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Montreal, June 19, 2026 — As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, l’Orchestre de la francophonie (OF) season shines a spotlight on emerging artistic talent from Canada and abroad. From July 4 to August 2, 2026, over 50 young musicians again will take part in the Orchestra’s summer academy and will perform in a series of concerts at some of Montreal’s most iconic venues.
Under the artistic direction of the award-winning Julien Proulx, who begins his first term at the helm of the OF, and under the leadership of John Wiens, general director, this anniversary season will celebrate mentorship, artistic development, and cultural outreach. The program features several major events, including three flagship symphonic concerts: Kaléidoscope symphoniqueon July 4 at Théâtre de Verdure, Pierre, le loup, l’oiseau et le cirque – La grande fête symphonique de l’OF on July 12 at Gare Dalhousie, and Brahms, Mendelssohn et nouvelles création on August 2 at Maison symphonique.
“ I am thrilled to make my debut as Artistic Director of l’Orchestre de la francophonie. This season highlights the exceptional creative talent of the next generation and the profound richness of the orchestral repertoire. The infectious energy of these musicians is impressive. Our inspiring program will challenge and invigorate the ensemble and offer audiences distinctly memorable musical experiences,” says Julien Proulx, Artistic Director of l’Orchestre de la francophonie.
“This anniversary season marks an exciting new chapter for l’Orchestre de la francophonie while remaining deeply rooted in its founding mission: to provide young artists with a high-level environment where they can train, build meaningful connections, and prepare for professional careers. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, the OF reaffirms its role as a launching pad for emerging musicians and its commitment to excellence, accessibility, and the promotion of orchestral music,” adds John Wiens, General Director of l’Orchestre de la francophonie.
Season Highlights
Kaléidoscope symphonique
On July 4, 2026, at 8:30 p.m., the OF launches its season with Kaléidoscope symphonique.. During this free outdoor concert, Julien Proulx and the Orchestra perform works by Bizet, Mercure and Dvořák at Théâtre de Verdure, offering a program celebrating the richness and diversity of the orchestral repertoire.
Pierre, le loup, l’oiseau et le cirque – La grande fête symphonique de l’OF
On July 12, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the OF invites audiences of all ages to enjoy a festive and free family event at Gare Dalhousie with Pierre, le loup, l’oiseau et le cirque – La grande fête symphonique de l’OF.
Presented in one of Old Montreal’s landmark venues, this immersive event offers an encounter between symphonic music, storytelling and circus arts.
The heart of this program features Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, presented as a musical tale, as well as Stravinsky’s The Firebird, under the direction of Marie-Claire Cardinal, recipient of the Jean-Philippe Tremblay Scholarship, and Julien Proulx, narrating alongside Isabelle Cloutier.
Tchaïkovski and Farrenc in E Minor
On July 18, 2026, at 3 p.m., Salle Claude-Champagne hosts Tchaikovsky and Farrenc in E Minor, a free concert showcasing l’Orchestre de la francophonie’s emerging talent.
The OF’s concerto competition winners, flutist Mathilde Barat and cellist Sandrine Long-Albert, are featured in performance alongside the Orchestra in a program filled with virtuosity and emotional complexity.
For this occasion, the OF welcomes back its former Artistic Director, Jean-Philippe Tremblay. Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 1 in E Minor will be conducted by rising conductor Marie-Claire Cardinal, followed by Victor Herbert’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in E Minor, Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s celebrated Symphony No. 5 in E Minor.
Opera Takes Centre Stage with Les Contes d’Hoffmann
On July 25 and 26, the season continues with Opéra 2026 – Les Contes d’Hoffmann by Offenbach, presented at the Monument-National in collaboration with the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute (CVAI). This production further enriches a season that reflects the many forms orchestral music can take from symphonic concerts and opera to contemporary creation and family-oriented programming.
Brahms, Mendelssohn et nouvelles créations
On August 2, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., the OF concludes its season at Maison symphonique with Brahms, Mendelssohn et nouvelles créations, a concert that embodies its mission of education, creation and artistic outreach in every way.
Presented in partnership with the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ), world premieres by rising star composers Charles-Vincent Lemelin and Louis-Michel Tougas feature prominently. Marie-Claire Cardinal will conduct the overture to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II to open the concert.
Under the direction of Julien Proulx, the program features Quebec pianist Élisabeth Pion, winner of the Gold Laureate and Audience Choice Award at the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition. Together with the OF, they will interpret Mendelssohn’s majestic and compelling Piano Concerto No. 1. The concert will culminate with Brahms’ majestic Symphony No. 4, one of the masterpieces of the Romantic repertoire.
As the grand finale of the season, this concert marks the culmination of six weeks of learning, creativity and artistic achievement for the young musicians of l’Orchestre de la francophonie.
About the Orchestre de la francophonie
l’Orchestre de la francophonie is a Montreal-based orchestral academy that brings together approximately 50 young musicians from around the world each summer. Over the course of six weeks, participants benefit from exceptional mentorship and take part in a complete artistic immersion that includes rehearsals, concerts, opera productions, masterclasses, creative workshops and conferences. This unique experience prepares them to play leading roles in the professional orchestras of today and tomorrow.
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