Similia – June 16, 2020 Online concert with the Orchestre Classique de Montréal LiveEvents June 16, 2020 1414 Similia Nadia Labrie (flutist) and Annie Labrie (guitarist) Versatile and incredibly talented, award-winning Similia continually transcends musical borders to encompass a wide and eclectic repertoire, delighting music aficionados from all cultures. Named “world’s best flute and guitar duo” by Classical Guitar Magazine UK, Similia has recorded 4 CDs under the Analekta label. Winners of the coveted Félix Award for Best Instrumental Album of the Year awarded by ADISQ (Quebec Recording Industry Association) in 2004 for Nota del Sol, Similia was also nominated in 2006 ADISQ’s Félix Award for Best Classical Recording for their Fantasia CD. For 15 years, Similia has gained international recognition by providing nearly 500 concerts in 13 different countries including Japan, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Mexico, Guatemala, United States and Canada. They recently sold out the Palais Montcalm at their world premiere of the Concerto tradicionuevo by Patrick Roux under the direction of Yoav Talmi and accompanied by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. Annie also interpreted the Concerto de Aranjuez (Adagio) by Joaquin Rodrigo and Nadia the orchestral version of the Brilliant Fantasy on Carmen by François Borne. Similia also payed with the Kamloops Symphony under the direction of Bruce Dunn. Celebrated for their elegant and refined music-making, Similia has received many prizes and accolades. With their alluring interpretations, the duo explores the flute and guitar repertoire with passion and impeccable musical flair, sometimes adding new and dazzling dimensions to standards with their own arrangements. And while they perform the classical repertoire with brio, the pair enjoys discovering new musical horizons. Whether playing Latin American music or works by contemporary composers, Similia thrives to charm music lovers with melodious musical selections and genuine passion. Their artistic vision and mission is to give life to the evocative voice of the flute and guitar ensemble and to expand its musical repertoire. Similia performs as part of the OCM’s special Listen Local series of free virtual concerts. This series features amazing Quebecois female artists: pianist Élisabeth Pion, harpist Valérie Milot, flutist Nadia Labrie and her twin, guitarist Annie Labrie, as well as mezzo-soprano Florence Bourget. “Quebec artists are a great source of pride to us, and it is our duty to support them. All year long, crisis or not, the OCM sets out to give local talent as many performing opportunities as possible and I am thrilled to continue this tradition”, says general manager Taras Kulish, himself a proud Quebecois. Each week, the featured artist will have carte blanche to present their favourite repertoire during the 45 minute performance. Similia’s performance will be broadcast at 7:30pm June 16, 2020 on l’Orchestre classique de Montréal’s Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/orchestre.ca/ About the Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) For its 80th anniversary season, the McGill Chamber Orchestra was renamed Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM). Founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and his wife Lotte Brott, the OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring to five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Now led by Boris Brott, OC, OQ, the elder son of Alexander and one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, the OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians, which presents concerts throughout the year in the finest halls of Montreal.
