Made up of pianists Amélie Fortin and Marie-Christine Poirier, Duo Fortin-Poirier have distinguished themselves with fiery four-hand interpretations, remarkable for their vitality and wit. A close affinity between their playing styles along with a sharp, shared sensitivity fuel their extraordinary ensemble playing.
Since its formation in 2005, the Duo Fortin-Poirier has made it its mission to encourage the creation of new music for piano four hands by regularly collaborating with living composers and arrangers. The duo is also known for having developed the choreographic piano duet, a new technique inspired by synchronized swimming and dance.
Very active on the North American scene, the Duo Fortin-Poirier has distinguished itself in Canada and internationally, receiving grants, first prizes and awards (1st prize the Canadian Music Competition; 2nd Prize at the 2013 Concorso Pianistico Internazionale Roma; finalists at the 2009 Concours international de piano à quatre mains de Valberg and the 2011 Liszt 200 Chicago International Duo Piano Competition; Special Jury Mention at the 2010 International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition; and scholarships from the arts councils of Montreal, Québec and Canada.
The duo’s new production, Nuit blanche, earned the two pianists a nomination for the 2023 Opus Awards in the Concert of the Year – Multiple Repertoire category. The eponymous album of this concert is listed in the CBC’s Top 20 Classical Albums of 2022. Their three albums are also regularly broadcast on Espace Musique and Ici Radio-Canada Première.
