Tonight at the Cabaret of the Montreal Casino, the red carpet was rolled out, and eager audience experienced the latest musical chapter from one of Québec’s most compelling live performers.
With TRILOGIE, Christian Marc Gendron doesn’t simply revisit past successes, but refines, expands, and electrifies them into a masterful new production that spans 3 decades of his successful musical career.
Following the remarkable popularity of Piano Man Expérience, Piano Man 2, and Piano Man 3, this latest show feels less like a retrospective and more like a celebration of an artist at the height of his creative powers.
With a live band, energetic sax player and a trio of talented back up singers, TRILOGIE gave off an infectious energy that carried throughout the entire performance.
Gendron’s virtuosic command of the piano (from his years of experience as a piano cruise performer and accompanist ) remained the undeniable backbone of the performance, however his voice imitations of famous French and English pop stars such as Serge Fiori, Garou and Sir Elton John were not mere tributes, but reimaginings infused with personality, precision, and palpable passion.
This new production also takes on a more personal dimension, as Gendron revisits defining moments of his career and highlights key musical collaborations that have shaped his artistic journey. These segments lend the show an added layer of depth and authenticity, allowing audiences to glimpse not only the performer, but the evolution of the artist behind the piano.
The setlist, carefully curated in response to audience demand, striked a satisfying balance between nostalgia and novelty. Fans of his earlier productions will recognize beloved highlights inspired by legends like Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Stevie Wonder, while his heartfelt nods to Billy Joel and Elton John resonated with authenticity and admiration.
Yet TRILOGIE never feels predictable. New arrangements, unexpected transitions, and playful surprises keep the experience fresh and engaging from start to finish. The tribute to Gino Vannelli near the end of the show stood out as a particularly elegant segment, blending sophistication with heartfelt homage.
Backing Gendron is a powerhouse ensemble of nine musicians under the direction of guitarist Simon Godin. Their cohesion and versatility elevated the performance fully. The band matched Gendron’s intensity note for note. Equally compelling is the presence of Gendron’s spouse Manon Séguin, whose vocal contributions and natural chemistry with Gendron added warmth, humor, and emotional depth to the show.
One particularly charming moment came when Gendron shared the stage with both his wife and their young daughter, who appeared front and center as a mini freestyle dancer during a spirited rendition of I’m Still Standing. Her presence brought a sense of spontaneity and joy that perfectly complemented the show’s celebratory tone, and her performance proved she more than holds her own under the spotlight.
Photo : Monica Wong
There was a genuine sense of joy on stage throughout TRILOGIE.
Visually and musically dynamic, TRILOGIE captures the essence of live entertainment at its most vibrant: estabishing connection, between past and present, artist and audience, precision and spontaneity.
Christian Marc Gendron reminds us of something more enduring, the power of musicianship, charisma, and genuine artistry.
23 & 24 April 2026 – Cabaret du Casino de Montréal
90 minutes no intermissions
For more information please visit : https://www.christianmarc.ca/