Press Release

Share the Passion!

The Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal’s 2006-07 season

After a colourful 25th season, maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Artistic Director of the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal, ushers in a season that combines continuity and novelty!

• Continuity with composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Debussy and the ongoing progression through the complete Mahler and Bruckner symphonies;
• Novelty with two works by Pierre Mercure, Smetana’s Ma Vlast (My Country - including the famous Moldau), a new concert cycle featuring Haydn’s so-called “London” symphonies and a work for bagpipes and orchestra!

Music at the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal means finding inspiration in several different sources: in particular styles, in guest artists and in the choice of composers who make it possible to capture a special atmosphere at each of our concerts. Thus, for this 26th season, the Métropolitain is offering seven programs and as many opportunities to succumb to our abiding passion! Taking in a Métropolitain concert means daring to experience intimations of eternity with Bruckner and Strauss, it means journeying to the heart of the classical period with Mozart and Haydn; but it also provides a chance to discover the 20th century’s new classics.

The same is true for the artists invited to share their art with the Orchestra. These include the young pianist David Jalbert, who will perform the Piano Concerto No. 20 by Mozart, soprano Nathalie Paulin, who will sing the Cantate pour une joie by Pierre Mercure and Stabat Mater by Poulenc, and Lorraine Vaillancourt, who will take to the podium for a concert showcasing 20th century composers: Stravinsky, Bartók and Prokofiev. In keeping with its tradition, the Orchestra will perform the world premiere of a Canadian work; this year’s commission, awarded by the Conseil des Arts de Montréal, went to composer Emily Doolittle.

For the past 20 years, the Orchestra’s close ties with the Conseil des Arts de Montréal have allowed it to present 18 concerts per year in Montreal-area boroughs. To mark the agency’s 50th anniversary, the Métropolitain is proud to dedicate a concert series to it featuring music from four of Montreal’s founding peoples: the Irish, the Scottish, the French and the English.

We are also pleased to form an association with two major events in Montreal: the Montreal Highlights Festival and the fall festival, Orgue et couleurs, which the Orchestra has supported since its inception.

For this 26th season, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Métropolitain’s Artistic Director, reaffirms his attachment and loyalty to “his” orchestra by conducting 22 of 25 concerts during the 2006-2007 season.

The Orchestre Métropolitain is also proud to present an interesting and varied school program. This year, children in elementary school will have the opportunity to attend a very special Pictures at an Exhibition at Place des Arts. Through a facilitator, the Orchestra will also be involved in schools, giving two workshops at the elementary level Music and Nature and Around the World with Tintin and one at the high school level. Entitled Into the Wind!, the latter will feature the OM Wind Quintet.

From September 18, 2006 to June 11, 2007, we invite you to share our passion!

[7196] News posted Thursday, May 25, 2006.