The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) will present a concert version of the beloved opera Carmen, featuring mezzo‑soprano Julie Nesrallah in the title role. The OCM will take the stage for two performances of Bizet’s abridged classic under the baton of conductor Boris Brott on March 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm at the Pierre‑Mercure Hall.

Carmen

Julie Nesrallah is famous for her
performances in the role of Carmen

A tale of love, obsession and jealousy, Bizet’s Carmen is one of the most popular operas ever written. The OCM’s semi-staged adaptation focuses on the story’s four main characters: Carmen, sung by Lebanese-Canadian mezzo‑soprano Julie Nesrallah; Don José, played by Mexican-Canadian tenor Ernesto Ramírez; Micaëla, sung by Cameroonian-Canadian soprano Suzanne Taffot; and Escamillo, sung by Québec baritone Hugo Laporte. Centaur Theatre’s artistic director Eda Holmes will direct and Anne‑Catherine Simard‑Deraspe will provide the lighting design.

Micaëla in Carmen

Cameroonian-Canadian soprano Suzanne Taffot will perform the role of Micaëla

Julie Nesrallah is an extremely versatile singer and actress who dazzles audiences with her engaging personality and her rich, expressive voice. She regularly appears with opera companies, symphony orchestras, festivals and chamber music ensembles throughout North America and around the world. Ms. Nesrallah is known to many as the definitive Carmen due to her iconic interpretation of the role. She is also a popular radio personality, serving as the host of CBC Radio’s Tempo and CBC Television’s Solo.

Each concert of the OCM’s 82nd season, entitled Women of Distinction, honours a great woman from outside the music world who has left her mark on the community. To open the evening, the OCM will pay tribute to Moroccan‑born Québécoise Danièle Henkel, a highly successful businesswoman.

Pierre-Mercure Hall of the Pierre-Péladeau Centre is located at 300 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est. H2X 3X6. (Berri-UQAM, Access D, Rue Saint-Denis.) Indoor parking is available at the UQAM Underground Parking Garage, 1435 rue Sanguinet, Opens at 6:30pm, $11 for the evening.  In person tickets are $25 – $59, and available at www.orchestra.ca

About the OCM
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and cellist and manager Lotte Brott. Previously named the McGill Chamber Orchestra, the OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring 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. The OCM presents concerts throughout the year and is now in residence at the Salle Pierre-Mercure. Fulfilling its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM has created the program Music for Everyone which enables collaborations with numerous new immigrant communities and Montreal organizations in making OCM’s performances accessible to all. The OCM proudly acknowledges BMO Financial Group as its 2021-22 Season Presenter.