This season, Montreal's Place des Arts is set to be the epicenter of a series of spellbinding performances celebrating the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven. From the graceful ballet renditions by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in 'MAESTRO' to the orchestral marvels conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Vasily Petrenko, audiences are in for a musical feast. Spanning from September 2024 to March 2025, these events promise to captivate and inspire, bringing Beethoven's timeless compositions to life.

Montreal Celebrates Beethoven: A Symphony of Events at Place des Arts

From the enchanting streets of Montreal to quaint churches in France, experience a symphonic celebration of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's timeless works. Highlights include 'Eternal Orlando', 'The Nutcracker', and 'The Sleeping Beauty', each bringing a unique touch of magic and emotion to audiences. Whether you're attending at Place des Arts or exploring the mystical narratives at Église Notre-Dame de la Recluse, there's something for everyone this season.

Tchaikovsky Takes Over Montreal and Beyond: A Symphony of Events

Montreal is set to be captivated by the timeless genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with an array of enthralling events. From Les Grands Ballets Canadiens' 'Maestro' at Place des Arts to orchestral renditions of his iconic compositions, Montreal's music and arts scene are celebrating Mozart like never before. Join us as we explore a series of performances that promise to move, inspire, and mesmerize audiences with the brilliance of this legendary composer.

Dive into Mozart's Masterpieces: Unmissable Events in Montreal

Prepare to be enthralled as the Orchestre Métropolitain embarks on a breathtaking musical odyssey. From Virginia Woolf’s timeless Orlando to the enchanting melodies of Paris in 1900, this season promises a rich tapestry of orchestral wonders. Featuring a stellar lineup of conductors, soloists, and innovative adaptations, the series explores the evolution of music across centuries and continents. With performances ranging from Handel's Messiah to the resonant notes of Russian compositions, each concert is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

Orchestral Marvels: A Journey Through Time with Orchestre Métropolitain

The Orchestre Métropolitain is set to embark on a remarkable journey through a series of captivating concerts in 2025, each promising a unique musical experience. From the soulful interpretations of Yannick Nézet-Séguin to the innovative renditions by Christian Blackshaw, these events span a wide range of genres and themes. Highlights include performances of beloved classics and avant-garde compositions, with renowned artists like Bryan Cheng and Christoph Koncz gracing the stage. Whether revisiting Baroque masterpieces or celebrating the vibrant Belle Époque in Paris, the OM promises an unforgettable symphony of seasons.

A Symphony of Seasons: The Orchestre Métropolitain's Stellar Line-Up

Embark on a musical journey with Orchestre Métropolitain as they present an array of captivating performances ranging from piano quintets to symphonic masterpieces. Join celebrated artists like Christian Blackshaw and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, as they breathe life into the works of Mahler, Mozart, and more. These events, featuring talented performers and esteemed compositions, offer a rich tapestry of sound and emotion across Montreal's most renowned venues. Dive into the details of each event and discover the artistry that awaits.

A Musical Odyssey: Enchanting Performances by Orchestre Métropolitain

Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of music with Orchestre Métropolitain as they present an eclectic mix of performances that are set to captivate audiences. From the poignant compositions of Mahler and Franck to the soulful interpretations of Schubert and Mozart, these events are a testament to the timeless beauty and emotional depth of classical music. With performances highlighting the brilliance of baroque to the cultural vibrancy of the early 20th century in Paris, this musical season offers something for every music lover.

A Harmonious Exploration: The Diverse Musical World of Orchestre Métropolitain

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of music with Orchestre Métropolitain's series of events. From Christian Blackshaw's intimate chamber performances to Yannick Nézet-Séguin's orchestral brilliance, discover a world where classical, baroque, and contemporary compositions come alive. Spanning venues across Montreal, this exploration includes the soulful depths of Schubert, Mozart's emotional landscapes, and the rich tapestries of Baroque to the elegance of Paris, 1900. Each event uniquely captures the essence of musical artistry, offering audiences a profound experience that transcends time and place.

Exploring Musical Masterpieces: A Journey with Orchestre Métropolitain

Montreal's Orchestre Métropolitain has curated an impressive lineup of concerts in 2025 that promises to enchant classical music enthusiasts. From the evocative piano renditions of Christian Blackshaw to the historically rich Baroque interpretations by Fabio Biondi, each event offers a unique musical experience. Highlights include Yannick Nézet-Séguin's commanding orchestral interpretations and a standout showcase of cultural history in Paris, 1900. Join us as we delve into these exceptional performances that celebrate the timeless beauty of classical music.

A Symphony of Sounds: Exploring the Masterful Performances at Orchestre Métropolitain's 2025 Events

Embarking on a symphonic journey, Orchestre Métropolitain presents a series of compelling events in 2025-2026, each a unique celebration of music and culture. From the charm of Belle Époque Paris to the thrilling rhythms of Sibelius and the cinematic scores that define British cinema, each event offers a distinctive experience. Renowned conductors and soloists join forces to bring these compositions to life, highlighting both classical and contemporary masterpieces. Dive into this rich tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries and captivates audiences across the globe.

An Odyssey of Sound: A Year of Musical Mastery with Orchestre Métropolitain

Prepare to embark on a musical journey through the cultural landscapes of the past and present with the Orchestre Métropolitain's 2025-2026 season. From Paris's Belle Époque charm at the turn of the 20th century to the vibrant dreams of young artists shaping the future, this season promises a rich tapestry of experiences. With performances spanning continents and centuries, audiences will be treated to works by Mahler, Sibelius, and Bach, among others. Join us as we explore the profound connections between music, history, and human emotion.

Orchestre Métropolitain's 2025-2026 Season: A Symphony of Cultural Narratives

The Orchestre Métropolitain's upcoming season promises an extraordinary journey through a diverse musical landscape. From Beck's live orchestral performances to a heartfelt tribute to André Gagnon, each event offers unique experiences. Enjoy the symphonic artistry of Mahler, the exploration of Sibelius's legacy, and thrilling cinematic scores. Join us in celebrating the timeless influence of classical music and its innovative fusion with contemporary works, all while embracing cultural diversity. Discover how these performances aim to entertain, inspire, and connect audiences with art and heritage.

Orchestre Métropolitain: A Symphony of Creativity and Culture

Dive into the world of music and stories with Orchestre Métropolitain's thrilling lineup for 2026. From the timeless tales of 'The Feather and the Turtle' to the evocative symphonies of Tchaikovsky and Grieg, each event promises a unique exploration of creativity and cultural heritage. Renowned conductors and performers, including Kensho Watanabe, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Michelle Cann, bring to life forgotten masterpieces, vibrant choral works, and the timeless allure of symphonic music. Join us as we explore the highlights and memorable moments that defined these extraordinary events.

Exploring the Symphony of Stories: A Journey Through Orchestre Métropolitain's 2026 Events

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

Place des Arts

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.

EPSG:4326

Grieg, Nordic Sun

Centre Leonardo Da Vinci

Église catholique Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs

This production will explore the full emotional range of Bizet’s tempestuous masterpiece — its beauty, its intensity, its truth — alongside a cast of operatic luminaries, including Rihab Chaieb, Arturo Chacón-Cruz, Magali Simard-Galdès, and Ethan Vincent. 

A force of freedom and passion, Carmen’s charisma commands the attention of everyone in Seville. Don José is no exception. A loyal soldier, he surrenders his post, morals, and soul as he is ravaged by the flames of obsession. When Carmen’s attention turns to the daring bullfighter Escamillo, José’s jealousy takes a dark and fatal turn. Free in love and in death, our legendary heroine meets her fate as only Carmen can — fearlessly.

Carmen

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

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

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

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

Salle Marguerite-Bourgeoys

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

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

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

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

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

What are the dreams of the next generation? What kind of world do young artists want to build? The OM gives the floor to two of its favourite stars: conductor Glass Marcano and pianist Tony Siqi Yun. The Venezuelan El Sistema graduate made a highly acclaimed debut at the OM in 2024, earning the admiration of both the orchestra and the audience. Here, she returns with a work that reflects her vibrancy and passion—Dvořák’s New World Symphony—to be followed by Kauyumari, a piece by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz.

A New World

Violins whisper like the wind on a stormy night, the brass section pierces through the orchestra like flashes of lightning, and cellos and basses tremble, spreading unease… In just a few bars, certain pieces conjure an atmosphere perfectly suited to a time of year when terror and death are embraced rather than feared. Under the baton of Naomi Woo, Liszt’s diabolical Mephisto Waltz, Mussorgsky’s haunting Night on Bald Mountain, Verdi’s enchanting Witches’ Dance from Macbeth and Augusta Holmès’s epic Andromeda bring timeless stories and legends to life.

Symphonic Spells

The OM concludes its journey through Sibelius’s work with a performance of the Finnish composer’s last two symphonies. Since beginning this cycle in 2018, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and OM musicians have explored Sibelius’s musical landscapes and forged a profound connection with his universe. This concert offers an opportunity to reflect on Sibelius’s legacy and influence on the language of symphonic music.

Sibelius: Coming Full Circle

Mahler’s Third Symphony paints the creation of the world with a thousand colours. Under the masterful baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the piece unveils the splendour of its landscapes, flora and fauna. It is in this fertile soil that humanity is born, brought to life by Joyce DiDonato’s magnificent voice, singing of humanity’s pain and the joy that triumphs over all suffering. The angelic voices of the women’s and children’s choir join the soloist in a radiant hymn of forgiveness and eternal promise.

Mahler, Joyce and Yannick

Having dazzled crowds last summer at landmark venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, Beck has confirmed that North American fans will once again have the chance to experience the magic of his live orchestral performances.

Beck with Orchestre Métropolitain

Like rivers flow across borders, music reaches the hearts of anyone who listens. It transcends our differences by appealing to a common denominator: human emotions.

Adventure Awaits

At the turn of the 20th century, Paris hosted the Universal Exposition, making it a major cultural capital. Some of the biggest names in music, painting, literature and dance attended. Don’t miss this charming event celebrating the Belle Époque in Paris!

Paris, 1900

Regardless of where you come from, prepare to float down the river with Indigenous composer Barbara Assiginaak’s Eko-Bmijwang (As long in time as the river flows), get carried away with Ravel’s La valse, and be dazzled by Saint-Saëns’s Concerto No. 2. Get ready to shed a few tears listening to the heart-wrenching melodies of Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” symphony, which was on the program for Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s debut as the OM’s artistic director 25 years ago. This musical choice is just right for the OM’s second European tour, which will bring music to audiences across the continent.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Baroque specialist Fabio Biondi takes the audience back through the centuries to revisit some of the most influential composers in music history. The journey begins with Corelli, who laid the foundation for modern violin technique and inspired his contemporaries across Europe.

Baroque Journey

Ville de Montréal

St. Joachim of Pointe-Claire Church

Yannick Nézet-Séguin interprets Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great,” an imposing yet deeply personal work. Christian Blackshaw, a contemporary Mozart masters, delivers a crystal clear rendition of the composer’s work. With Piano Concerto No. 24, our artist-in-residence highlights Mozart’s ability to convey the depth of human emotion through music.

Soulful Greats

Cégep Marie Victorin

Église Sainte-Claire

The great pianist Christian Blackshaw, a Bourgie Hall regular, will join OM chamber musicians to perform three of the most beautiful pieces for small ensembles by Mahler, Franck and Dvořák.

Christian Blackshaw in quintet

The OM’s musicians are coming together with actors to celebrate the year’s holidays through music. For Halloween, young audience members will be treated to a spine-tingling percussion and brass performance. Valentine’s Day will delight families with lovely string melodies. And for Mother’s Day, harp and woodwinds will honour mothers, grandmothers and mothers-in-law.

Cupid and the Song of the Heart (family concert)

After his successful debut with the OM, Austrian Christoph Koncz is back to conduct Stravinsky’s The Firebird. The orchestra will carry this fiery energy into a brilliant performance of Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Each stand comes alive with treats for the eyes and ears!

Fiery Flight

Église Notre-Dame de la Recluse

In Glazunov’s composition, the cello—played by the up-and-coming internationally renowned soloist Bryan Cheng—sings like a melancholic minstrel of courtly romance in the Middle Ages. Then, with Rococo Variations, the instrument becomes a chameleon, changing its voice with utmost virtuosity to develop Tchaikovsky’s theme, inspired by 18th-century music. 

Russian Dolls

Some pieces never lose their lustre, and Handel’s Messiah is no exception. After the resounding success of last year’s performance, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the OM are back to perform this musical gem in the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.

Handel’s Messiah

Following the resounding success of the first Holiday Melodies concert in 2022, it has become one of the OM’s most anticipated events. More than your typical Christmas concert, it’s an occasion for different genres and cultures to come together. With the Taurey Butler Trio and the voices of Mélissa Bédard, Kim Richardson, and the Chœur Métropolitain, under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the concert will feature the convergence of Québécois, American and European traditions with jazz and classical styles. Antoine Gratton’s arrangements harmonize memories from all these musical worlds that contribute to Quebec’s unique culture.

Holiday Melodies

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando is a timeless character. Eternally young, he changes lives and genders but remains fascinated by art. While the novel tells the history of English literature, the theatrical adaptation—incorporating symphonic music and directed by the great Lorraine Pintal—delves into the evolution of music.

Eternal Orlando

From his planet to ours, the audience will follow the celebrated prince on his adventures as he meets the businessman, the lamplighter, the fox and, of course, the pilot. The musical works that accompany his travels bring the characters to life, adding a new dimension to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s philosophical tale.

The Little Prince (family concert)

The Music-Loving Witch (family concert)

The uncontested master of the symphony, Beethoven left his mark on music in a way few composers have. With four concerts in three days, Yannick Nézet-Séguin will deliver his vision of these bold classics that continue to dazzle audiences 250 years later. It’s sure to be a marathon to remember!

Choral Beethoven

Fateful Beethoven

Pastoral Beethoven

Heroic Beethoven

In Te Deum, Bruckner is a musical architect building a veritable cathedral—a grand monument chiselled to perfection and brimming with devotion. As he was unable to complete his ninth and final symphony, he suggested that Te Deum replace its last movement. The result, performed by four internationally renowned soloists and the Chœur Métropolitain, is simply majestic.

Legendary Figures

Aida is among Verdi’s most emblematic operas—unquestionably one of the most beloved of the entire repertoire. This monument combines ill-fated love and political intrigue with the allure of ancient Egypt. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts a world-class vocal cast in this opulent conclusion to the Festival’s 47th edition, a few months before opening a new production of Aida at the Metropolitan Opera. 

Aida en clôture de saison

Festival International de Lanaudière

It has developed into a Lanaudière tradition: the summer reunion of two of Quebec’s most acclaimed musicians, to whom we owe some of the finest highlights of our Festival in recent years. This time around, they concentrate on not just one, but two outrageously demanding piano concertos by Franz Liszt, performed back-to-back by Marc-André Hamelin who revels in their challenges with uncanny ease. To complement these two flagships of pianistic virtuosity, the concert also offers the profound introspection and yearning Romanticism of Johannes Brahms. 

Nézet-Séguin and Hamelin: Again Reunited

One of Montréal’s greatest composers left us at the beginning of 2023. José Evangelista left an impression on Quebec culture both through his music and the many composers and musicians he taught. The OM and its conductor will pay him one last tribute with a performance of Alap & Gat to close the season. 

Mahler’s Sixth

Orchestre Métropolitain musicians come together to perform a work written by one of their own, French horn player Simon Bourget. His sextet for piano and wind quintet will be followed by two major pieces for piano and winds from the repertoire: the charming and elegant sextet by Francis Poulenc and a sextet written by his lesser-known predecessor, Austrian Ludwig Thuille.

Winds of the Orchestre Métropolitain

Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal

Three musical tales are told by Barbada over an original musical score, performed for the first time by Orchestre Métropolitain musicians. Follow the adventures of three friends as they travel through the forest and across seasons to find the famous multicolour dewdrops whose music lifts people’s spirits.

Exhilarating Summer

The Chœur Métropolitain will delight audiences with every choral ensemble’s favourite piece: Carmina Burana. At once powerful, dramatic, playful and measured, these secular cantatas were inspired by medieval poems and set to music in 1936 by Carl Orff. A joy to sing and listen to, particularly in their arrangement for piano and percussion!

Chœur Métropolitain: Carmina Burana

Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and melodies from Bernstein’s West Side Story showcase Latin America’s electrifying influence on symphonic music. The fiesta will continue in Havana’s colourful streets with Amadeo Roldán’s Tres pequeños poemas and the Latin Concerto written by our wonderful guest soloist, pianist and composer Gabriela Montero.

Latin Fiesta

This major turning point is illustrated in this two-part program. First, her roots can be found in the works of South American composers and poets. Then, she tackles Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, the piece that helped make her famous when she conducted it at the final round of the 2021 Victoires de la Musique. 

Under Marcano’s Sun

Springtime Music (family concert)

Even the toughest winters end with spring blossoms. Culture persists even when war breaks out, often coming back even stronger. Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv, will introduce audiences to Eastern European masterpieces, including a symphonic poem by the most famous Ukrainian composer, Boris Lyatoshinsky.

Slavic Spring

Known for its rich string section, the Philadelphia sound developed through many collaborations with Rachmaninoff, whose grand and epic Symphony No.  2 will be performed at this evening’s concert.

More recently, Florence Price also earned a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia musicians, who have played many of her works.

The OM Welcomes the Philadelphia Orchestra

The great French baritone François Le Roux, known as the Pelléas of his generation, performs surrealist artist Max Jacob’s poetry set to music by Poulenc and a production by Ramuz and Stravinsky combining speech, mime, dance and music. He will be accompanied by Orchestre Métropolitain musicians and conducted by Nicolas Ellis.

The Masquerade Ball and the Tale of the Soldier

Springtime Radiance

Renowned songwriter Gilles Vigneault’s mass is at once divine and unceremonious. His lyrics and melodies feature his signature simplicity and candour, with passages sung in Innu in a nod to his native Natashquan.

Chœur Métropolitain: Sacred Gilles Vigneault

A churning, beating humanity is evoked in this social symphony in constant evolution, a work that proposes a tempest of bodies, sound compositions, and immersive visual installations inspired by data culled from citizens and scientists. This grand gesture composed of musicians and dancers will attempt to illuminate and transform the stage into a great heart pulsing humanity. Tensions in a dance-music duet, a decagon of violins combining the impressive physicality of plural bodies and songs in invented language. The sum of it all will spring forth like an ode to the polyrhythmic power of the heart.

Symphony of Hearts

Orchestre Métropolitain musicians, friends and collaborators will come together to pay tribute to two major conductors who left a mark on Quebec and Canadian music.

Tribute to Raffi Armenian and Agnès Grossmann

The concert starts off with a bang as Don Juan bursts onto the stage and dives head first into his romantic—and musical—adventures! From one symphonic poem to the next, Strauss takes us through Italy with Aus Italien, visiting four sunny destinations: the Roman countryside, the nostalgic Roman ruins, the beach at Sorrento and a Neapolitan celebration.

Italian Dream

Carmen is stabbed to death by a jealous lover, Salome causes the beheading of John the Baptist, Delilah tricks Samson, Ophelia descends into madness and drowns … There are countless love stories that end in tragedy, inspiring some of the most beautiful music. 

Fatal Attraction

Hear Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal under the leadership of Montréal’s own Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra’s artistic director since 2000 and conductor for life. They perform a New York premiere by award-winning cellist and composer Cris Derksen, who deftly combines traditional classical influences, indigenous music, and modern sonic experimentation. Pianist Tony Siqi Yun, called “a true poet of the keyboard” by Pianist Magazine, joins in Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto. The concert also features Sibelius’s heroic Second Symphony, which the composer describes as “a confession of the soul.”

Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal

Carnegie Hall

Passion, youth, drama… Everything that made Romeo and Juliet the greatest love story of all time comes through in Prokofiev’s exquisite piece. The program will feature other works inspired by famous couples that have captivated our collective imagination, performed by the OM’s brass section.

Romeo and Juliet

Under the baton of American conductor JoAnn Falletta, Zemlinksy’s The Mermaid comes to life through music and sand, thanks to the international icon and sand art pioneer Kseniya Simonova. The Ukranian artist’s creation of a work of sand art will be live streamed during the performance.

A Pact Set in Sand

Two major international opera stars will join Yannick Nézet-Séguin in a sublime search for light. Soprano Janai Brugger delivers a consistently stunning performance of Gloria, the French composer Poulenc’s masterpiece. Mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill will explore profound human suffering to find glimmers of hope in her performance of Psalm 130, “Out of the Depths.” Listen closely to the parallels between these two choral works and discover how Poulenc was inspired by Lili Boulanger’s musical writings.

From the Abyss to the Stars

Prokofiev’s fifth symphony is a mature composition, written 14 years after his previous symphonic work. This ode to freedom and happiness was completed during World War II and features a joy that prevails and explodes like fireworks under the baton of Kensho Watanabe.

Fire and Flame

Théâtre Desjardins

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the iconic Messiah by Handel. This essential holiday concert will feature an all-Canadian cast of soloists performing against the backdrop of the gorgeous Basilique Notre-Dame.

Dazzling singing, familiar melodies, incredible drama—this piece has the power to keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the final chord. A holiday classic everyone should experience at least once in their life.

When jazz chords meet classical harmonies, you know a party awaits! The Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal and the Orchestre Métropolitain are coming together with the Chœur Métropolitain and singers Laura Anglade, Ranee Lee, Kim Richardson and Dawn Tyler Watson for this major concert. Your favourite Christmas, orchestral, jazz and pop classics are on the program, in an updated arrangement by Antoine Gratton.

Adored by children and families alike, Passe-Partout, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Montagne are coming to the orchestra! Sharing the fantastic world of musical instruments, the beloved characters will sing youngsters’ favourite songs and nursery rhymes.

Passe-Partout at the Symphony

Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes a passionate and exacting dive into Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 to make the piece shine. Written during World War II, the Leningrad symphony instantly became a symbol of hope and solidarity. Nearly a century later, it’s still disquietingly topical.

The Leningrad Symphony

Autumn Makeup

Inspired by Rimsky-Korsakov’s overseas adventures and his ability to make an orchestra sing just as he envisioned, Scheherazade is just as enchanting as the courtesan tales from One Thousand and One Nights. Under the baton of Elim Chan, a young female conductor with international star power, the tales’ distinct colours intermingle to the pleasure of musicians and audiences alike.

One Thousand and One Drums

Following Brahms’s melancholic Tragic Overture and lyrical Concerto No. 1, the stage is set for hope and sensuality. Augusta Holmès’s symphonic poem La Nuit et l’amour, recalling Wagner, was written in the Romantic style with an emphasis on melody. Finally, Schumann’s first symphony, also known as the Spring Symphony, evokes flowers and colours in bloom. 

From Soloist to Maestro

The first notes of the season will be from composer Cris Derksen. In its world premiere, Derksen’s piece creates a space where classical and electronic music encounter the Cree Nation worldview. Under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the OM will continue its Sibelius symphonic cycle with Symphony No. 2—a masterpiece with tempestuous ambiance, in the spirit of Finnish resistance and dramatic climes. 

Summit

At the height of the 20th century’s Great Depression, African-American composer Florence Price transcribed the daily struggles men and women faced through the evocative power of the orchestra. A veritable sound smith, Montréal-based Keiko Devaux works with acoustic and electroacoustic sound to create original compositions. Angel Blue, one of the most in-demand sopranos in the world, lends her stunning voice to Barber’s work.

Symphonic Explorations

In a style reminiscent of Glazunov, Stravinsky’s rhythmic Petrushka is the story of a mischievous puppet who comes to life. With his sidekicks, he transforms the orchestra into a theatrical performance of love and jealousy. The concert opens with Mozart’s tragic Idomeneo, which brings together fate, passion and despair under the baton of guest conductor Nicholas Carter. Violinist Karen Gomyo brings all of Glazunov’s romanticism and brilliance to life.

Bigger than Nature

Holy Spirit of Rosemont Catholic Church

Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier suite evokes classic Vienna, ripe with waltzing, elegance and ingenuity. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto demands musicality, virtuosity and folk spirit, and Kerson Leong delivers. Under the baton of Alexander Shelley, Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock’s My Name Is Amanda Todd brings a message of hope to the story of a teenage cyberbullying victim.

Elegance with Kerson Leong

Church of Saint-Nom-de-Jésus

The warmth of the human voice joins forces with unexpected colours in this concert. Schubert’s Nachtgesang im Walde, for men’s chorus and four horns, takes us into the forest for a nightly but luminous walk to celebrate nature. Clara Schumann’s Three Mixed Voices Choruses are beyond charming, letting the talent of this extraordinary musician shine through. Brahms’s enchanting Four Songs are written for women’s chorus, two horns and harp, an unusual yet is typically romantic accompaniment. In the pure tradition of ancient church music, Bruckner’s Mass No. 2 is full of references for the masters of the past, while remaining faithful to the composer’s personal style.

Chœur Métropolitain: Voices and Colours

The Orchestre Métropolitain is presenting a symphonic adaptation of the story Le pelleteur de nuages (The Cloud Shoveller) by Simon Boulerice. This poetic and magical tale is about a young, imaginative boy named Elliot with vitiligo. Published by La courte échelle in 2018, the story tackles themes of difference, diversity, stigma, inclusivity and self-esteem.

The Cloud Shoveller

Stories told to music with an orchestra, chorus and soloists, cantatas are intimate moments between humanity and the divine. The program will open with an expansive celebratory cantata (BWV 174) to set the tone, followed by a more intriguing work with a sublime bass aria (BWV 178).

Yannick Nézet-Séguin wraps up Bach’s complete cantatas

The confidence of youth emanates from the first notes of the captivating Ballade for Orchestra written by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, an African-British composer who made a name for himself in 19th-century London. David Jalbert’s brilliant piano playing elevates Prokofiev’s demanding score to the sublime. On the podium, Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the orchestra for Sibelius’s fifth symphony, a unique piece with sweeping imagery and extraordinary drama.

Symphonic Heights

With the fascinating marriage of Valérie Milot’s harp and Stéphane Tétreault’s cello, the orchestra delivers the debut performance of Denis Gougeon’s masterful composition. Composed in a state of anguish, Shostakovich’s fifth symphony is a stunning piece that triumphed despite attempts at repression from the Soviet Union. The concert starts off with the elegant Petite suite from the French impressionist composer Germaine Tailleferre, a deliberately subtle composition featuring Les Six’s sparkling colours.

Milot, Tétreault, Gougeon

Under immense pressure and tormented by aspirations of becoming the greatest Czech composer, Dvorák delivered a jewel of a seventh symphony: complex, cutting and lucid. Opening the program, Wagner revolutionizes the opera overture with the stormy leitmotif of Der Fliegende Holländer. Montréal-based Simon Bertrand’s refined composition for theremin, a fascinating instrument with a sound somewhere between the human voice and synthesizer, will be given its world premiere by Thorwald Jørgensen and conducted by the brilliant Daniela Candillari.

Electric Revolution

While Emmanuel Pahud’s virtuosity shines through in his concerti, a more intimate chamber music setting moves audiences with his expressive playing. Accompanied by a string ensemble made up of OM musicians, the flutist will perform some of the repertoire’s hidden gems. Featuring a young, melodic Mozart, the long-hidden talent of American composer Amy Beach, Hoffman’s charming Serenade and the Slavic style of Schulhoff’s work, the program is full of discoveries and wonder.

Pahud and the OM in an intimate setting

French Colours

Église Saint-Sixte

All the splendour of Bach in one piece. Finely crafted for over 30 years, Mass in B Minor encapsulates the renowned composer’s style. Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the work features symmetrical movements, complex architecture, fascinating counterpoint passages and powerful voices that showcase Bach’s genius—a simple mortal at the service of humanity.

Bach’s Mass in B Minor

Nearly 200 artists will gather on stage to perform a selection of the best-loved holiday songs from the popular, classical, Québécois and American catalogues, dressed in a jazzy cascade of symphonic colours by arranger Antoine Gratton. Enjoy favourites including “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “White Christmas,” “Joyeux Noël,” “Sleigh Ride” and Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite, not to mention Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture. A fabulous concert that will enchant young and old alike!

Holiday Melodies 2022

Guest conductor Lina González-Granados will be bringing the sounds of the Andes, Mexico and Spain to the orchestra. With restrained drama and captivating dances, a colourful portrait of Spain comes to life through MILOŠ’s guitar in his performance of the celebrated Concierto de Aranjuez. Also on the program, Elegía andina dreams of identity, while Danzón No. 2 and The Three-Cornered Hat evoke joy and dance.

Orchestre Métropolitain

Jul 26, 2026

Nézet-Séguin and Eberle: Romantic Ecstasy

Aug 2, 2026

Macbeth by Nézet-Séguin

Sep 20, 2026

Yannick Conducts The Planets

Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2026

Turandot

Sep 30 - Oct 3, 2026

Romeo, Juliet and the Struggles of an Era

Jun 14, 2026

Songs of Hope

21 - 23 May, 2026

Grieg, Nordic Sun

Articles & News

Orchestre Métropolitain

Orchestre Métropolitain

Jul 26, 2026

Nézet-Séguin and Eberle: Romantic Ecstasy

Aug 2, 2026

Macbeth by Nézet-Séguin

Sep 20, 2026

Yannick Conducts The Planets

Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2026

Turandot

Sep 30 - Oct 3, 2026

Romeo, Juliet and the Struggles of an Era

Jun 14, 2026

Songs of Hope

21 - 23 May, 2026

Grieg, Nordic Sun

Articles & News

Orchestre Métropolitain

Macbeth by Nézet-Séguin