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After almost 25 years as head of the administrative department of the OSM, it will be mission accomplished for the veteran manager and inspiring leader
Montreal, January 29th, 2024 — The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) announces that Madam Madeleine Careau will step down from her position as Chief Executive Officer at the conclusion of the current season, that being the end of June. After considerable reflection and cordial discussions with the board of directors, Madam Careau calmly determined that the moment had come to make a decision she had been considering for some time.
The chairman of the board of the OSM, Mr. Lucien Bouchard, would like to emphasize the immense contribution of Madam Careau to the Orchestra’s influence and development since she joined it on February 1, 2000. Among other things may be mentioned the recruiting of Maestro Kent Nagano in 2006; the launch of the Virée classique, one of the world’s biggest urban classical-music festivals; the opening, in 2011, of the Maison symphonique de Montréal, the OSM’s place of residence; the creation, in 2016, of the unprecedented program La musique aux enfants; and the hiring, in 2021, of a dynamic, endearing and talented conductor, Maestro Rafael Payare, the OSM’s current Music Director, who will fill his position at least until 2027.
Madam Careau has thought for some time about the possibility of passing the baton to a new CEO. However, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic had the effect of putting that consideration on hold, as she had no desire to leave in the midst of turbulent times. Although there are still challenges to be met, the OSM has successfully weathered that historic storm; and convinced that the OSM’s future is every bit as promising, her feeling is that she can leave with peace of mind, having full confidence in the talents and experience of the different administrative teams she helped put in place.
To replace Madam Careau, the board of directors will shortly create a recruiting committee, whose job it will be to find the best possible candidate, one who will continue along the path of excellence and innovation. The committee’s work should take several months.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I wish to thank Madeleine Careau most sincerely for her remarkable contribution to the influence and development of the OSM for nearly 25 years. Often working in the shadows, while the spotlights shone on the musicians and their conductor, Madam Careau has been a great conductor in her own way, ensuring that all the teams, both artistic and administrative, follow the same score and collaborate in harmony for the good of the institution and its various audiences. A determined and rigorous administrator, and an inspiring and visionary leader, Madeleine has left a mark on the OSM that will last for a long time. For that, and for much more, we are more than grateful to her.” – LUCIEN BOUCHARD, OSM Chairman of the board
“After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that the time had come for me to pass the baton; to allow a new chef executive officer to carry on with the mission of excellence, innovation and community involvement that has always been the OSM’s. Soon to be 90 years old, the Orchestra can still claim a strong foundation; its place among the great North American orchestras is beyond question; its future is every bit as promising. I wish to thank the many people who’ve supported me these last 24 years, in particular Mr. Michael Turcotte, Chairman of the board of directors when I arrived at the OSM; Mr. Jacques Laurent, his successor for four years; and Mr. Lucien Bouchard, who has assumed that important role since 2004.” – MADELEINE CAREAU, OSM Chief Executive Officer
THE OSM WISHES TO THANK ITS PARTNERS, ALL SUBSCRIBERS, AND ITS PUBLIC
Contributions from the Orchestra’s public partners are essential to carry out its mission. The OSM wishes to acknowledge its main public 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 of the support of loyal partners and thanks Hydro-Québec, Presenting Sponsor of the OSM as well as BMO Financial Group, Season Presenting Sponsor.The OSM also extends its gratitude to Power Corporation of Canada, Fondation J.A. DeSève, IG Wealth Management, ESG UQÀM, Air Canada, Canada Life, National Bank, Cogeco, Spinelli, BFL Canada, l’Institut Tshakapesh, Bivouac, Clarins, Volvo, Solotech, Iris, Boréale Beer, Charton Hobbs, Distillerie de Montréal, Symphony, Radio-Canada, medici.tv, La Presse PWC, and McKinsey&Company.
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
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