'Precious' musical instruments removed from Montreal heritage building after fire

Photo: The Canadian Press

Firefighters respond to a five-alarm fire at the former Monastere du Bon Pasteur, a 19th century heritage building on Friday May 26, 2023 in Montreal. 

A pair of valuable musical instruments have been removed from a Montreal heritage building that caught fire last week, raising hopes that they can be saved to play again.

Simon Blanchet, program director at the Chapelle du Bon-Pasteur, says a Fazioli concert grand piano and a 1772 Kirckman harpsichord were both removed on Saturday from the concert venue inside the chapel of the 19th century former monastery.

He said both instruments sustained some moisture damage and will have to dry out before they can be fully assessed.

But he said both were protected by covers and he's hopeful technicians will be able to restore them.

Blanchet said the instruments' survival is a small bright light in a devastating week that has seen Montreal musicians lose one of their most important concert venues.

The blaze broke out Thursday at the 19th century building, which also includes a residence for seniors, a housing cooperative and a daycare centre in addition to the concert hall.