choinière. “This isn’t a cine-concert; we won’t show film clips, but there will be nods to iconic moments from the movies.
The evening wasn’t just a concert—it was an immersive experience that celebrated the intrigue and sophistication of Bond. With 25 James Bond films since 1962, the material was vast, and the production skillfully curated the greatest hits to enthrall audiences.
With dazzling visuals such as shimmering disco balls and smoke machines, paired with stunning musical arrangements, Bond Symphonic proved to be a perfect tribute to the enduring legacy of the world’s most beloved spy.
Verdict: A must-see concert for any Bond fan that blends orchestral brilliance with the thrill of espionage. Bond Symphonic leaves audiences shaken, stirred, and utterly captivated. Don’t miss its return to Montreal next year—it’s an event worthy of 007 himself.
A Triumphant Return in 2025
Bond Symphonic wasn’t just a one-night triumph—it marked the beginning of a larger journey. Following its December debut, the show will embark on a tour, returning to Montreal March 8th 2025.
For those who missed the December performance, this is another chance to experience a night where the world’s most beloved spy meets the power of symphonic music.