Concerts to see during the Classical Spree

The Classical Spree organized by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra includes numerous low-cost or free concerts and dozens of activities that put classical music in the spotlight.

Miloš

Among the distinguished guests of the Spree, classical guitar star from Montenegro Miloš will be in town for two concerts. As a soloist with the OSM on August 17, he will perform the Aranjuez Concerto in a program called Bizet’s Spainconducted by Rafael Payare. Miloš will also give a solo recital the following day at the Fifth Hall.

Cedric Tiberghien

French pianist Cédric Tiberghien will be the guest soloist at the concert. Saint-Saëns’ Egyptwhich the OSM will perform with the Ensemble Constantinople on the afternoon of August 17. We took advantage of his presence in Montreal to offer him another platform: in the evening of the same day, he will perform at the Cinquième Salle in a concert entitled Fauré, Debussy and Chausson for strings and pianofor which he will be accompanied by five musicians from the OSM.

Requiem by Verdi

THE Requiem by Verdi will be presented by the OSM as a closing concert on August 18 (and also on Friday, August 16) at the Maison symphonique. Featuring four renowned soloists – soprano Joyce El-Khoury, mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb, tenor Oreste Cosimo and bass Adam Palka – the masterful work will be conducted by Rafael Payare. The conductor, who led the opening concert on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park on Wednesday, will of course be very active throughout the Virée. Among others, he will be able to conduct the Ensemble Obiora and oud player Joseph Tawadros on Saturday, also at the Maison symphonique, in a program entitled Mediterranean landscapes.

Free concerts

Many free (and quality!) concerts will take place in different locations around the Quartier des spectacles, enough to make for a nice tour. For example, on August 17, the OSM’s virtuoso violin soloist, Andrew Wan, will perform The four seasons by Vivaldi with nine young musicians on the Esplanade Tranquille. On the same day at the Complexe Desjardins, you will be able to hear, among others, the Montreal Youth Symphony Orchestra, and then the Symphonie de la Virée, which brings together amateur musicians conducted by Adam Johnson and Rafael Payare himself.

Yoga with music

Yoga accompanied by music at the Esplanade Tranquille is just one of the many activities that will take place until Sunday as part of the Virée classique. Visit of the Maison symphonique, workshops on instruments, film screenings, musical story time, quizzes, introduction to flamenco for children, talks… Between two concerts, the Quartier des spectacles will be a perfect place to experiment, learn, listen… and have fun.

Check out the full program of the Classical Spree organized by the OSM