The Grand Christmas Choir 2025: $110,586 raised to support Oncology at Granby Hospital
Staying true to our social mission, Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie had the honor of presiding over the “Noël en lumière” benefit concert for the 15th consecutive year. This event was part of the Grand Christmas Choir organized by the Granby Hospital Foundation.
« In the Medias » – December 8, 2025 – Granby Hospital Foundation
Granby, December 7, 2025 – The “Noël en lumière” benefit concert by the Grand Christmas Choir took place on December 5 and 6 before two packed halls, gathering nearly 1,800 spectators. This major musical event by the Granby Hospital Foundation (CHG), under the honorary presidency of Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie and presented by MNP, Dessercom, NRC Industries, and Beaudry Roy Audioprosthetists, raised $105,186 in support of the Oncology department at Granby Hospital.
Thanks to an additional donation of $5,400 from Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie, the total amount given to the CHG Foundation rose to $110,586.
Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie, Honorary President of the Grand Christmas Choir for the past 15 years
In the photo: Bruno Laplante (Conductor), Johanne Lussier (Artistic Director), Mr. Eddy Savoie (Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie), Annie Villeneuve (Guest Artist), and Julie Gagné (Chair of the CHG Foundation Board of Directors)
– Photo: Sylvain Massé
The generous presenters of the Grand Christmas Choir
In the photo: Annie-Pier Cusick (CHG Foundation), Benoît Dufresne (Dessercom), Sophie Monnière and Claude Beaudry (Beaudry Roy Audioprosthetists), Olivier Poulin (NRC Industries), Stéphanie Hébert (MNP), and Suzanne Surette (CHG Foundation)
– Photo: Sylvain Massé
Two dedicated Funds that provide real help for those affected by cancer
With the support of generous financial partners, 100% of ticket sales were donated to the Placide Rodrigue et Louis-Philippe Janvier dedicated funds of the CHG Foundation, focused on improving local cancer care and enhancing the quality of life for patients in the region.
Development of a new Oncology Space at Granby Hospital
The funds raised will contribute to the creation of a modernized environment, including: examination rooms, areas for specialized treatments, and a warm and welcoming waiting room for patients and their loved ones. This reorganization will promote interdisciplinary teamwork and improve the patient experience.
Financial support for young adults aged 18 to 35 living with cancer
The funds will also help reduce the stress of non-medical burdens, allowing young adults to focus on what matters most: healing. Since its inception in 2018, the Louis-Philippe Janvier Fund has supported 61 young adults, distributing more than $307,750.
Annie Villeneuve did not hesitate to accept the invitation to perform at the Grand Christmas Choir, stepping in for Marie-Eve Janvier. Known for her immense talent and sensitivity, Annie captivated the audience from the very first notes.
– Photo: Sylvain Massé
Over 300 artists sang and performed to support local people affected by cancer.
– Photo: Sylvain Massé
A bright, festive, and heartwarming concert
The stage came alive with a spectacular performance by 300 local artists, accompanying one of Quebec’s most beloved singers, Annie Villeneuve. Known for her talent and sensitivity, she captivated the audience from the very first note.
The 250 choristers from the Foundation Choir, Musicophonie, Douze-en-Chœur, Petits Chanteurs de Granby and the L’Envol singing troupe charmed the crowd throughout the evening.
The 50 musicians from the Harmonie de Granby and from the Orchestre de Chambre de Granby also moved the audience deeply. This record number of performers was led by Bruno Laplante, in his second year as conductor.
Artistic director Johanne Lussier and her collaborators Bruno Laplante and Pierre-André Ducharme curated a remarkably high-quality repertoire, crafted with great attention to detail.
Highlights – Just a Few of Many
New Song by Annie Villeneuve: Ton tout premier Noël
This new song deeply moved the audience. The special performance included Bruno Laplante on bass, Pierre-André Ducharme on piano, Jean-Pierre Landy on guitar, Richard Messier on drums, Johanne Lussier directing the Musicophonie troupe, and Annie Villeneuve on vocals.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” – A Thrilling Musical Duel
In a humorous staging, choristers and musicians faced off in a friendly musical duel, led by conductor Pierre-André Ducharme and choir conductor Bruno Laplante. Which side won — Ducharme’s or Laplante’s? The audience, for its part, was completely charmed.
Tribute to Placide Rodrigue
A star, suspended at the side of the stage, shone brightly during Minuit Chrétien as a tribute to the founder of the Grand Christmas Choir, the late Mr. Placide Rodrigue. This moving gesture, created by Johanne Lussier and brought to life by set designer Pierre Lamontagne, was one of the most emotional moments of the evening.
Quotes
“What pride to be surrounded by such a wonderful team of artists and volunteers united for a common cause! My greatest reward was seeing the light in the performers’ eyes as they left the stage. From the very first song, with all our partners on stage, I felt the magic take hold under the warm applause of the audience.”
— Johanne Lussier, Artistic Director
“300 people on stage, an important cause, a large audience, significant fundraising, all wrapped in the magic of Christmas… what beautiful evenings. I will remember this for a long time.”
— Annie Villeneuve, guest artist
“Tonight, a true wave of generosity shone brightly through the unifying power of music and the commitment of an entire community. More relevant than ever, the Grand Christmas Choir alone raised $105,186. The Savoie Family, inspired by this wave of solidarity, contributed an additional $5,400, for a total of $110,586! Together, we continue to show that solidarity transforms lives — and that’s where the true magic of Christmas lies!”
— Les Résidences Soleil – Famille Savoie, Honorary Presidents of the Grand Christmas Choir
“The Grand Christmas Choir once again shows the strength of our community. Thanks to the generosity of artists, volunteers, and partners, we can offer more support and hope to those affected by cancer. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for shining this light of solidarity.”
— Julie Gagné, Chair of the CHG Foundation Board