For Immediate Release, October 8, 2019, Montreal, Quebec … It is with great pleasure and pride that the Orchestre classique de Montréal, at the outset of its 80th anniversary season, announces new appointments to its Board of Directors, along with key new diversity initiatives to launch the orchestra into its next decade.
Deborah Corber, LL.M. has been appointed Chair of the Board, after joining the OCM Board of Directors in 2017. Ms. Corber is founder of Corber Consulting, a practice dedicated to advancing Reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians. Her work is informed by 25 years of experience providing legal, policy, strategic and negotiating services to the Canadian Government on matters ranging from constitutional and legislative reform, to self-government and comprehensive claims negotiations. Also a pianist with a degree in music from the Schulich School of Music, Deborah Corber comments: “I have admired this orchestra, and the iconic Brott Family that founded and nurtured it, since my days as a music student at McGill University. It is a personal privilege for me to help steward the OCM as it journeys to bring its unique blend of musical excellence, tradition, and innovation to a wide cross-section of Montreal audiences.”
Joel Carrier has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Board. A recent OCM Board member, Mr. Carrier is Vice President and Market Manager at BMO Private Wealth. He also has oversight of the Ultra High Net Worth segment in Quebec for BMO Private Wealth, bringing continuity of vision, strategy and business development, in order to help shape an optimal client experience. Prior to joining BMO 12 years ago, Mr. Carrier spent several years practicing Canadian taxation with Deloitte & Touche as well as Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
The organization is also thrilled to welcome two new members of the Board of Directors:
Marie-France Lafleur is the Senior Director of Human Resources and Communications for Cogeco. With over 20 years of experience in major organizations, Ms. Lafleur has made significant achievements in the areas of change management, organizational transformation, attraction, and talent retention and development.
Nadir André is the National Co-Leader of the Indigenous law group at Borden Ladner Gervais, one of the top law firms in Canada. A member of the Matimekush-Lac John First Nation, Maître André is directly involved in certain comprehensive and specified land claims negotiations in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Northern Ontario. He specializes in matters connected with natural resources development involving Indigenous communities and businesses.
“I am extremely proud and excited about these recent appointments to our Board of Directors,” comments Taras Kulish, Executive Director of the OCM. “Inspired by our new Strategic Plan, we are rejuvenating, building and diversifying our Board membership. It is a new era for our organization and I truly look forward to the future as we continue building this iconic orchestra.”
The OCM recently held a Gala evening in honour of the memory of the esteemed musician, philanthropist, and beloved friend and mentor Joseph Rouleau C.C., G.O.Q., O.A.L.F., President of the OCM Board of Directors until his recent passing in July 2019. The OCM is very grateful that his wife, Renée Rouleau, will continue to serve on the OCM Board.
OCM’s Music for Everyone
The OCM has had a long term commitment to offer diverse programming and to diversifying its audiences. With its recently-created Music for Everyone program, it continues to grow this effort. The mandate of this important initiative is to prioritize inclusion, diversity, and equity in all aspects of the organisation, as the OCM seeks to better understand, reflect, engage, and celebrate Montreal’s diverse communities.
A newly formed Diversity Action Committee is focusing on building representation from the various segments of Montreal’s population. Committee members include Honey A. Dresher who is at the forefront of initiatives in culture, diversity and human rights in Quebec; Journalist César Salvatierra of the Hispanic communities; Journalist Richard Burnett of the LGBTQ+ communities; Community activist Sandra Shatilla of the Middle Eastern communities; Executive Director of Programming at APTN, Monika Ille of the Indigenous communities; Artistic Director, Vues d’Afrique, Géraldine Le Chêne of the African and diaspora communities; Musician and community activist Janet Lumb of the Asian communities; and Visual artist Marie-Denise Douyon of the Haitian community.
Music for Everyone also encompasses OCM’s collaborations with new immigrant communities, women’s shelters, and other Montreal organizations in making OCM performances accessible and inviting. In a continuing effort to encourage attendance from young audiences, student ticket prices remain at only $10 for the majority of concerts.
OCM’s Marketing & Box Office Manager, Boran Zaza, comments: “As a recent immigrant from Iraq, I am very proud that our organization is taking action to welcome and encourage diversity. We can only keep classical music relevant and continuing to grow by reflecting and including the entire landscape of our amazing city.”
OCM’s Young Stars Series
The OCM is pleased to introduce a new Young Stars Series, a 20-minute pre-concert performance featuring highly talented, emerging artists as a prelude to six of the concerts taking place this season. While offering OCM audiences the opportunity to discover up-and-coming local musicians, these young musicians will also gain important performance experience. Performances take place in the lobby of each concert venue starting at 2:15 pm and are free of charge for ticket holders. Follow the schedule for upcoming Young Stars performances here.
NEXT CONCERTS!
GLORIA
Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 pm ~ Salle Pierre Mercure
The OCM and conductor Boris Brott join forces with the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal for a performance of Vivaldi’s joyous Gloria. The varied Sunday afternoon concert also features the Bach-Busoni Piano Concerto in D minor, with pianist Anne-Marie Dubois, and Canadian composer Vania Angelova’s dramatic Pagan Dance on Burning Coals.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm ~ Crypt Church, Oratoire Saint-Joseph
In collaboration with the Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
Hallelujah! Handel’s beloved masterpiece returns, in the Crypt Church of the Saint Joseph’s Oratory. The outstanding array of soloists, under the baton of Boris Brott, include soprano Aline Kutan, mezzo-soprano Annamaria Popescu, tenor Zachary Rioux, and baritone Gregory Dahl. A multitude of choral voices, including Les Chantres Musiciens, Les Filles de l’Île, and the OCM choir join the orchestra to proclaim the start of the holiday season.
TICKETS & INFORMATION: orchestre.ca or 514-487-5190
The OCM is grateful for the continuing support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, its Presenting Sponsor, BMO, and all of its donors and sponsors.
Season Presenter:
