Orchestre symphonique de Montréal presents

Angélique Kidjo Sings Glass

While Beethoven poetically depicted birdsong and rippling streams, Janáček, a stark observer, contrasted the stillness of forest life with the conflict-filled world of humans.

Angélique KidjoMeanwhile, Glass drew inspiration from African poems that tell of the creation myth and deities of the ancient Ifé Empire, fuelling the imagination of Angélique Kidjo, who brings these legends to life with vocal depth and power.

Five-time GRAMMY Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the foremost artists in international music today, a creative force with sixteen albums to her name. In 2021, Time Magazine named her “Africa’s premier diva,” and one of the most influential people in the world. She is the recipient of the 2015 Crystal Award given by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, the 2018 German Sustainability Award, the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music laureate, and the 2023 Polar Music Prize winner. As a performer, her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple languages as well as her familiarity with several cultures have won the respect of her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.

Conducting this concert is Swiss-Australian Elena Schwarz, currently Conductor in Residence of Klangforum Wien. Elena Schwarz is recognized for her insightful interpretations that bring a freshness to performances of core repertoire alongside an extensive knowledge and experienced approach to a wide range of contemporary music, bringing a human quality that inspires confidence and draws the best from musicians.

Program
Leoš JANÁČEK, The Cunning Little Vixen, Suite (arr. C. Mackerras, 22 min.)
Philip GLASS, Ifé, Three Yorùbá Songs (20 min.)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Symphony no. 6 in F major, op. 68, “Pastoral” (39 min.)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:30pm
Maison symphonique

To purchase your tickets, visit: www.placedesarts.com