The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Music Director Kent Nagano, and the spokesperson for the 2019 OSM’S summer season André Robitaille encourage music lovers of all ages to come out and enjoy the 8th edition of the OSM Classical Spree. From Wednesday, August 7 to Sunday, August 11, 31 concerts; 11 of which will be conducted by Maestro Nagano, as well as a multitude of free performances and activities will be offered at the Maison symphonique, in the different halls of Place des Arts, at Complexe Desjardins, and out in the open on Sainte-Catherine Street. The Spree’s kick-off event will take place outdoors, on the Esplanade at the Olympic Park, a large-scale free concert for the whole family, on August 7 at 8 pm.

Kent Nagano, Musical Director of the OSM states; “The Classical Spree’s range of different musical genres mirrors the diversity of Montreal’s soundscape and its public. While maintaining our wonderful classical music offerings, this year we have broadened our artistic programming to include different realms: Indian, jazz, and Canadian Indigenous music. It is with great enthusiasm that my musician colleagues from the Orchestra, our guest artists, and I invite you to join us in celebrating music and summer!”

Classical Spree is a one-of-a-kind festival in North America and features 31 indoor concerts in addition to an array of free activities. Each concert’s maximum duration of 45 minutes and its ticket prices starting at only $10, are factors to encourage audiences to come out and experience classical music differently.

Masterful performers of all generations will present symphonic concerts, chamber performances and recitals. To broaden everyone’s horizons of musical discovery, there will be concerts of Indian classical music and interpretations by Indigenous artists.

Indoor Concerts from Hervieux to Repin: some Spree must-sees, at a glance

On the programme at the Maison symphonique, the concert Legend And Poetry With Marc Hervieux And Kent Nagano will feature the celebrated Montreal tenor perform Britten’s song cycle Illuminations, setting to music the poetry of Rimbaud. Presented by Domtar. In collaboration with ICI MUSIQUE.

Also, The Romanticism Of Vadim Repin will showcase the virtuosity and lyrical approach of this renowned Russian violinist in a performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. This concerto has become so famous as to virtually eclipse the German composer’s other works. Much to the delight of festival goers, the incomparable Canadian Brass, which boasts more than two million albums sold, returns to share their passion for brass with bravura and humour. Another concert, The Phantasmagorical Night On Bald Mountain features Latvian violinist Baiba Skride for her Montreal debut, where she demonstrates her exceptional talent in a performance of Mozart’s Violin Concerto no. 3.

Also at the Maison symphonique, the closing concert titled Vivaldi Delirium! features works by this composer of the iconic Four Seasons. Audiences can discover unheard-of versions of these works on unusual instruments such as the octobass, the marimba and the cimbalom: an array of fabulous artists at this concert.

Finally, the Piano Nobile of the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier will host the recital Opera Soiree, with soloists Leslie Ann Bradley (soprano) and winner in 2018 of the Montreal International Musical Competition (MIMC), Mario Bahg (tenor), who will deliver various grand arias and opera duets. They will be accompanied at the piano by Marie-Ève Scarfone.

Spotlight on The OSM’s Artists-In-Residence

Festival goers will get the opportunity to appreciate the talents of the OSM’s artists-in-residence, featured in various symphonic concerts, chamber music performances, and recitals. The Classical Spree is a wonderful opportunity to hear the renowned violinists Vadim Repin, Baiba Skride, and Blake Pouliot, as well as pianist Herbert Schuch.

For tickets to Classical Spree, please visit: www.OSM.ca or call 514-842-9951