Dr. Marc Ruel

Photography: Mélanie Provencher

Dr. Marc Ruel, pianist

While pursuing his medical studies, Dr. Marc Ruel completed a Master's in Piano Performance at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec, awarded with the highest distinction. As a young trainee in surgery, he was laureate of an international piano competition and appeared as a soloist across North America and Europe, notably at the Montpellier International Music Festival. He holds a predilection for Beethoven, Liszt and Rachmaninov.

By day, Dr. Ruel is a cardiac surgeon and professor at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, where he founded its internationally recognized minimally invasive cardiac surgery program. A pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, he has developed surgical techniques now used around the world and has published more than 500 scientific papers. His contributions to clinical care, innovation and research make him a sought-after cardiac expert globally. He earned numerous national and international honours, including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Gold Medal in Surgery, Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal, and lifetime achievement awards from several organizations.

He is delighted to return to the piano for this concert.