Orchestras Canada » I Musici de Montreal

And the Winners Are…

krista — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:34:48 +0000

Last Sunday evening, the Conseil Quebecois de la Musique (CQM) celebrated both the 25th anniversary of its founding and the excellence of the musical community it supports, at the 15th annual Prix Opus Gala. We salute the following friends and members of Orchestras Canada, whose exceptional accomplishments were recognized:

Hommage prize: cellist and conductor Yuli Turovsky, founder and 30-year leader of I Musici de Montreal.
Concert of the year, Montreal: Shostakovich’s four last quartets, Quatuor Molinari
Concert of the year, modern/contemporary: Homage to Xenakis, Nouvel Ensemble Moderne
New work of the year: Mutation, by Denis Gougeon (Nouvel Ensemble Moderne)
Concert of the Year, young audiences: On n’est jamais trop classique, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Recording of the year, romantic/post-romantic/impressionist: La tragédie de Salomé, F. Schmitt, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Orchestre Métropolitain, ATMA Classique
Artistic Director of the year: Jean-François Rivest, Orford Arts Centre
Event of the year: Festival de Lanaudière, summer 2011

People

krista — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:02:55 +0000

Congratulations to the outstanding Canadians with connections to Canada’s orchestras who were named to the Order of Canada at the end of December. They include mezzo soprano Catherine Robbin; cellist, conductor and founder of I Musici de Montreal,Yuli Turovsky; and super-volunteer Ana P. Lopes, a recent chair of the board of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

We’ve recently learned of two recently-appointed composers-in-residence with Canadian orchestras – and we’d like to welcome them to the family. Serge Arcuri is the new (and first-ever!) composer in residence with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, which performed one of his existing works on January 10, and will be giving the world premiere of a new work in February. You can find out more about him here.

Simon Bertrand, an award-winning Quebec composer (and nominee for a Prix Opus 2011) has just been appointed as composer in residence with the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil. In this new position, he’ll be creating original compositions and arrangements for the orchestra, while working closely with music director Marc David. To share his experiences as composer-in-residence, he’s created a blog at residenceosdl.wordpress.com.

Creative Holiday Programming, part 2

krista — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:14:06 +0000

Again this week, we honour the programmers who successfully balance tradition and innovation in their seasonal concerts. Here’s a round-up of interesting-sounding programs from across the country:

December 15, 16 and 17, I Musici de Montreal (under the guest leadership of harpsichordist Joel Thiffault) presents a program of baroque and contemporary repertoire reflective of the season, as part of the orchestra’s series at Ogilvy’s. Among other delights, the program includes “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a recent work by Michael Oesterle, and William Boyce’s Ode for the New Year 1756.

This Friday (December 16), the National Arts Centre Orchestra partners with composer/broadcaster/performer Andrew Craig, the Faith Chorale, and an impressive array of soloists that includes Jackie Richardson to present a Gospel Christmas Celebration.

This Friday night and Saturday afternoon (December 16 and 17), the Orchestre symphonique de Québec (led by Stéphane Laforest) presents La Grande Virée de Noel, featuring Gregory Charles, Marie-Josée Lord, Nicolas Pellerin and les Grands Hurleurs, and seven choirs from the region. The youth-oriented performances take place at the Pavillon de la Jeunesse at ExpoCité, and features not only seasonal carols but also a giant Karaoke and dance party with DJ Adam Doubleyou.

Saturday night (December 17), the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (led by music director James Sommerville) presents a pair of seasonal programs featuring the internationally-renowned Toronto Mass Choir. There’s a shorter 2 p.m. concert, designed for families, as well as a full-length evening concert intended for an older audience.

December 17, the Lethbridge Symphony presents a traditional Christmas program with a twist: this year’s guest performers include not only the Bridge Bells bell ringing ensemble, but also Lethbridge’s MP (and a former member of the LSO violin section) Jim Hillyer, who will re-join the violin section for the evening. Speaking about the experience, Mr. Hillyer said, “I am looking forward to playing with the symphony once again. Over the years when I performed with the LSO I felt privileged to be able to get an inside seat for some amazing world class performances,” noting Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the Mozart Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah as particular highlights.

December 17 and 18, the Kamloops Symphony (led by Music Director Bruce Dunn) presents a pair of performances encapsulating what it describes as “a celebration of community that provides all the required ingredients for comfort and joy – stories, songs, young performers, warmth and fun!” Featured performers include soprano Carlene Wiebe (a member of the faculty of the Kamloops Symphony Music School), violist Madeleine Haynes (2011 winner of the Kamloops Symphony Award at the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts), baritone Aaron Durand, the KSO Chorus, and a number of students from the Kamloops Symphony Music School.

Music Director Designate Returns to I Musici

krista — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:07:39 +0000

On December 7 and 8, principal conductor and music director designate Jean-Marie Zeitouni will return to lead I Musici de Montreal for the first time since March, when he made his astounding debut with the group. He will lead the orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphonies Nos. 4 and 7, and both performances will take place at the Salle Bourgie at the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. As the orchestra’s media release says, the dimensions of the concert hall closely resemble those of the Eroica Saal in the Palais Lobkowitz, where Beethoven often performed – and the dimensions of the orchestra will be similar, as well!

New Seasons

jennifer — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:46:34 +0000

I Musici de Montréal has just announced its 2011-12 season, its first under the leadership of Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni. The season contains a total of forty concerts, most performed in two different venues: the Salle Tudor at Ogilvy’s (with five performances each of the concerts on that series), and the new Salle Bourgie at the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal. As well, Maestro Zeitouni will lead a special Good Friday performance of Handel’s Messiah, with the Choir of the Studio
de musique ancienne de Montréal, at the sparkling new orchestra hall in Place des Arts.

A number of guest directors will appear with the orchestra over the course of the season as well, including Stephen d’Agostino, Jean-Pascal Hamelin, Aziz Shokhakimov, Airat Ichmouratov, Julien Proulx, Matthias Maute, Joël Thiffault and Mark Fewer. Soloists include pianist Katherine Chi, and violinist Kerson Leong, and the programs include newer works by Michael Oesterle and Airat Ichmouratov.

For more information, please visit www.imusici.com.

People

jennifer — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:50:42 +0000

It’s been a big week at I Musici de Montreal. The Montreal-based chamber orchestra has announced the appointment of Jean-Marie Zeitouni as its new music director, effective June 1. He will balance this new role with duties at the Columbus (OH) Symphony, and will lead three concerts in 2011-12 and more in succeeding seasons.

At the same time, I Musici has confirmed the retirement of founding music director Yuli Turovsky, who founded the ensemble 27 years ago, and who is retiring from the role for health reasons following his last concert on May 18. Speaking about Maestro Turovsky’s retirement, IM musician representative said, “All of I Musici’s musicians observe Yuli Turovsky’s departure with great emotion: these past years under his leadership remained engraved on our hearts, a precious heritage and an ongoing source of inspiration.”

Finally, I Musici has announced the appointment of Stephanie Rose as its new directrice générale, effective April 26. A trained musician and arts administrator, Mme Rose has worked as an arts consultant and directrice générale of the Fondation de l’École nationale de cirque.

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the retirement of Lance Elbeck, its Concertmaster of 33 seasons, at the conclusion of the 2011/2012 season. The HPO will audition concertmaster candidates through the 2011/2012 season; however, Mr. Elbeck will officially remain as concertmaster to the conclusion of the 11/12 season. Speaking about Mr. Elbeck, HPO Music Director James Sommerville said, “Lance has always been the kind of co-operative and collaborative colleague that all musicians appreciate. I know his departure will be deeply felt by our loyal audience, as much as by those of us fortunate enough to have shared the stage with him over the course of his long and illustrious Hamilton career.”

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the retirement of its long-time Concertmaster, Cenek Vrba, for health reasons. He has served in the role for a remarkable 36 years, working with five different CPO music directors through the evolution of the orchestra through that time. Commenting on Mr. Vrba’s contributions to the CPO, Music Director Roberto Minczuk said, “His command of the instrument and his musical leadership of the Orchestra clearly shows an artist who knows his craft entirely and is able to follow every gesture, every nuance in the musical score and convey it very clearly to his section and the Orchestra. “He always made music with a lot of joy. In performance, he never spared himself but always played with all of his energy and heart, in a way that I could personally identify. I will miss him greatly as one of the most important leaders of the CPO.”

Natasha Bood, former executive director of the Regina Symphony, is now Director of Administration & Operations at Toronto Summer Music and Academy.

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra has announced the winners of its recent Young Artists Competition. Percussionist Matt Groenheide was the overall winner, and he will perform Michael Daugherty’s Raise the Roof for timpani and orchestra with the Symphony next season as part of the LSO Master Series. Sarah Viejou (horn), and Audrina Steciw (soprano), took second and third place respectively.

Holiday Concerts Round-Up – One More Time

jennifer — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:52:52 +0000

We continue to be amazed at the inventiveness of the seasonal programs presented by Canadian orchestras this year. So, for the third week in a row, here’s a round up of highlights from across the country, west to east.

In British Columbia, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra presents a pair of seasonal programs, starting this weekend with two performances of a concert that features “a story from the time of Dickens, dances, musical humour, plenty of seasonal tunes and a new young Symphony Award winner”, violinist Colleen Venables. The KSO and chorus present a sing-along Messiah next weekend. www.kamloopssymphony.com

Next week, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony presents four performances of a Yuletide Spectacular – one in Guelph and three in Kitchener – led by guest conductor David Martin, and featuring Men With Horns and a great big chorus! www.kwsymphony.ca

Last night (December 9), the intrepid I Musici de Montreal presented a program featuring Montreal-based klezmer ensemble Kleztory. Other works on the program include an arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s string quartet no. 1 and a special performance of the Leopold Mozart’s Toy Symphony, featuring traditionally-clad Mohawk children from Kahnawake performing in the solo roles. www.imusici.com

This Sunday, the Ensemble instrumental Appassionata, led by Music Director Daniel Myssyk, gives a special performance of Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals at the Auditorium of Montreal’s Jardin botanique, featuring narration and projections by Guy Beausoleil, and additional music composed by Robert Marcel Lepage. www.appassionata.ca

In Quebec City, Les Violons du Roy – led by resident conductor Eric Paetkau – welcomes soprano Charlotte Corwin and harpist Valerie Milot in a pair of programs December 17 and 19, featuring seasonal music (some in special arrangements) by Frank Bridge, Peter Warlock, Gerald Finzi, Henri Büsser and Marcel Samuel-Rousseau. www.violonsduroy.com

The Orchestre Symphonique de Trois-Rivieres welcomes younger audiences to a pair of short performances on December 12 as part of its Muffins aux sons series: Noël avec Jacques Lacombe et Trois Quatre. www.ostr.ca

And this week also brought announcements about Messiah performances in Saskatoon (with performances in Saskatoon and Battleford), Ottawa, Longueuil, Windsor, and Halifax – while the Canadian Tenors juggernaut continues its national tour, to sold out houses.

People

jennifer — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:33:29 +0000

The Toronto Summer Music Academy and Festival has announced that artistic director Agnes Grossmann will leave her post at the end of the 2010 season to pursue her international conducting and concert schedule. At the same time, the festival has announced the appointment of violist Douglas McNabney as her successor, effective August 14. “As founding Artistic Director, Agnes Grossmann has given us five years of exceptional service, working tirelessly to help us transform an appealing idea into a leading musical destination. The Festival attracts world-class artists and Academy faculty, and boasts full concert houses, critical acclaim and gifted young musical acolytes from around the world,” said TSM Chair Barbara Thompson. The Toronto-born McNabney is a violist with a wide-ranging and varied performing career as soloist, chamber and orchestral musician across Canada and internationally; as well, he was Artistic Director of The Domaine Forget International Festival from 2001 to 2005, and Chair of the Performance Department (2004-2008) of the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, where he is presently Associate Professor and Coordinator of Chamber Music.

On June 3, Yuli Turovsky, founder and music director of I Musici de Montreal was inducted as a Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec by premier Jean Charest. Maestro Turovsky was cited for his exceptional dynamism over more than thirty years, enriching the musical scene in the province and serving as a true ambassador for culture. The Ordre national du Québec is the rarest and highest honor given by the Québec government, and is only granted to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the province’s people and its culture.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of David Dredla to the role of Artistic Administrator, effective August 3. Mr. Dredla has previously worked in artistic administration positions with the Detroit Symphony and the Phoenix Symphony, and is an alumni of both the University of Rochester and the University of Michigan in biology and trumpet performance respectively. In his position, he will work closely with Director of Artistic Planning, Loie Fallis, and Assistant, Artistic Administration Jennifer MacDonald.

The Pacific Baroque Orchestra has announced the appointment of Melissa Ratcliff as its new General Manager. She succeeds Nancy Cottingham Powell, who left PBO to take up a position with Festival Vancouver.

New Seasons

jennifer — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:23:45 +0000

I Musici de Montreal has just announced its 2010-11 season, the 25th since it was founded by cellist-conductor Yuli Turovsky. The season includes 2 distinct series featuring a broad repertoire from Baroque to contemporary: five programs on the “Downtown” series, and six programs (each performed twice) on the “Ogilvy” series, with concerts at 11 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The season opens October 25 with a gala concert starring violinist turned conductor Maxim Vengerov. For more information, you can visit I Musici’s website here.

Belated Juno Nomination Congratulations

jennifer — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:35:44 +0000

Hearty, if belated congratulations to the Orchestras Canada members whose recordings have been nominated for Juno Awards this year! The nominations were announced March 3, and the awards will be presented during Juno week, April 12-18 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In the Classical Album of the Year, Large Ensemble or soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment category, we salute OC members
Les Violons du Roy – Bartok
Louis Lortie and Orchestre symphonique de Québec - Mendelssohn – Piano Concertos 1 & 2 – Symphony No. 5
National Youth Orchestra of Canada – Selections From the 2009 National Tour
Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Orchestre Métropolitain - Bruckner Symphony No. 8

In the Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble, we honour
I Musici de Montreal – Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Quartet No. 1

And, in the Classical Composition of the Year category, we recognize the nomination of Rob Teehan‘s Dreams of Flying, recorded by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.

For more information on the Juno Awards, you can visit the website here.