The OCM launches a new festival: “Classical day at the Oratory”

Montreal, April 22, 2025 – The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) is proud to announce the creation of the festival Classical Day at the Oratory, which will take place on Saturday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Co-produced with Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the event will feature seven free mini-concerts starting at 10 a.m. and a ticketed evening concert held in the Oratory’s crypt.

By offering several free mini-concerts open to the whole family, the OCM continues its mission of making classical music accessible to the broader public. Throughout the day, attendees can discover various scenic spots and breathtaking views of Montreal at the Saint Joseph’s Oratory, including the new welcome pavilion, the gardens, the crypt, the basilica, and the original chapel.

Rain or shine, the festival will go on—indoor locations are planned in case of inclement weather.

A ticketed evening concert will take place in the excellent acoustics of the crypt, featuring renowned classical works by composers such as Mozart, Bach, and Tchaikovsky, conducted by Jean-Marie Zeitouni.

“We’ve been working for a few years on the idea of this festival, and with the co-production of the Oratory, we are thrilled to finally announce the first edition. The iconic Oratory is the perfect venue for this unique festival, which we hope will grow year after year,” says Taras Kulish, Executive Director of the OCM.

“We are very pleased to present this classical day in partnership with the OCM. This activity aligns perfectly with the Oratory’s mission to offer high-quality cultural events that are accessible to all. While music lovers are familiar with the grand Rudolf von Beckerath organ in the basilica, they will discover, through music, the crypt’s exceptional acoustics and the newly restored carillon, as well as other unique heritage sites such as the Garden of the Way of the Cross and the original chapel,” says Vincent Boucher, principal organist at Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

·        7:00 p.m. – Oratory Crypt – Orchestre classique de Montréal conducted by Jean-Marie Zeitouni

Winner of a 2024 Juno Award, the Orchestre Classique de Montréal (formerly McGill Chamber Orchestra) was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and his wife, Lotte Brott. OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most renowned chamber orchestras, performing on five continents, recording numerous works, and making frequent appearances on radio and television. Boris Brott, O.C., O.Q., one of Canada’s most celebrated conductors, led OCM from 2000 until his passing in April 2022. OCM remains a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble, composed of top professional musicians in the city. It performs year-round and is now in residence at Salle Pierre-Mercure. Staying true to its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, OCM continues its Music for All program, collaborating with newcomer communities and Montréal organizations to make performances accessible to everyone. OCM extends its gratitude to BMO Bank of Montreal, the official presenter of the 2024-2025 season.