Montreal, April 15, 2024 – The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) presents Mozart’s celebrated Requiem, conducted by Jacques Lacombe, with 150 Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal (PCMR) and four wonderful soloists from the Atelier Lyrique of the Opéra de Montréal. The concert will be presented at the Maison Symphonique on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m.
Pre-concert Benefit Event: Fundraiser “Petit Mozart” for Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal
Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal present a benefit event “Petit Mozart”: a pre-concert reception at 1:00 p.m. on May 5, sponsored by Desjardins, full of color and flavor. The event promises a surprise culinary experience by RE Le Traiteur from the Fairmont Le Reine Élizabeth, a silent auction, entertainment and more. Some of the youngest choristers in Les PCMR will spice up the reception with their lively, clear voices. Proceeds from this event will be used to enhance the musical training of some 200 PCMR.
Mozart’s Requiem sung by young voices
This performance of Mozart’s Requiem will be brought to life by the vibrant voices of 150 young choristers, aged between 10 and 17. Young voices indeed, but recognized for the quality of their work prepared by Andrew Gray, musical and artistic director, PCMR. The pure, disciplined voices will join forces with soloists from the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal to offer a fresh perspective on a major work in the choral repertoire. Led by Jacques Lacombe, Les Petits Chanteurs will bring new sensitivity and insight to this emblematic work, which tackles the universal and serious themes of death, repentance and redemption.
“There’s something about singing Mozart that appeals to all ages – therein lies challenge, beauty, and innate musicality. The Requiem in particular contains fabulous variety; from calm, solemn passages to moments of high energy and virtuosity. It is a work that expects dedication and effort from the performer and, in return, delivers a solid sense of achievement. Mozart’s musical genius and dazzling creativity is on clear display throughout the work. It seems to naturally transmit its power to the young PCMR musicians, as proven by the regular murmurs of excitement when it comes time to rehearse it.”says Andrew Gray, musical and artistic Director, PCMR.
Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Symphony concertante no. 2, and Richard Danielpour’s Lacrimae Beati will complete the concert, which is generously sponsored by the Jacques Marchand Foundation.
Pre-Concert Benefit Event: Petit Mozart
Sunday, May 5 – 1:00 p.m., Antonia-Nantel Lobby of the Maison Symphonique, 1600, Saint-Urbain Street
Combination tickets (with priority seating) for the reception and the concert: $200.
On sale at Zeffy.
Mozart’s Requiem
Sunday, May 5 – 3 p.m., Maison Symphonique: 1600, rue Saint-Urbain
- Emma Fekete, soprano
- Ian Sabourin, countretenor
- Matthew Dalen, tenor
- Matthew Li, bass
- Jacques Lacombe, conductor
- Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal
- Andrew Gray, chorus master
Tickets for the concert: $29 – $99
On sale at: orchestre.ca
Program
- Symphony concertante no 2 in G major, op. 13 by J. Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
- Lacrimae Beati by Richard Danielpour
- Requiem in d minor (K. 626) by W. A. Mozart (Süssmayr version)
About the OCM
The 2024 Juno Award winning Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and cellist and manager Lotte Brott. Previously named the McGill Chamber Orchestra, the OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Boris Brott, OC, OQ, the elder son of Alexander and one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, led the OCM from 2000 until his death in April 2022. In July 2023, Maestro Jacques Lacombe became the orchestra’s third Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. The OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians now in residence at the Salle Pierre-Mercure. Fulfilling its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM has created the program Music for Everyone which enables collaborations with numerous new immigrant communities and Montreal organizations in making OCM’s performances accessible to all. The OCM proudly acknowledges BMO Financial Group as its Season Presenter.
About Les PCMR
Les Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal (PCMR) is a choir that was founded in 1956 to provide high-level musical training for young Montreal orphans. Ranging in age from eight to seventeen, the 200 boys in the choir today come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, and share a genuine passion for singing. Their repertoire ranges from Gregorian chant to contemporary choral works. Over the course of a year, Les PCMR sing in over sixty masses at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and offer numerous a capella concerts or with various ensembles.
