Orchestre philharmonique et choeur des mélomanes 2021-2022 season includes Alain Lefèvre playing Mathieu’s Concerto de Québec
Montreal, July 29, 2021 – The seventh season of the Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes (OPCM) includes pianist Alain Lefèvre as soloist in André Mathieu’s Concerto de Québec. This is one of three concerts in the Maison symphonique under the direction of Francis Choinière.
“I have always been keen to support the next generation and it is with enthusiasm that I accepted the invitation of the young conductor Francis Choinière to present this gem,” Lefèvre said, referring to the concerto, a work he was instrumental in reviving.
Two of the concerts are with choir. “We want to transport our audience to the discovery of the striking and touching musical adventure that is the classical repertoire,” the 24-year-old conductor said.
Each program features different styles, from the simplicity of Vivaldi’s Gloria to the lyrical romanticism of André Mathieu and Dvorák and the persistent rhythm and energy of Orff’s Carmina Burana and Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird.
Vivaldi’s Gloria – Conveying Hope in Difficult Times
Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (and Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec City)
To open the season, the OPCM will present the popular Gloria in D major by Vivaldi as well as a collection of baroque arias by Handel, in addition to Tomaso Albinoni’s Adagio. The themes center on boldness, courage, and fearlessness. Soloists are tsoprano Dominique Labelle and mezzo-soprano Marie-Andrée Mathieu.
Concerto de Québec – A romantic and moving evening
April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrated for his dazzling performances of works by Mathieu in New York, Paris, London, Berlin and Shanghai, Alain Lefèvre will return to the Maison Symphonique and bring to life the Piano Concerto No. 3 (“de Québec”) by André Mathieu. He will invite his audience to dive into the nostalgic yet deeply touching melodies of a great Quebec artist. The concert is completed with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” This hopeful work draws inspiration from American landscapes and sounds while remaining true to the musical traditions of the composer’s native country, the Czech Republic.
Carmina Burana – Wonder and Romanticism
May 28 at 7:30 p.m.
The season will close with Stravinsky’s majestic The Firebird (1919 suite. This work is inspired by several Russian tales. The second half of the concert features famous Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Although his melodies are heavily influenced by medieval songs, his lyrics often evoke secular and even sensual elements of life. More than 150 singers and musicians will be gathered on stage, including the EMSB Choir, soprano Aline Kutan, tenor John Mac Master and baritone Peter Barrett.
Tickets available now!
Place des Arts
514 842-2112 / 1 866 842-2112
Palais Montcalm
418 641-6040?/?1 877 641-6040
About the OPCM
The Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes (OPCM) is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 to create a community of talented young musicians. This Montreal ensemble known for its vibrant and dynamic sound is dedicated to the development, promotion and advancement of choral and orchestral music. The ensemble is led by artistic director and conductor Francis Choinière. Choinière has collaborated with some of the world’s top artists, having been engaged as chorus master and collaborative conductor for concerts with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Ramin Djawad, Hans Zimmer and Jónsi & Alex Somers.
Website in English: https://www.opcmelomanes.ca/
Website in French: https://fr.opcmelomanes.ca/
