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Montreal, May 23, 2024 – For the last concert of its 84th season, the Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) pays homage to Joseph Rouleau, on the fifth anniversary of the passing of the internationally renowned opera singer and former Chairman of the OCM Board of Directors. This grand concert of opera excerpts, hosted by Sylvia L’Écuyer, takes place on Tuesday, June 18th, at 7:30pm at the Maison Symphonique of the Place des Arts.
Four outstanding soloists from Quebec will join forces for this grandiose evening: Aline Kutan (soprano), Mireille Lebel (mezzo-soprano), Éric Laporte (tenor) and Philippe Sly (bass-baritone). They will be accompanied by the OCM in symphonic formation, conducted by maestro Jacques Lacombe. On the program: a selection of excerpts from the most famous operas by Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Delibes, Wagner and Offenbach, plus some songs by Félix Leclerc.
“Joseph Rouleau was one of those unique individuals who devoted every breath of his life to the development of the performing arts, and the vocal arts in particular. He had an immense career as an opera singer, and contributed to the creation of the Opéra de Montréal, Jeunesses Musicales and the CMIM, three great Montreal institutions. We are delighted to honor his memory and his enormous legacy with this exciting opera concert,” says Taras Kulish, General Director of the OCM.
Joseph Rouleau: Last Bow – A Virtual Reality Experience
Ticket holders will have the unique opportunity to relive the most memorable moments of his life, thanks to a captivating virtual reality experience offered by Hubblo. Joseph Rouleau: Last Bow is an immersive animated 20-minute biopic based on the opera singer’s archives, and tells his story by revisiting his personal archives, memoirs and greatest solos. The installation will be accessible in the foyer of the Maison Symphonique. To view the trailer : https://rb.gy/6x0xnp
The OCM is also delighted to welcome young Innu soprano Elisabeth St-Gelais (Radio-Canada Classique revelation of 2023-2024) and pianist Louise Pelletier for a pre-concert recital starting at 6:30 p.m. in the foyer of the Maison Symphonique, thanks to the collaboration of Jeunesses Musicales Canada, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. French melodies by Bizet, Duparc and Poulenc will be on the program.
This concert is sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth Wirth in honor of the Rouleau family. The evening is presented in collaboration with Jeunesses Musicales Canada and the Opéra de Montréal.
A Life In Opera: homage to Joseph Rouleau
Tuesday, June 18 – 7:30 pm
Pre-concert Recital – 6:30pmMaison Symphonique : 1600, rue Saint-Urbain (Place-des-arts metro)
Aline Kutan, soprano
Mireille Lebel, mezzo-soprano
Éric Laporte, tenor
Philippe Sly, bass-baritone
Jacques Lacombe, chefÉlisabeth St-Gelais, soprano (pre-concert recital)
Louise Pelletier, piano
Program
Excerpts from:
- Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni
G. Verdi : Aïda, La Traviata, Rigoletto, Don Carlos
G. Bizet :Carmen
L. Delibes : Lakmé
J. Offenbach : Les Contes d’Hoffmann
R. Wagner : Tannhäuser
F. Leclerc : Songs
Tickets: $45 – 99$, on sale at: orchestre.ca
About the OCM
The 2024 Juno Award winning Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and cellist and manager Lotte Brott. Previously named the McGill Chamber Orchestra, the OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Boris Brott, OC, OQ, the elder son of Alexander and one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, led the OCM from 2000 until his death in April 2022. In July 2023, Maestro Jacques Lacombe became the orchestra’s third Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. The OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians now in residence at the Salle Pierre-Mercure. Fulfilling its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM has created the program Music for Everyone which enables collaborations with numerous new immigrant communities and Montreal organizations in making OCM’s performances accessible to all. The OCM proudly acknowledges BMO Financial Group as its Season Presenter.
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