Name: Songs of Hope
Start: 2026-06-14T15:00:00
Location: Place des Arts

Embark on a journey through time and sound with the Orchestre Métropolitain's choral series at Place des Arts, Montreal. From Mahler's vivid depiction of creation in Symphony No. 3 to a tribute to André Gagnon's iconic Neiges, and a rich blend of German waltzes and Latin psalms, culminating in Songs of Hope, this series features renowned artists like Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Joyce DiDonato, and Léa Moisan-Perrier. These events promise an exploration of humanity, cultural legacy, and the collective aspiration for a brighter future.

A Symphony of Colors, Heritage, and Hope: Orchestre Métropolitain's Choral Masterpieces

Step into a world where music paints vivid landscapes and evokes deep emotions, as the Orchestre Métropolitain presents a series of transformative choral events. From Mahler's symphonic grandeur to the heartfelt tributes to André Gagnon, and the rhythmic exploration of Stravinsky and Brahms, these performances promise an unforgettable journey through sound. Conducted by maestros Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Léa Moisan-Perrier, these concerts celebrate the power of music to connect, inspire, and reflect our shared human experience.

Exploring the Soul of Music: A Journey with Orchestre Métropolitain

Join Orchestre Métropolitain at Place des Arts, Montreal, for a series of captivating choral events that celebrate the fusion of classical and contemporary music. From Mahler's evocative Third Symphony led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the celebrated voice of Joyce DiDonato, to a heartfelt tribute to André Gagnon's iconic 'Neiges' album, these performances promise to bridge cultural legacies. Highlights include Stravinsky's rhythmic 'Symphony of Psalms' and Florence Price's 'Song of Hope,' each reflecting a vibrant tapestry of sound and community.

A Symphony of Culture: Celebrating Mahler, André Gagnon, and Beyond with Orchestre Métropolitain

Montreal's Place des Arts is set to host a remarkable series of concerts brought to life by the Orchestre Métropolitain. From the profound landscapes of Mahler's Third Symphony painted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Joyce DiDonato, to a tribute for André Gagnon's 50-year-old 'Neiges,' these events promise a blend of classical and cultural reflection. Each performance, whether celebrating German Waltzes or evoking hope with Florence Price's moving compositions, offers audiences a rich tapestry of musical storytelling.

A Symphony of Celebrations: Mahler, Gagnon, Stravinsky, and Songs of Hope

Montreal's Place des Arts becomes the stage for a symphonic journey through time, emotions, and cultures as Orchestre Métropolitain presents four captivating events. From Mahler's grand Third Symphony led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Joyce DiDonato, to the 50th anniversary celebration of André Gagnon's 'Neiges', each performance offers unique narratives. The Choeur Métropolitain's 'German Waltzes and Latin Psalms' and 'Songs of Hope' highlight global influences and aspirations. Dive into the rich tapestries of choral music as artists bring to life compositions that transcend borders and eras.

A Symphony of Heritage: Celebrating Music's Timeless Compositions

Hélène Grimaud

Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Chœur Métropolitain

Orchestre Métropolitain

Neiges is turning 50! To honour the anniversary of this iconic album, the OM presents a vibrant tribute to composer André Gagnon, a treasured gem of Quebec’s rich musical heritage. An accomplished pianist and outspoken advocate for Quebec culture, André Gagnon dedicated his career to bridging the worlds of classical and popular music. Neiges is a shining example of this vision, featuring the Beethoven-inspired “Dédéthoven,” the heartfelt “Chanson pour Renée Claude,” and the delightful “Petit concerto pour Carignan et orchestre,” dedicated to Quebec’s legendary fiddler, Jean Carignan.

Neiges: The OM Celebrates André Gagnon

Place des Arts

Bach’s genius is on full display in this monumental masterpiece, composed of six cantatas that recount the story of the Nativity. Its powerful arias rise like majestic columns, its intricate vocalizations act as finely sculpted ornaments, and its clarity illuminates the stained glass and brings the colours to life.

Christmas Oratorio

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The most powerful soundtracks can stand alone without any visual support. They come alive, becoming characters in their own right, and hearing a few bars can instantly transport us back to a favourite scene.

Symphonic Tales of British Cinema: From Hercule Poirot to Harry Potter

Centre Leonardo Da Vinci

Mozart never ceases to amaze! Alongside the famous Eine kleine Nachtmusik, the OM’s string players will perform a manuscript that was newly rediscovered in 2024. Prior to Mozart, Maddalena Sirmen was the first woman to publish string quartets. Fanny Mendelssohn followed in her footsteps with a magnificent quartet.

New Mozart

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Long before Cinderella, The Fox and the Crow and The Flying Canoe, there was the Turtle. The clever and resourceful turtle has made off with a magical eagle feather—one that grants both the power and responsibility to pass down stories. Through the turtle’s courage, humans began to craft tales, myths and legends, passing them down to their children to ensure the traditions and wisdom of their ancestors would never be forgotten.

The Feather and the Turtle

What does the future hold? Whether it’s ill fate or good fortune, there’s no escaping it. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 encapsulates the relentless force of destiny, shifting between calm and destruction. Conductor Kensho Watanabe, Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first conducting student and one of the OM’s favourite conductors, brings his renowned sensitivity and versatility to this symphony.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth

Église catholique Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs

Salle Marguerite-Bourgeoys

There is something truly magical about unearthing a long-forgotten masterpiece. As its notes come to life, suspense and wonder intertwine. We are witnessing history in the making—the discovery of a hidden treasure. With his baton, Yannick Nézet-Séguin breathes fresh energy into the evocative and nuanced music of French composer Rita Strohl, whose Symphony of the Forest has recently been rediscovered.

Echoes of the Forest

St. Sixtus Catholic Church

For the 10th edition of its Opus concert series, the Choeur Métropolitain presents great choral works by Stravinsky and Brahms, accompanied by two pianists. In his highly rhythmic Symphony of Psalms, Stravinsky drew inspiration from both the Eastern sounds of Byzantine music and the musical traditions of the Latin West, including Gregorian chant.

German Waltzes and Latin Psalms

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.

Colour Play

Collège Jean-Eudes

Mercier Public Library

Paroisse Notre Dame de l'Annonciation

Paroisse St-Joachim de Pointe-Claire

In the opening chords of his Piano Concerto, Grieg informs the audience that something extraordinary is about to unfold. With the iconic descending chordal motif, the formidable pianist Michelle Cann seizes attention in an instant. But first, conductor Lina González-Granados sets the stage with Grieg’s famous Peer Gynt Suite and the stirring Overture in D Minor by Croatian composer Dora Pejačević.

Grieg, Nordic Sun

Hope for a better, more united, more empathetic world inspired the programming of this concert, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “I dare look up,” says Florence Price, the first African American composer, in her Song of Hope. Following in her footsteps, Margaret Bonds drew inspiration from the civil rights movement for her Montgomery Variations, dedicated to Martin Luther King.

Songs of Hope

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