Kent Nagano conducts three concerts with the OSM!

The Maestro is appointed Conductor Emeritus of the OSM
As Music Director of the OSM for 16 years, Maestro Kent Nagano left a profound impression on the Orchestra and the public, owing to his dedication and passion. On February 25, 2021, the OSM gave Nagano the honorary title of Conductor Emeritus of the Orchestra. Appointed by the Board of Directors, he becomes the third Music Director of the OSM to receive this recognition after Wilfrid Pelletier and Zubin Mehta. In appointing him Conductor Emeritus, the Orchestra clearly shows its commitment to preserving its privileged connection with the Maestro, well beyond his term as Music Director.

“It is with deep feeling and great pride that I welcome the decision by the OSM’s Board of Directors to appoint me Conductor Emeritus of this great Orchestra. I am deeply moved by this decision. I wish to thank Lucien Bouchard, Madeleine Careau, all other members of the Board of Directors, as well as all my brilliant OSM colleagues for this honour, which even further strengthens my attachment toward Montreal and the province of Quebec.” – KENT NAGANO

Kent NaganoMaestro Nagano’s outstanding contribution to the OSM and to the entire Quebec community from both artistic and human perspectives fully justifies his status as Conductor Emeritus. After 16 years at the Orchestra’s helm, he has left an invaluable legacy of magnificent concerts, but also of remarkable achievements such as helping to make the Maison symphonique project a reality, a world-class concert hall in which music lovers and musicians can appreciate the subtleties and power of the works performed. He was key in the OSM’s acquisition of the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique and of its three octobasses, led numerous award-winning recordings, established the Classical Spree festival, bringing the OSM closer to a broader, more diverse public, directed several memorable concerts on the Olympic Park’s Esplanade and conceived La musique aux enfants, an educational program so dear to his heart. He masterfully fulfilled the OSM’s tradition of major tours, showcasing the Orchestra on several continents and solidifying its international reputation. Confident that music is a medium for dialogue, peacemaking, and friendship, he twice brought the OSM to communities in the Northern Quebec region to perform the new opera Chaakapesh, a product of the OSM’s collaboration with Inuit and First Nations creators.

A Long-Awaited Return
Back at last in Montreal to accept this honour, Maestro Nagano is marking the occasion by conducting the Orchestra in three long-awaited concerts! To highlight Maestro Nagano’s accomplishments, each of these concerts will reflect a part of his legacy to the Orchestra: works by Beethoven, Mozart and Stravinsky represent the Germanic and Russian repertoires, while the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique, inaugurated by Kent Nagano in 2014, will figure prominently in a work by Poulenc.

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From Beethoven to Poulenc:

Kent Nagano, between Thought and Refinement

The Orchestra displays its well-known versatility in this concert of works by French and German-speaking composers. Hindemith’s Kammermusik no. 1 highlights the exceptional mastery of twelve soloists who will conjure a virtuosic whirlwind, leading into Poulenc’s majestic Concerto showcasing the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique and OSM Organist-in-Residence Jean-Willy Kunz. Characteristic Viennese vitality will permeate the Orchestra in Beethoven’s dazzling Symphony no. 2 to conclude the concert..

Artists
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Kent Nagano, conductor
Jean-Willy Kunz, organ

Program
Hindemith, Kammermusik no. 1 [Chamber Music no. 1], op. 24, no. 1 (15 min.)
Poulenc, Organ Concerto in G minor, FP 93 (23 min.)
Beethoven, Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 36 (33 min.)

Webcast
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7pm (EST)
Until March 30, 2021

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Strings, Winds and Piano:

The Art of Contrast According to Kent Nagano

This two-part concert packs some astonishing contrasts: Stravinsky’s Piano Concerto, full of energy and mischief, highlights the wind section and the artistry of one of the OSM’s faithful collaborators, Quebec pianist Marc-André Hamelin. At the other end of the spectrum, Mahler’s re-orchestration of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden brings out the strings in a poetic, poignant reflection on life and death.

Artists
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Kent Nagano, conductor
Marc-André Hamelin, piano

Program
Stravinsky, Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments (21 min.)
Schubert/Mahler, String quartet no. 14 in D minor, D. 810, “Death and the Maiden”, arrangement for String Orchestra by Mahler (40 min.)

Webcast
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 – 7pm (EDT)
Until April 6, 2021

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Surprise and triumph:

Kent Nagano Conducts Haydn and Mozart

This concert rooted firmly in the Classical style turns a page on 16 emotion-filled years, with Haydn’s surprising, humorous “Farewell” Symphony. The inseparable bond that unites Maestro Nagano with the OSM and Montreal reaches the next level, embodied in Mozart’s brilliant and triumphant “Jupiter” Symphony, the last symphony to spring from the pen of this Viennese mastermind at the summit of his art.

Artists
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Kent Nagano, conductor

Program
Haydn, Symphony no. 45 in F-sharp minor, Hob.I:45, “Farewell” (30 min.)
Mozart, Symphony no. 41 in C major, K. 551, “Jupiter” (39 min.)

Webcast
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – 7 pm (EDT)
Until April 13, 2021

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To purchase your virtual ticket for these concerts visit: www.osm.ca