Orchestras Canada

On October 24, ADISQ (the association for music and sound recording in Quebec) will hold its “other gala” – an event to honour the outstanding non-commercial recordings and performers of the year. A number of Orchestras Canada members have been nominated for the classical music awards, and we’re proud to list them here:

In the “classical recording of the year – orchestra or large ensemble”, featured nominations include recordings by Les Violons du Roy (Bonbons on ATMA Classique, led by Bernard Labadie), Orchestre metropolitain (Florent Schmitt : La Tragédie de Salomé, César Franck : Symphonie en ré, on ATMA Classique, led by Yannick Nezet-Seguin) and the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal (Beethoven: Des Dieux, des Héros et des Hommes, on Analekta, led by Kent Nagano).

In the “classical recording of the year – soloist or small ensemble”, we salute the nomination of the Quatuor Alcan, participants in the recording entitled Mathieu: Trio & Quintette; Chausson – Concert, also featuring Alain Lefèvre and David Lefèvre, on the Analekta label.

Finally, in the “classical recording of the year – vocal”, we recognize the nominations of Les Violons du Roy (Britten: Les Illuminations, featuring Karina Gauvin and led by Jean-Marie Zeitouni, on the ATMA label), and Orchestre Metropolitain (on a recording entitled Marie-Josée Lord, led by Giuseppe Pietraroia featuring the eponymous singer, on ATMA Classique).

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has announced the renewal of Kent Nagano‘s contract as Music Director of the OSM. The new agreement takes effect in the fall of 2011, runs through the 2013-2014 season, and may be renewed for two additional years. Speaking about the news, Maestro Nagano declared that “it is with great pleasure and emotion that I have accepted the OSM’s invitation to extend my contract.. It will allow further building and expansion of our great tradition into the future as well as sharing the exceptional qualities of Quebec culture with the local and international community. Over the last years, I have witnessed the importance of Arts and Culture in Quebec, discovered the exceptional sophistication and open mind of our public, felt the communal strength and shared a unique civic spirit. Today I feel privileged to renew my commitment to the Orchestra and to Montreal.”

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra has announced that Martin Riseley, its concertmaster since 1994, has relinquished his role at the ESO in favour of a position as Head of Strings at the New Zealand School of Music. Commenting on this decision, ESO Music Director Bill Eddins said, “Martin has distinguished himself as a fantastic violinist and a tremendous leader for our orchestra, and I am very sad to see my good friend and colleague resign his post as Concertmaster.” ESO Assistant Concertmaster will serve as Interim Concertmaster for the 2010/11 season while the ESO begins its formal search, with the anticipation of an appointment for the 2011/12 season.

The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has announced the appointment of Diana Weir as its new Executive Director. Weir, who officially began her role in May, is a resident of Hamilton, music lover, and a strong proponent for the value of community arts. She brings experience working with both large and small not-for-profits, young people in schools and the community. Welcome, Diana!

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has announced that New Brunswick native Joel Tranquilla has been appointed as WSO Chorusmaster. Named one of Canada’s “young rising stars” in the Montreal magazine, the Music Scene, Joel Tranquilla is a conductor, collaborative pianist, vocal coach and music educator who has worked extensively in the areas of church and theatre music. He is currently a graduate student in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where he studies with Jerry Blackstone and conducts the Orpheus Singers.

The Regina Symphony has announced that Executive Director Natasha Bood will be leaving the post she has occupied at the RSO since 2008 to return to Ontario with her family. While noting Ms Bood’s “strong leadership, business acumen and enthusiasm for this organization”, the RSO Board of Governors has announced its intention to start the process to recruit a new Executive Director without delay.

We join our friends at the Honens Competition in mourning the passing of Founding Honens Artistic Director Andrew Raeburn, who died in Calgary in August.

A new film documentary, entitled “Kent Nagano and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal”, co-produced by the NFB, has been singled out for the best Canadian film award at this year’s International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA).  The documentary by German filmmaker Bettina Ehrhardt follows maestro Kent Nagano and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal during the OSM’s 75th season, described as “a vintage year for at-home performances and concert tours”.  Congratulations to all!

Earlier this week, we were tickled to receive pictures of Music Director Kent Nagano and members of the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal in their debut appearance “on-stage” at their new concert hall.  Well, actually, they’re in the midst of a construction site, they’re wearing safety boots and hard hats…but work on the new building is well underway, and work is on schedule for a September 2011 grand opening!