The Orchestre de la francophonie’s Conductor Competition begins this Sunday

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Montreal, May 26, 2025 — Starting this Sunday, June 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Salle Pierre-Mercure, the Orchestre de la francophonie (OF) unveils an unprecedented program built around a public competition to select its next artistic director. Audiences will have the unique opportunity to discover the musical worlds of the three finalist conductors through a series of four concerts, culminating in the selection of the OF’s future artistic leadership during the grand finale concert at Maison symphonique on August 3. Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine, Léa Moisan-Perrier, and Julien Proulx will compete for the honor.

A Three-Part Musical Competition Where the Public Is Invited to Vote

Of the four concerts, the first three will allow the finalists to showcase their artistic skills and their ability to inspire the entire OF ensemble—composed of young professional musicians who are graduates of top music institutions. The orchestra’s new artistic director, selected at the end of the competition for a three-year term, will be announced during the closing concert on August 3 at Maison symphonique.

True to its mission of learning, innovating, and sharing, the Orchestre de la francophonie has made its artistic director competition a participatory experience: a public vote will contribute to the selection process overseen by a panel of expert jurors.

“The future of classical music depends on boldness and openness. This participatory process reflects the spirit of innovation and sharing that has driven the OF since its founding. The 2025 season will not only be a musical highlight, but also a celebration of transmission and renewal,” says Jean-Philippe Tremblay, OF’s Founding and Emeritus Music Director.

Three Conductors, One Artistic Vision to Champion

Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine currently conducts several orchestras in Quebec and Ontario. Known for her innate musicality and intuitive connection with musicians, she has a strong academic background and has benefited from international training experiences.

Léa Moisan-Perrier is the conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de l’Estuaire and the St. Andrew & St. Paul Choir. Trained in piano, voice, and conducting, she stands out brilliantly in both symphonic and choral repertoires, with prestigious collaborations in Canada and Europe.

Julien Proulx has been the conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de Drummondville since 2014. A recipient of several Prix Opus awards, he is renowned for his bold artistic choices, innovative spirit, and deep commitment to regional musical communities.

PROGRAM

Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine
Sunday, June 29, 2:30 p.m. – Salle Pierre-Mercure

Concert Repertoire
Morsink, Eos and Tithonus
Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Op. 101
Hiscott, The Restless Wind

Guest Artist
Alexander Wu, cello

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Léa Moisan-Perrier
Sunday, July 6, 2:30 p.m. – Salle Pierre-Mercure

Concert Repertoire
Palmer, Fire Break
Brahms, Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 17
Mozart, Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, K. 54

Guest Artist
Benjamin Seah, violin

Box Office

Julien Proulx
Sunday, July 20, 2:30 p.m. – Salle Pierre-Mercure

Concert Repertoire
Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin
Spohr, Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 26
Hétu, Symphony No. 3, Op. 18
Prokofiev, Symphony No. 1 “Classical” in D Major, Op. 25

Guest Artist
Yen-Han Chen, clarinet

Box Office

Closing Concert and Official Appointment
Sunday, August 3, 2:30 p.m. – Maison symphonique

Concert Repertoire
Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique” in B Minor, Op. 74

Guest Artist
Nadia Azzi, piano

Box Office

Presale tickets available until June 24

Tickets are now on sale at www.orchestrefranco.com. An exclusive presale is available until midnight on June 24, offering reduced prices: $25 for concerts at Salle Pierre-Mercure and $30 for the concert at Maison symphonique.

About the Orchestre de la francophonie

Since 2001, the Orchestre de la francophonie (OF) has been preparing young musicians—graduates of prestigious institutions—to play leading roles in nationally and internationally renowned orchestras. Its mission is built on three pillars: learning, innovating, and sharing.