Green cello, blue bassoon, yellow piccolo—the vibrant hues of French music unfold like a painting by Monet or Gauguin, capturing fleeting moments of magic, conjuring fairytale worlds and whisking us away to distant lands. Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye contains five movements inspired by well-known fairy tales, while Mel Bonis evokes a sensual, dreamlike world in her Rêve de Cléopâtre.

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Colour Play

Collège Jean-Eudes

Mercier Public Library

Paroisse Notre Dame de l'Annonciation

Place des Arts

Paroisse St-Joachim de Pointe-Claire

As part of the SMCQ’s 60th anniversary celebrations, themed Intergenerational Dialogues, the Orchestre de l’Agora presents a concert combining classics and new works from Quebec’s orchestral music scene. Works by Jacques Hétu and Claude Vivier will be joined by two world premieres by Alexandre David and Maggie Ayotte (commissioned by the Agora Orchestra). Conducted by guest conductor Benoit Gauthier, with soloists Marina Thibeault, Thomas Beard and Noémie Caron-Marcotte.

From classics to creations

Salle Pierre-Mercure

The cello’s rich, expressive voice takes centre stage in this powerful opening to the Cello Festival, reflecting the instrument's dual nature — rooted in the depths of the earth yet simultaneously reaching skyward.

Colin Carr, Denise Djokic, Santiago Cañón-Valencia, Matthias Bartolomey, Cameron Crozman, Inbal Segev, cellos
Anne Manson, conductor.

Between Earth & Sky

Crescent Arts Centre

Bruckner's popular “Romantic” Symphony takes the listener on an emotional and philosophical journey with themes of humanity’s interactions with nature and a grandiose orchestral landscape. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to hear this popular work conducted by one of the world’s foremost ‘Brucknerians’. The great Canadian composer Jacques Hétu wrote his riveting Organ Concerto for the inauguration of the Winspear’s own Davis Concert Organ in 2002. This concert opens with a celebratory welcome march from Wagner's opera Tannhäuser.

Bruckner, Wagner & Organ

Winspear Centre

This recital is given in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. Jasmine Lin is a student of Cho-Liang Lin. 

Meng Jia (Jasmine) Lin, Violin

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Samy Moussa has burst onto the music scene winning plaudits for his compositions and his conducting alike. For his Ensemble 10:10 debut, he brings compelling composers rarely heard on these shores – Jacques Hétu (from Canada) and David Diamond (from the US), but also serene music from the UK’s Edmund Finnis. Moussa also introduces us to his acclaimed Violin Concerto with a UK premiere starring our very own Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Leader, Thelma Handy as soloist. Moussa’s music is described as ‘dazzlingly coloristic’, full of ‘intoxicated harmonies and noisy energy’ – this concert will encompass all that and more.

Ensemble 10:10

Yoko Ono Lennon Centre

**Night on Bald Mountain: A Musical Journey with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra**

Immerse yourself in a night of enchanting music as the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra presents "Night on Bald Mountain," a concert that promises to take you on a spellbinding journey through darkness and light, folklore, and legend. This captivating event took place on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, at the prestigious Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, offering an unforgettable experience to all who attended.

Under the baton of the talented Mélanie Léonard, with Matthew Larkin gracing the organ, the concert opened with the dramatic and gothic tones of Francis Poulenc's Organ Concerto, op.36. The piece set the stage with its thunderous opening, playful movements, and a hauntingly beautiful viola solo, creating a perfect prelude to the evening's main attraction.

The highlight of the night, Modest Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain," arranged by Rimsky Korsakov, transported the audience to St. John's Eve on Bald Mountain. Inspired by Russian literary works and legends, the piece vividly depicted a Witches’ Sabbath, complete with pagan festivities, a gathering of witches and spirits, and the eventual dispersal of demons at dawn by the sound of church bells. This iconic composition, known to many through Disney's Fantasia, showcased the orchestra's ability to evoke the driven and demonic atmosphere of the work.

The concert also featured Richard Wagner's "Eine Faust-Ouvertüre, WWV 59," a musical representation of the soul's restlessness, aspirations, and struggles with destiny, inspired by Goethe’s Faust. The evening concluded with Jacques Hétu's "Légendes, op.76," a three-movement composition inspired by Quebec legends, including the energetic and lively "Alexis le Trotteur," celebrating the legendary character known for his racing exploits.

Ticket prices were tiered to accommodate every budget, with special discounts available, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to experience this magical evening. Children under 12 enjoyed free admission, making it a family-friendly event.

Although this event has passed, it remains a testament to the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra's commitment to bringing high-quality classical music to the community. For those who missed it, stay tuned for future events that promise to continue the tradition of excellence and enchantment.

Jacques Hétu

Events

Past events

15 - 19 Apr, 2026

Colour Play · Orchestre Métropolitain

Mar 21, 2026

From classics to creations · Orchestre de l’Agora

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