Montreal, September 15, 2021 – The Orchestre Métropolitain (OM) and its artistic director and principal conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin today introduced the next-generation conductors who will take part in the first edition of the Academy of Orchestral Conducting.
Selected after a call for applications launched earlier this summer, six young talents were chosen from a field of 32. They are:
- Monica Chen (British Columbia);
- Marie-Claire Cardinal (Quebec);
- Benoît Gauthier (Quebec);
- Félix Ste-Marie (Quebec);
- Trevor Wilson (Ontario);
- Naomi Woo (Manitoba).
The young conductors will be immersed in the symphonic milieu and enjoy backstage access to rehearsals and concerts of the OM’s 2021-2022 season. They will also have a unique mentoring experience alongside Yannick Nézet-Séguin and, for training purposes, regular interaction with the Orchestre’s team members and musicians. Additionally, they will take part in the OM’s educational and artistic activities.
The call for applications was open to orchestral conductors between 18 and 35 who are at the beginning of their career and considered a member of the next generation of artists. Applicants had to reside in Canada between September 2021 and June 2022 and be enrolled in or have recently completed an orchestral conducting program at an institution of higher learning.
The young candidates were also required to be demonstrably committed to dedicating themselves to a professional career in orchestral conducting. The initiative is part of the OM’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
To document this first edition of the Academy, the OM is pleased to partner with Télé-Québec’s La Fabrique culturelle, which will produce a video highlighting the young conductors’ experience and the learning required to become an orchestral conductor.
La Fabrique culturelle’s mission is to promote arts and culture and the Quebec identity across the province, largely through the creativity of Quebec artists and craftspeople.
- For complete details of the 2021-2022 season: orchestremetropolitain.com
- To learn more about the doings of Yannick Nézet-Séguin: www.yannicknezetseguin.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @LeMetropolitain and Instagram @orchestre_metropolitain.
About the Orchestre Métropolitain
One of Quebec’s leading cultural ambassador for 40 years now, the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal promotes symphonic music by forming a unique bond with the public. For more than two decades, the OM has grown under the artistic direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The exceptional collaborative relationship the Montreal conductor has developed with his musicians has given birth to many musical projects inspired by his vision, all deeply anchored in the values of closeness, boldness and authenticity. The OM enjoys an enviable international reputation and is proud to showcase Quebec talent through its concerts at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, webcasts, award-winning recordings (ATMA, Deutsche Grammophon) and community projects, in addition to its many artistic collaborations.
