A 4th edition that presents a whirlwind of classical music for all

The OSM Classical Spree Festival features 30 concerts lasting 45 minutes at modest prices ($10 to $40), a variety of free activities for music lovers and newcomers, over 200 musicians and the participation of several great names in classical music, special get-togethers with the artists as well as a program for the whole family. The OSM Classical Spree Festival has become a popular summer musical celebration, and it’s modest prices and short performances make the concerts a good opportunity to introduce classical music to young audiences.

At Maison symphonique de Montréal, and in the halls and activity spaces of Place des Arts, families and music lovers can once again map out the musical itinerary of their choosing and discover and enjoy the talent of musicians from here and elsewhere.

With a 2014 edition that welcomed 25,000 people, the Classical Spree has established itself as a major cultural event. This summer’s fourth edition will take on the appearance of a musical journey that will transport attendees to the four corners of the world, from Spain to Italy, from France to Germany, and with forays to China and India. Launched by a large-scale free open-air concert on Wednesday, August 5, the OSM Classical Spree Festival will continue on Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, at Place des Arts.

The kickoff of the OSM Classical Spree Festival will take place on Wednesday, August 5 with a large-scale free popular concert, Passion according to Carmen, at Olympic Park and conducted by Kent Nagano. Following the immense success of previous years, in particular last summer’s, with over 40,000 people gathering on the Esplanade Sun Life Financial at Olympic Park, Spanish-style passion is to the fore with Carmen, a love story fit for a hot summer evening. The most beautiful voices and the Orchestra will perform the treasured arias from Bizet’s masterpiece in the company of a chorus, several dancers and actors who will round off the impressive cast.

The heart of the celebration will beat once again at Maison symphonique de Montréal and three other Place des Arts halls, where a series of 30 concerts and recitals will take place in a festive and laid-back atmosphere.

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal

  • Kent Nagano, conductor
  • Michèle Losier, mezzo-soprano (Carmen)
  • Joseph Kaiser, tenor (Don José)
  • Marianne Fiset, soprano (Micaëla)
  • Gregory Dahl, baritone (Escamillo)
  • Florie Valiquette, soprano (Frasquita)
  • Christianne Bélanger, mezzo-soprano (Mercédès)
  • Hugo Laporte, baritone (Le Dancaïre)
  • OSM Chorus, under the direction of Andrew Megill
  • Alain Gauthier, staging

A brochure presenting the detailed programming and some suggestions regarding musical itineraries is now available. To discover the guest artists and the Orchestra musicians taking part in the OSM Classical Spree Festival, visit the Classical Spree’s website: vireeclassique.osm.ca.

The 2015 OSM Classical Spree Festival include the August 5 Free concert at the Olympic Park starting at 7 p.m. Concerts on August 7 & 8 at Place des Arts are $10 to $40 (plus tax) and are on sale now at www.osm.ca or at www.vireeclassique.osm.ca and at the Place des Arts box office. 514-842-2112 or www.placedesarts.com