Press Room 
Arion’s fundraising campaign culminates with a benefit event taking place this evening, beginning at 6 pm, in the Parquet at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. “I would like to thank the entire community of Montreal business people who have supported culture and Arion for 30 years now, and who recognize the importance of culture in our society,” stated Ms. Claire Guimond, the ensemble’s Artistic Director.
Over 350 people are expected at this prestigious benefit event. They will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert entitled Baroque Pearls, during which Arion will notably perform Pachelbel’s Canon and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto. Guests can also take part in a silent auction featuring over 85 lots. Arion Baroque Orchestra would like to thank its private partners, especially Société Générale (Canada) and CGI, as well as its sponsors: Fraser Milner Casgrain, principal sponsor of the benefit event; T.D., sponsor of the concert; and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, sponsor of the auction.
The Orchestra’s longevity is ensured by the generous support of the business community. For its 2011-2012 season, the Orchestra is taking up residence in the Bourgie Concert Hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The subscription and renewal period for this upcoming season has begun. For more information, please contact Arion’s offices at 514-355-1825.
Our Honorary President’s biography
Michael E. Roach was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI in 2006. Prior to this, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CGI, a role he held since 2002. Michael Roach continues to lead and execute CGI’s Build and Buy profitable growth strategy which has led to significant growth. As a result, CGI’s global footprint has expanded to 125 offices in 16 countries with global delivery centres on three continents, and 31,000 professionals
worldwide.
Prior to joining CGI, Michael Roach served as President and Chief Executive officer of Bell Sygma Inc., a Bell Canada subsidiary formed to provide services to Canada's full-service telecommunications companies. In 1998, he spearheaded the merger of Bell Sygma into CGI, effectively doubling the size of CGI. Michael Roach’s earlier career with Bell Canada spanned 25 years.
Mr. Roach sits on the board of directors of CGI, Innovapost and the Conference Board of Canada. He is a Trustee of The Conference Board, Inc. (U.S.), and a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science, as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. Michael Roach maintains an active involvement in the Montreal community by lending his support to various charitable projects and events.
About Arion Baroque Orchestra
Founded in 1981, Arion Baroque Orchestra is Quebec’s only ensemble performing early music on period instruments, a domain in which it is a leader in North America. Under the enlightened artistic direction of flutist Claire Guimond, the group, made up of more than twenty dedicated musicians and winner of several prestigious awards, performs some thirty concerts each year, led by renowned guest conductors on both the national and international scenes. Arion’s quality and musical finesse have garnered unanimous acclaim on each of its tours to Japan, the United States, Europe and Mexico while its impressive list of recordings, 26 in all, continues to enthral listeners both at home and abroad.
Over 350 people are expected at this prestigious benefit event. They will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert entitled Baroque Pearls, during which Arion will notably perform Pachelbel’s Canon and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto. Guests can also take part in a silent auction featuring over 85 lots. Arion Baroque Orchestra would like to thank its private partners, especially Société Générale (Canada) and CGI, as well as its sponsors: Fraser Milner Casgrain, principal sponsor of the benefit event; T.D., sponsor of the concert; and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, sponsor of the auction.
The Orchestra’s longevity is ensured by the generous support of the business community. For its 2011-2012 season, the Orchestra is taking up residence in the Bourgie Concert Hall at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The subscription and renewal period for this upcoming season has begun. For more information, please contact Arion’s offices at 514-355-1825.
Our Honorary President’s biography
Michael E. Roach was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI in 2006. Prior to this, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CGI, a role he held since 2002. Michael Roach continues to lead and execute CGI’s Build and Buy profitable growth strategy which has led to significant growth. As a result, CGI’s global footprint has expanded to 125 offices in 16 countries with global delivery centres on three continents, and 31,000 professionals
worldwide.
Prior to joining CGI, Michael Roach served as President and Chief Executive officer of Bell Sygma Inc., a Bell Canada subsidiary formed to provide services to Canada's full-service telecommunications companies. In 1998, he spearheaded the merger of Bell Sygma into CGI, effectively doubling the size of CGI. Michael Roach’s earlier career with Bell Canada spanned 25 years.
Mr. Roach sits on the board of directors of CGI, Innovapost and the Conference Board of Canada. He is a Trustee of The Conference Board, Inc. (U.S.), and a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science, as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. Michael Roach maintains an active involvement in the Montreal community by lending his support to various charitable projects and events.
About Arion Baroque Orchestra
Founded in 1981, Arion Baroque Orchestra is Quebec’s only ensemble performing early music on period instruments, a domain in which it is a leader in North America. Under the enlightened artistic direction of flutist Claire Guimond, the group, made up of more than twenty dedicated musicians and winner of several prestigious awards, performs some thirty concerts each year, led by renowned guest conductors on both the national and international scenes. Arion’s quality and musical finesse have garnered unanimous acclaim on each of its tours to Japan, the United States, Europe and Mexico while its impressive list of recordings, 26 in all, continues to enthral listeners both at home and abroad.
