Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke: A Dream Come True

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For its Feb. 22 concert, Orchestre Symphonique de Sherbrooke (OSS) has invited renowned Italian pianist Benedetto Lupo. “I met Benedetto Lupo in the early 2010s. I loved the way he played, his musicality, his tone and I was moved by his talent and kindness. I dreamed of inviting him one day and I’m pleased that this is materializing,” says Jean-Michel Malouf, OSS artistic and music director.

Following the invitation, the pianist spontaneously suggested playing two of Ravel’s concertos: the Piano Concerto in G major and his Concerto for the Left Hand in D major. “To have these two concertos played in one same concert, in Sherbrooke, by a pianist of this calibre, is almost unimaginable,” says Malouf.

Ravel’s Menuet antique, an orchestral piece, will precede the two concertos. “The harmony in Ravel’s works is very rich and at times surprising; the harmonic complexity and the virtuosity at the piano, and of the orchestra, make these works monumental,” Malouf notes. “The exchange between piano and orchestra creates an almost symphonic score, very demanding and interesting for the interpreting artists. In such a way, the composer’s range of talent and mastery is revealed.”

The orchestra will follow with Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D major. The esthetics of the two composers are certainly quite different, but the works of both Ravel and Sibelius follow classical forms and give a nod to the folklore for which both composers had a fondness. “Both are influenced by the world around them—the folklore, street musicians, people they encountered—and they draw their inspiration from established forms. That’s what they have in common,” says Malouf.

In his post now for three seasons, the music director says he is very attuned to the Sherbrooke audiences, who he describes as being loyal and passionate. It’s for them that he builds the orchestra’s programming, proposing great classics as well as having them discover other segments of the repertory, combining Québécois and Canadian works and hidden treasures of the standard repertoire.

“Interpreting and offering the great symphonic pieces is still important while also programming new music. People are open and receptive to these proposals,” Malouf emphasizes. “The younger audience is also very partial to the latest works and asks for more of them.” Over the coming seasons, the aim will be to constantly improve offerings and to increase cultural outreach initiatives—in particular the pre-concert talks, which are highly appreciated.