What’s on in Montréal – Some choice arts and entertainment events for November

What’s on in Montréal courtesy of Tourisme Montréal

CLASSICAL

Inspired by the album Histoires sans paroles – Harmonium symphonique, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal under the direction of conductor Dina Gilbert will perform High Mass at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church from November 16 to 18.

The Orchestre Classique de Montréal presents the concert version of the tango opera María de Buenos Aires at Pierre-Mercure Hall with mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah and baritone Clarence Frazer on November 23.

More than 30 concerts are programmed at this year’s 17^th edition of the Montréal Bach Festival which opens with conductor Reinhard Goebel and the Orchestre du Festival Bach Montréal with pianist Schaghajegh Nosrati at the Maison Symphonique on November 17. The fest runs to December 3.

DANCE

The Danse Danse series presents Jungle Book Reimagined by the Akram Khan Company, in which the star choreographer reframes Mowgli’s journey through the eyes of a young climate refugee, at Théatre Maisonneuve from November 1 to 4.

Jake Epstein

THEATRE

The Segal then presents the one-man show Boy Falls From The Sky written by and starring Jake Epstein in a showbiz tell-all about “that guy from Degrassi” who played Spider-Man on Broadway and starred in the US National Tours of Spring Awakening and American Idiot. But dreams don’t always go as planned: via stories and songs, Epstein shares the rejection, stage fright and heartbreak behind his seemingly successful career. Runs from November 19 to December 10.

MUSEUMS

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at the Arsenal Contemporary Art Centre in Griffintown explores the history of the iconic cathedral, from the laying of the foundation stone in 1163 to the current restoration project, and the work of its builders from the past to the present day. To navigate the exhibition, visitors use a HistoPad and scan the 21 “Doors of time” to embark on a 60-to-90 minute journey through space and history. Runs from November 3 to December 30.

The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal presents the North American premiere of the Velvet Terrorism: Pussy Riot’s Russia “anti-exhibition” originally presented at the Kling & Bang art space in Reykjavik. Famed for protesting Vladimir Putin and tyranny in Russia, the Pussy Riot feminist collective produces performances, music and videos characterized by provocative, politically-charged lyrics and actions. This exhibition brings together the last ten years of Pussy Riot’s activism, documenting their actions and the punishments meted out by Russian authorities. Runs to March 10, 2024.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Montreal drag legend Barbada & the Musicians of the OM present three musical tales for children aged 5+, told by Barbada in French to a soundtrack created by musicians of the Orchestre Métropolitain, November 12 at Bourgie Hall.

CINEMA

Founded in 1987, Image+Nation is Canada’s first LGBTQ+ film festival which continues to play a trendsetting role within the larger festival circuit. Over 11 days, this year’s 36^th edition will screen and stream more than 100 features, documentaries and acclaimed short films from around the world, from November 16 to 26.

COMEDY

Australian comic Josh Thomas headlines Club Soda on November 26.

Comedy superstars Steve Martin and Martin Short co-headline their You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today! show at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier on November 30.

LITERATURE

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Geddy Lee of RUSH headlines Théâtre Maisonneuve on November 21 with MY EFFIN’ LIFE In Conversation! with a special guest interviewer. The tour is named for Geddy Lee’s new memoir MY EFFIN’ LIFE which will be published by HarperCollins on November 14.

POP MUSIC

Montrealer Gino Vannelli presents his hit songs newly arranged and orchestrated for a special evening with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec at the Maison Symphonique on November 5.

On November 24 at Club Soda, Billy Bob Productions presents Bang A Gong Montreal, a celebration of the glam-rock era with an all-star cast of Montreal performers including Dawn Tyler Watson, Shane Murphy, Paul Cargnello, Howard Bilerman, TJ Plenty (Asexuals) and Jason Bajada.

Other November shows of note: Ivorian roots-reggae superstar Tiken Jah Fakoly at MTELUS (November 8), Rock and Roll Hall of Famers KISS bid farewell at Bell Centre (November 18), English soprano Sarah Brightman at Place Bell (November 21), and pop icon Mariah Carey brings her Merry Christmas One And All Tour to the Bell Centre (November 29).

Dubbed “Mr. Montreal” by the CBC, arts and culture journalist and columnist Richard “Bugs” Burnett knows Montreal like a drag queen knows a cosmetics counter.