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QUEBEC
Arion Orchestre Baroque
arionbaroque.com
At the heart of Montreal’s musical life for over forty years, Arion Orchestre Baroque is a pioneer in Quebec and Canada in the world of early music on period instruments. Under the artistic direction of conductor and bassoonist Mathieu Lussier since 2019, Arion presents a concert series featuring internationally renowned guest conductors and soloists. The clarity and freshness of Arion’s interpretations of Baroque and Classical works are underpinned by a discography of over thirty critically acclaimed and award-winning titles. Committed to the creation and dissemination of youth and educational projects, and a partner of renowned institutions, Arion is a key player on the Canadian musical scene.
Ensemble Obiora
www.ensembleobiora.com
Canada’s first classical music ensemble composed primarily of professional musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds. Ensemble Obiora’s mission is to promote musicians from different cultural backgrounds in order to increase their representation on the classical music scene, and to program works by composers of different origins whose music is little-known or little-considered. Founded on the 3D principle – DIVERSITY, DISCOVERY and DIFFUSION – Ensemble Obiora’s ambition is to breathe new life and diversity into classical music in Canada, to create a sense of belonging within hitherto under-represented communities, and to inspire the next generation of classical musicians.
I Musici de Montréal
www.imusici.com
For over 40 years, I Musici de Montréal has stood out as a chamber orchestra of excellence, with more than 40 award-winning recordings, including a Diapason d’Or, a Juno Award, a Félix, and several OPUS Awards, as well as international tours that affirm its place among the world’s finest ensembles. The leadership and dedication of its musicians shine through every performance, extending to their roles as managers of their own orchestra. On March 6, 2025, I Musici presents an exceptional concert featuring pianist Alexandre Tharaud in Haydn’s Concerto in D Major. The orchestra will also revisit one of its most celebrated successes, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition accompanied by the stunning animated film Tableaux Dansants by Natascha Turovski. An event not to be missed!
Orchestre classique de Montréal
www.orchestre.ca
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM), founded in 1939 by Alexander and Lotte Brott, is one of Canada’s oldest professional ensembles. Initially known as the McGill Chamber Orchestra, it stands out for its diverse repertoire, blending traditional works, contemporary creations, and Indigenous, Québécois, and Canadian compositions. The OCM is actively committed to inclusion and accessibility, notably through its initiative Music for Everyone, which makes music accessible to underserved communities. Presenting renowned soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Stéphane Tétreault, and diverse collaborations, the OCM upholds a tradition of artistic excellence. Winner of a JUNO Award in 2024, the OCM is a proud ambassador of Quebec and Canadian music.
Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec
www.philharmonique.quebec
Founded in 1986 by Jean-Pierre Brunet and a small group of musicians, the Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec (OPQ) – formerly the Orchestre symphonique de la Montérégie (1986-2003), then the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil (2003-23) – is a leader in the musical life of the Montérégie region, as well as elsewhere in the province and around the world. Under the baton of its Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Alexandre Da Costa (since 2019), a violinist and conductor of international renown, the orchestra pursues its mission of accessibility and democratization of the genre with dynamism and audacity. Alexandre Da Costa is the third to hold this position, following Jean-Pierre Brunet (1986-94) and Marc David (1994-2019), both of whom laid the solid foundations that enable the OPQ to pursue its mission today, with incomparable drive and enthusiasm.
Orchestre symphonique de Laval
https://www.osl.ca
The Orchestre symphonique de Laval is one of the most important artistic organizations in the Laval region. Founded in 1984, it is composed of fifty-three (53) professional musicians who are graduates of Quebec’s conservatories and universities. For nearly 40 years, the Orchestra’s mission has been to share and perform symphonic music in a spirit of warmth and connection. Each year, the Orchestra presents a variety of symphonic and chamber music concerts..
ONTARIO
Esprit Orchestra
www.espritorchestra.ca
Esprit Orchestra is Canada’s only full-sized, professional orchestra devoted to performing and presenting new music. Founded in 1983 by Music Director and Conductor, Alex Pauk, Esprit’s commitment to commissioning and advancing contemporary music has set it apart as one of the few organisations of its kind on a global scale. Esprit consistently collaborates with outstanding composers and performs with first-class soloists from Canada and abroad. With a dynamic annual subscription concert series, this skilled orchestra presents music that is otherwise unavailable in Canada. Esprit performances are regularly recorded and many can be streamed. In the 2024/25 “Edge of Your Seat” season, Esprit will present two “Prelude” concerts, followed by a new International New Music Festival, welcoming to Toronto a number of esteemed guests.
Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra
www.SPO.CA
Great Music, Close to Home!
Music Director: Ronald Royer
For 45 years the SPO has presented orchestra and chamber concerts in Scarborough and across the metropolitan Toronto area. Our focus is on fostering emerging artists and we offer a vibrant workshop program for emerging composers. The SPO is dedicated to the presentation of Canadian Music within the context of the broader classical music canon. We can be found at @SPOGreatMusic on Facebook, Instagram and X
Tafelmusik
www.tafelmusik.org
For over four decades, Tafelmusik has been synonymous worldwide with dynamic, engaging, and soulful performances informed by scholarship, passion and artistic excellence. Performing on instruments and in styles appropriate to the era, Tafelmusik has performed in more than 350 cities in 32 countries. Its extensive discography on the Sony, CBC Records, Analekta and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered ten JUNOs and numerous international recording prizes. From a vibrant home season in Toronto, to international tours, award-winning recordings, innovative collaborations, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences.
Brandon Chui, Dominic Teresi, Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Directors
Glenn Hodgins, Executive Director
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