The Mission of the OM

The Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal has had the mandate, since its foundation in 1981, of promoting classical music and the talent of Canadian interpreters to a broad audience, especially to a younger public. With unique mission, the OM is able to help the public discover and appreciate classical music.

Each year, the OM presents approximately 70 concerts, independently produced by the OM or produced in partnership with other cultural organisations, such as the L’Opéra de Montréal or the Festival international de Lanaudière. Though it prefers to be close to its audience, the OM is equally at home in traditional halls, such as Place des Arts, as it is in colleges, the Maisons de la culture, churches or neighbourhood parks. The OM’s price policy makes it highly accessible, with touring ticket rates ranging from $10 to $16.

The Orchestre Métropolitain also supports Canadian talent, especially emerging artists. Each season, it invites young soloists and conductors to play important works from its repertoire. The OM strives, in its artistic approach, to appeal to music afficiaonados as much as it does to new audiences. The eclectic programming includes well-known and lesser-known works, as well as contemporary Canadian compositions. The OM also has a few surprises for its audiences, with original concepts, thematic concerts and collaborations with other art forms, such as dance, theatre, puppetshows… The artistic direction of the Orchestre Métropolitain is informed by its mandate to constantly broaden the public’s musical horizons while emphasising musical excellence.

The OM’s mission is unique also in that it aims to make music as accessible as possible. Before each concert, a guest speaker presents a short talk introducing the evening’s composer and work. During the concerts, the conductor explains the theme or offers comments on the work.

Finally, the OM offers courses for all those who wish to develop their knowledge of classical music or opera. The OM has an outreach programme in place for the “audiences of tomorrow”, in which it presents morning concerts to 5 000 primary school students. The OM provides accompanying pedagogical materials (workbooks) to students and their teachers, and they also make available a musician to visit the school before the concert to prepare the children for the experience.