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

Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes us to the heart of an expansive soundscape with one of the most powerful works in the repertoire: Holst’s The Planets. From the warlike percussion of “Mars” to the ethereal female voices of “Neptune,” each planet reveals a unique atmosphere. This masterpiece showcases the full richness and variety of orchestral timbres in a journey of contrasting emotions.

Yannick Conducts The Planets

Place des Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This grand choral concert takes audiences on a winter journey blending celebration and enchantment. From the first notes of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel to Rimsky-Korsakov’s captivating Christmas Eve, the music transports the audience to a magical world. Berlioz, Vaughan Williams and Price add pastoral warmth and comfort with timeless melodies like “Greensleeves.” With Mendelssohn and Rutter, audiences are enveloped in radiant music that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.

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Choral Christmas at the Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The highly anticipated Holiday Melodies returns to the OM! Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this festive program explores the meaning of the holidays across generations, from timeless classics to today’s standards, including jazz, gospel and Christmas melodies. Featuring exceptional artists such as Louis-Jean Cormier, Dominique Fils-Aimé and Elisabeth St-Gelais, this joyful and moving concert celebrates all the magic of the season.

Italy’s sun-kissed warmth is reflected in the vocal beauty of its music, celebrated for its natural lyricism and elegance. This Chœur Métropolitain concert highlights a tradition where the voice plays a central, deeply human role.

Sacred Italy from Vivaldi to Puccini

Rufus Wainwright’s Dream Requiem reinvents the tradition of grand requiems by infusing it with visionary power. The solemnity of the liturgical text joins “Darkness,” Lord Byron’s 1816 poem depicting a world collapsing after a climate disaster. A profound reflection on collective mourning, the urgency of solidarity and the need for human and social transformation.

Chœur Métropolitain

Dec 8, 2026

Choral Christmas at the Basilica

19 - 20 Dec, 2026

Holiday Melodies

Apr 24, 2027

Sacred Italy from Vivaldi to Puccini

Jun 15, 2027

Dream Requiem

Sep 20, 2026

Yannick Conducts The Planets

Jun 14, 2026

Songs of Hope

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