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Montreal, September 17, 2024 – Tomorrow evening, two carillon bells in G and C especially cast for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), will officially join the Orchestra’s instrumental forces. The bells will peal for the first time within the walls of the Maison symphonique during the OSM’s performance of Hector Berlioz’s daring Symphonie fantastique, as well as in its World Premiere of an OSM commission La Chapelle to composer Michael Oesterle. These works will be conducted by Rafael Payare in three performances on September 18 and 19. The bells will also travel with the OSM for the Orchestra’s European tour next November and be showcased in the OSM’s performances of Berlioz’s work.
The Orchestra acquired the two bells thanks to the generous financial contribution of patron Roger Dubois, President of Canimex Group. The acquisition project, which had been in the OSM’s plans for some time, was enthusiastically embraced by the Music Director of the OSM Rafael Payare at the outset of his tenure with the Orchestra.
“We are very excited about the idea of adding carillon bells to our orchestra. The musicians and I look forward to broadening our sound palette and renewing our interpretation of many works. We will be drawing on the creativity of contemporary composers to explore all the possibilities open to us through this acquisition. Several prestigious orchestras already own such instruments, and thanks to the valiant and visionary spirit, love of music and generosity of our patron Roger Dubois (Canimex), we now can count ourselves among them. We will be able to perform works by Berlioz, Mahler, Shostakovich, Strauss, and Mussorgsky, among others, and honour the intended instrumentation for which they were composed.” — Rafael Payare, Music Director of the OSM
The Orchestra wished to acquire several of these bells to include in a wider range of repertoire, without having to substitute tubular bells. Thus, to the four bells currently in the OSM’s possession, six more will be added. They are scheduled for delivery next November.
CHOOSING A CARILLON BELL FOUNDRY
Serge Desgagnés, principal percussionist with the OSM since 1997, was entrusted with the selection of a bell foundry capable of meeting the Orchestra’s needs. After a rigorous selection process, the OSM’s choice fell upon the Royal Eijsbouts Foundry in the Netherlands. Originating in 1872, this company has developed expertise in casting bells for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and subsequently for other major orchestras. All the bells are made of bronze, alloy of 20% tin and 80% copper, and weighing between 20 and 384 kg with diameters ranging from 337 to 901 mm.
THE SUBTLE SOUND OF THE BELLS
Carillon bells are like those of church bell towers and civic buildings, but they are devoid of clappers inside. They are placed on special stands, and the percussionist rings them by striking them with metal mallets of varying hardness. The bells are designed to emit a very specific pitch, and they blend subtly with the Orchestra.
CANIMEX GROUP : UNFAILING SUPPORT
The acquisition of the carillon bells was made possible thanks to the generous financial support of Canimex Group. “I like to say that Canimex is a full-fledged member of the OSM,” explained Roger Dubois, President of Canimex Group. “After the loans of stringed instruments and an octobass, and subsequently enabling the acquisition of two more of the latter instruments, Canimex was approached by the OSM to acquire carillon bells. It is safe to say that Canimex now occupies a niche for rare instruments! Bold vision and innovation are what makes private companies stand out and grow, and I am delighted that the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is inspired by the same spirit.”
MÉLANIE LA COUTURE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – SÉBASTIEN ALMON, DIRECTOR ARTISTIC OPERATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – RAFAEL PAYARE, MUSIC DIRECTOR – ROGER DUBOIS, PRESIDENT CANIMEX GROUP – SERGE DESGAGNÉS, PERCUSSION PRINCIPAL © ANTOINE SAITO
THE OSM THANKS ITS PARTNERS, DONORS, SUBSCRIBERS AND PUBLIC
As the contribution of the Orchestra’s public partners is essential to the realization of its mission. the OSM thanks its principal partner, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, as well as the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Quebec and the Conseil des arts de Montréal.
The OSM is proud to be able to count on its loyal partners, and would like to thank Hydro-Québec, presenter of the OSM, and BMO Financial Group, season presenter.
The OSM also extends its gratitude to Power Corporation of Canada, Fondation J.A. DeSève, IG Wealth Management, Air Canada, Canada Life , BFL Canada, ESG UQÀM, National Bank, Spinelli, Cogeco, Iris, Volvo, Bivouac, Clarins, Solotech, Long & McQuade, Boréale Beer, Distillerie de Montréal, Symphony, Radio-Canada, medici.tv, La Presse PWC, and McKinsey&Company.
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