The OSM and Rafael Payare unveil their 2025-2026 Season

Passion is key under Rafael Payare’s baton

After delighting audiences in Europe and at the Maison symphonique with Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, the OSM and Rafael Payare will open the 25–26 season in grand style with the same composer’s La damnation de Faust, a captivating and powerfully emotional lyrical drama.

In October and in February, Payare will move forward with his Mahler cycle begun in 2022. OSM audiences will first hear the composer’s Symphony no. 9, then his Symphony no. 4. The Shostakovitch cycle also continues, with a performance of the “Leningrad” Symphony no. 7 in April 2026, conducted by Rafael Payare. Beethoven’s Symphony no. 8 will open this concert. Also, under Payare’s direction, on April 22, the Orchestra will perform Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, as well as the world premiere of a work commissioned by the OSM to Denis Gougeon and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 2 featuring Bruce Liu as soloist.

In December, Rafael Payare will be joined by the amazing Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma in Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D major, followed by Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. In January, Emanuel Ax will be the OSM and Payare’s guest for a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 3. This concert will also feature the world premiere of a commissioned work by British Canadian composer Isabella Gellis as well as Prokofiev’s Symphony no. 5. In March, Rafael Payare and the OSM continue their cycle of Mozart operas to libretti by Lorenzo Da Ponte. This season, audiences will hear The Marriage of Figaro. In May 2026, to close the season, Rafael Payare will conduct Wagner’s The Ring Without Words, preceded by Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, performed by the legendary Yefim Bronfman.

Fewer categories, more savings: the OSM’s new pricing structure

The OSM is attuned to the current economic context and has redesigned its pricing and seating plan. To begin, the pricing structure has been streamlined, with 6 price categories, down from 9, and seats in all categories on both the Parterre and Corbeille levels. Furthermore, our starting price is now reduced to $30 + taxes per ticket, with 20% of the hall’s seats available at this rate. These seats are divided between the Parterre, Chœur, and Balcon sections.

What this means is that more than half of the venue’s seats are now discounted by 5% to 75%, compared to last season. The base rate of $30 + taxes has also been designated as the new 35-and-under rate. With a subscription, an additional 25% discount applies, which amounts to 4 concerts for only $90 + taxes. Finally, the OSM is launching a new loyalty card, the OSM Card, at a membership cost of $50, offering a 20% discount on the purchase of single tickets throughout the season. An OSM+ card will also be available for $200. It offers a 25% discount on the purchase of single tickets, plus a $150 donation and several privileges, including exclusive access to a dress rehearsal conducted by Rafael Payare. A fabulous way to enjoy a preferential rate without committing to a subscription.

I am delighted that a clientele of all ages is coming together at our concerts. I believe that everyone should have access to moments of wonder such as the OSM can offer. I am confident that this redesigned seating plan and pricing structure will enable all types of audiences to experience the thrill of an OSM concert from a prime seat in the house, as their means permit, and as often as they wish.

—Mélanie La Couture, OSM Chief Executive Officer

Symphonic Happy Hour: A Unique Afterwork Musical Experience

With colleagues or friends, what better way to unwind after a busy workday than with happy hour-style classical greatness? This year, the series comprises three concerts conducted by Rafael Payare, Jessica Cottis, and Dina Gilbert. Spectators can enjoy a drink before the concert as they chat with comedian and actor Philippe-Audrey Larrue-St-Jacques, who for a second season will introduce and guide them through the series’ programming with his signature humour. From the nostalgia for Europe of exiles to America in the 20th century, to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Stravinsky’s phenomenal Firebird, this shorter, no-intermission concert formatenhanced by live listening guides offers a perfect break from the weekday routine!

Three Éclaté Events

In stride with the hugely successful folk Christmas party featuring Le Vent du Nord and a Gatsby-themed evening in the 24–25 season, the OSM is announcing three new rollicking éclaté concerts for the 25–26 season. The compact, no-intermission concerts will all be followed by lively evening celebrations in the foyers of the Maison symphonique. On October 30, for Halloween, a spine-chilling evening is in store with Rachmaninoff’s Isle of the Dead conducted by Dina Gilbert. On February 5, peerless Canadian conductor and soprano Barbara Hannigan will give a concert on the theme of Gaîté parisienne and ballroom dance with works by Offenbach, Kurt Weil, and Glenn Miller. Then, on March 12, the OSM will explore Middle Eastern and Balkan folklore in a concert showcasing the improvisations of Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, conducted by Rafael Payare.

Halloween, the Winter Holidays, and Spring Break with the OSM

To celebrate Halloween, the OSM will give audiences the choice of three different programs: an Isle of the Dead-themed éclaté concert, a concert for young audiences crawling with vampires and monsters, and laden with pumpkins, and a music and film concert dedicated to The Phantom of the Opera. A lineup where no family member or age group can escape from the goosebumps!

The holidays will be a time for enjoying two beloved classics that have turned into a cherished OSM tradition. Conductor Emeritus Kent Nagano and storyteller Fred Pellerin will reunite for a 7th edition of the annual Holiday Tale. This mainstay event that brings to life characters from the town of Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, complete with their incredible and fantastical stories, will be presented on December 17, 18, and 20. Another OSM holiday classic is also back, Hallelujah! On December 10 and 11, the Orchestra will perform Handel’s Messiah under Rafael Payare’s direction. This iconic oratorio is guaranteed to immerse spectators of all ages in a festive atmosphere, with its lush and contrasting musical tableaux. A great opportunity to (re) discover Handel’s massively famous work, supercharged with all the spirit and energy of Rafael Payare. Finally, during spring break, the OSM will offer a magical experience and activities for the whole family with two concerts to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter movie release, as well as a richly coloured Symphonic Happy Hour featuring Stravinsky’s The Firebird.

The OSM Plays in Movies (and Video Games!)

This season, five concerts will revisit landmark themes from great movie classics and from video games. To celebrate Halloween, as well as the film’s centenary, organist Jason Roberts will improvise on the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique to accompany the screening of Rupert Julian’s The Phantom of the Opera,released in 1925. In November, Stanley Kubrick’s cult classic2001: A Space Odyssey will be shown with live orchestral accompaniment conducted by Ben Palmer. With Stellar: the organ’s balancing act, OSM organist-in-residence Jean-Willy Kunz creates for us a rare experience, with works by Philip Glass and Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar Suite in collaboration with the Cirque Le Monastère, on February 7 and 8. To celebrate 25 years after the first film release depicting a magical universe, and to delight witches and wizards of all ages, music from Harry Potter composed by John Williams, among others, will be presented on its own without the film, during spring break. In May, under the baton of Kevin Zakresky, Heroes: A Video Game Symphony will immerse us in the greatest video game themes, from Fallout to Assassin’s Creed, as well as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy, with projections and sequences from these landmark games for several generations.

The Tradition of Pop Concerts Continues

Throughout the 25–26 season, the OSM’s POP series will feature diverse programs and uncommon musical alliances. In October, the Acadian band Salebarbes will join forces with the OSM. And whenever Salebarbes is on stage, there’s sure to be a party! 2025 was a spectacular year for the band and the OSM is excited to welcome them to launch the season’s POP series and to celebrate their massive hits in symphonic form. With orchestral arrangements by Antoine Gratton, conducted by Dina Gilbert, get ready for a toe-tapping evening you won’t soon forget.

In February, immerse yourself in the eccentric world of François Pérusse withPérusse symphonique: from the Snack bar to the OSM. Will you see François Pérusse the comedian? Will you hear François the singer, Pérusse the musician? You won’t want to miss this epic encounter! From the first Album du Peuple, celebrating its 35th anniversary, to the present day, his immense, rich and humorous oeuvre in symphonic version is sure to leave a lasting impression. Under the direction of conductor Simon Rivard and with symphonic arrangements by Hugo Bégin, François Pérusse will deliver several famous excerpts from his imposing repertoire, surrounded by surprise guests for the occasion. Don’t miss it ! Another artist will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned and prepare for a blast!

Education at the Heart of the OSM’s Mission

Every year, the OSM lights up the classical stage for over 20,000 young people and their families who visit the Maison symphonique. This season, the Children’s Corner series will feature three enthralling concerts. For Halloween, Trick or Treat! conducted Dina Gilbert, with Jean-Willy Kunz at the organ, will transport the audience to an enchanted world through works by Saint-Saëns, Goulet, and Grieg. Symphonic Olympics, under the baton of Adam Johnson, will explore connections between music and sports, showing us that athletes and musicians possess the same kind of stamina. Lastly, An OSM Carnival, conducted by Julien Proulx and staged by Martin Gougeon, will present Quebec composer Maxime Goulet’s The Carnival of the Insects, in which every instrument portrays a fascinating tiny creature.

In parallel, some dozen school matinees will guide young students in their discovery of the Orchestra, in concerts supplemented by pedagogical guides to enrich their learning. As for the OSM Competition, it will reach its 86th edition, which is dedicated to the voice. The Competition’s final round will be conducted by Jacques Lacombe. Let us recall that, since 1934, the OSM has attributed the highest value to providing first-rate exposure and support for young Canadian talent, a commitment confirmed by the appearance this season of guest soloists who are all former laureates of the OSM Competition: the pianists Bruce Liu, Godwin Friesen, and Jaeden Itzik-Dzurko,as well as the saxophonist Jason Xu. In addition to these promising projects for the future of the OSM, a wide variety of mediation activities will be held at the Maison symphonique, the Espace OSM, and in schools.

The OSM Resonates Around the World

A leading cultural ambassador throughout Quebec, Canada, and internationally, the OSM is committed to sharing its art across borders and around the world. In the 25–26 season, the OSM will be broadcast in partnership with Mezzo, Medici.tv, and Symphony.live, and will record a new album in addition to releasing an album devoted to Hector Berlioz, recorded on December 19, 2024.

A First Associate Conductor and a New Composer-in-Residence

The OSM is pleased to announce the addition of two outstanding artists to the OSM family. Conductor Dina Gilbert, who served as Assistant Conductor to Maestro Kent Nagano from 2013 to 2106, will return to the OSM in the role of Associate Conductor, becoming the first Associate Conductor in OSM history. She will hold the position over the next two seasons and will conduct four different programs in 25–26.

The OSM welcome Peruvian Jimmy López as composer-in-residence, in conjunction with the San Diego Symphony (SDS), for which Rafael Payare also serves as Music Director. The OSM will present three works by López during the season: the tone poem Aino in September, Perú Negro in February, and La caresse du couteau for string quartet, to be performed by OSM musicians as part of the OSM’s chamber music series at Bourgie Hall. In connection with Jimmy López’s residency, the SDS and the OSM have co-commissioned an orchestral work from him, to be performed in 2026–2027.