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Tuesday, January 7, 2025 – In honour of Black History Month, the Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) will shine the spotlight on three artists of African descent: Cameroonian-Canadian soprano Suzanne Taffot, Haitian-Canadian composer David Bontemps, and Panamanian-American conductor Kalena Bovell, making her Montréal debut. The OCM’s concert on Thursday, February 6, at Pierre‑Mercure Hall, will feature the world premiere of Bontemps’ Le Deuil des roses qui s’effeuillent, a song cycle based on poems by Jacques Roumain, in a performance marking the 80th anniversary of the Haitian writer’s passing.
This special evening will focus entirely on the music of Afro-descendant composers, with works by Black British composer Samuel Coleridge‑Taylor and African-American composers George Walker and William Grant Still. The program will conclude with a set of four beloved spirituals, newly orchestrated by Hugo Bégin.
Presented as part of Black History Month, the concert is generously sponsored by TD Bank.
“For many years now, the OCM has served as a platform for the diverse communities that make up Montréal’s rich cultural landscape, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating Afro-descendant classical composers and artists at this concert,” says Taras Kulish, Executive Director of the OCM.
“As part of Black History Month and through the TD Ready Commitment, we’re honoured to support the Orchestre classique de Montréal for this exceptional concert featuring Afro-descendant talent,” says Laurence Levy, Senior Vice-President, Branch Banking, Québec Region, TD Canada Trust. “Music has the unique power to bring us together, transcend differences and celebrate the rich histories and cultures that unite us,” she says. “In supporting these kinds of initiatives, we affirm our commitment to highlighting the talent of Black communities and providing spaces where creativity, diversity and inclusion can thrive.”
Distant Echoes of Africa
Thursday, February 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Pierre-Mercure Hall: 300, Boul. de Maisonneuve East
Duration: 110 minutes, 20-minute intermission
Program
Walker, G. Lyric for Strings
Bontemps, D. Le Deuil des roses qui effeuillent (world premiere)
Coleridge‑Taylor, S. Novellettes, op. 52
Still, W.G. Danzas de Panama
Spirituals (arr. M. Hogan and H. Bégin):
– Deep River
– Give Me Jesus
– Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
– He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Suzanne Taffo, soprano
Kalena Bovell, conductor
Tickets: $20-$59 (including taxes and fees)
On sale at orchestra.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.
The OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians now in residence at the Pierre-Mercure Hall. Fulfilling its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM is proud of its Music for Everyone program 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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