History of La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment

In 1922, the old Royal Canadian Artillery Band was dismantled and La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment was founded under the leadership of Captain Charles O'Neil. Captain Edwin Bélanger, Major (Lcol) Charles-Auguste Villeneuve, Major (Lcol) Denis Bernier, to name only a few succeeded him. In March 2008, Captain (Maj) Patrick Picard became the 11th Director of Music and Commanding Officer of this most famous military band.

In addition to military marches, the band's repertoire includes traditional folk tunes, classical musical adaptations, show tunes, selections from various musical comedies, jazz arrangements and pop tunes. Being the only French Canadian regular force band, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment considers it an honour to highlight the French Heritage of Quebec and elsewhere.

From 1923 to this day, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment has participated in many official ceremonies in Canada as well as abroad. Amongst other ceremonies, the band has performed for the Coronation of King George VI, the Centennial of Canada's Confederation, the 40th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid and the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

Since the foundation of the Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands (FIMMQ) in 1999, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment has been supporting the organizing committee. This annual event as become a must see attraction the old capital. The band has also participated in similar international events in France, the United States, Germany and Chile.

In addition to the numerous official appointments, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment performs in many promotional/benefit concerts. The most popular being without a doubt the traditional Concert sous les étoiles or "Concert Under the Stars", that has been performed since 1961 and draws an impressive crowd of music lovers every year. La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment has also recorded many albums and CD's. The most recent, La Musique en Concert, was released in June 2007. Vive la canadienne is the official regimental march of the Royal 22e Régiment and was adapted from a traditional folksong by Captain Edwin Bélanger, one of the most famous Directors of Music of La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment.