3 Free Concerts
For more than 80 years now, the OSM has offered concerts in the parks free of charge to Quebec audiences. Once again this year, there is no age limit to come out and savour three exciting outdoor concerts with OSM Conductor-in-Residence Adam Johnson and violinist Kerson Leong.

These dazzling events hosted by André Robitaille are ideal for individuals, friends and families to come together and soak up the music in a festive spirit. Bring out the picnic blankets, folding chairs and lemonade, and spend an unforgettable evening with an orchestra that is cherished at home and acclaimed across the globe!

Tuesday, July 23 at 7:30 pm – Montreal, Parc Wilfrid-Bastien
Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 pm – Blainville, Centre Équestre
Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 pm – Brossard, Parc Sorbonne

Artists
Adam Johnson, OSM conductor-in-residence

Thrilling audiences at the top levels of the Canadian music  scene, award-winning Canadian conductor Adam Johnson has been praised as “an exciting talent” and for his “charismatic, commanding presence” on the podium. A highly-sought leader, he completed his training in his role as Assistant Conductor of the Montréal Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2018, and was appointed Resident Conductor for the 2018-2019 season. He collaborated closely with Music Director Kent Nagano on recordings for Decca and Analekta, and contributed to performances in Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and a major European tour. He has conducted more than 65 concerts with the OSM and is frequently reengaged as a guest conductor.

Prior to his tenure in Montréal, Johnson served for three seasons with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, initially as Resident Conductor (2013-2015), and subsequently as Associate Conductor (2015-2016).  He has also guest-conducted the Edmonton, Québec, Trois-Rivières, Saskatoon, Guelph and Thunder Bay symphony orchestras, as well as Symphony Nova Scotia. Internationally he has conducted the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and members of the Philharmonisches Staatsorchestre Hamburg.

Kerson Leong, violin (2013 OSM Competition Winner)

Canadian violinist Kerson Leong is quickly emerging as one of the finest musicians and instrumentalists of his generation. He continues to win over both colleagues and audiences alike not only with his “supreme mastery” (Le Devoir) of his instrument or his unmistakable tone, but also his unique ability to combine an honest, intellectual approach with raw intensity and spontaneity, resulting in a truly compelling musicality.

Kerson first gained international attention by winning Junior First Prize at the Menuhin Competition 2010 in Oslo. After subsequent debuts at major international festivals as well as four return performances with the Oslo Philharmonic, he has since distinguished himself as a powerful and individual musical voice, having played in such venues as Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, Wigmore Hall, the Auditorium du Louvre and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

A sought-after soloist, Kerson was hand-picked by Yannick Nézet-Séguin to be his artist-in-residence with the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal during the 18/19 season and has performed with such ensembles as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra among others.

André Robitaille, spokesperson

Program
Gershwin, An American in Paris (20 min.)
Saint-Saëns, Havanaise, op. 83 (10 min.) – with Kerson Leong
Mussorgsky, Night on Bald Mountain, orch. Rimsky-Korsakov (12 min.)
Brahms, Hungarian Dances, orch. Schleming (8 min.)
No. 6 in D-flat major
No. 7 in A major
No. 5 in F-sharp minor
Piazzolla, The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, “Summer” (7 min.) – with Kerson Leong
Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Köçekce, Suite for Orchestra (10 min.)

For maps to all these parks visit: www.osm.ca/en/losm-in-the-parks