The Orchestre philharmonique du Québec (OPQ) lost about 15% of its public funding from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) at the beginning of the summer, which believes that the organization led by Alexandre Da Costa is not fulfilling its mandate. The CALQ also questions the artistic quality of the productions and reports a worrying financial situation. Three months after the dramatic departure of general director Jean-Marc Léveillé, the situation remains turbulent within the orchestra. An external firm has been mandated to investigate the work climate.
The working climate within the orchestra has been difficult for a long time. In an article published in March 2023, several musicians questioned the skills of Alexandre Da Costa, who was appointed artistic director in 2019. They accused him of having distanced the orchestra from its fundamental mission by taking a popular turn.
In its assessment produced at the beginning of the summer, the CALQ concluded that the OPQ “demonstrates little capacity to innovate and demonstrate artistic audacity.” “The programming and planned activities are of unequal interest,” we can read in particular in the CALQ note, of which The Duty obtained a copy. The state-owned company also describes the organization’s financial situation as “worrying,” as the deficit is growing.
Finally, the CALQ notes that the orchestra is not very well-established in the community it is supposed to serve, namely the South Shore. It should be remembered that the Orchestre philharmonique du Québec was originally called the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil. It changed its name in July 2023 to reflect Alexandre Da Costa’s desire to broaden the organization’s horizons. At the time, many in the classical music community said they felt uncomfortable with the idea of a regional orchestra assuming a title that suggested it was a nationally renowned orchestra.
“A lack of clarity”
The CALQ did not wish to answer our questions, stating that the files of organizations that apply for grants are confidential. According to our information, the CALQ decided to renew its funding to the OPQ despite everything, but it was nevertheless reduced by approximately 15%. What is more, the envelope was only renewed for one year, and not for four years, as is usually the case.
“It wouldn’t be fair to say that it’s because of a more pop orientation that the CALQ reduced its funding. The decision comes from a lack of clarity in the grant application, and not from a shortcoming in the repertoire that we play,” wanted to clarify Véronique Bugeaud, the new general director of the Orchestre philharmonique du Québec.
In the press release sent Monday to announce its new programming, the OPQ promises “a return to balance” for the 2024-2025 season, after a year in which “the very bold proposals stood out from the usual way of presenting classical music.” According to Mme Bugeaud, this should not be seen as a reaction to the criticisms addressed by the CALQ.
“We are indeed returning to more classic bases. But this programming was already planned before obtaining the CALQ results,” she insisted.
Conflict within management
Véronique Bugeaud, a former member of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM), took up her position just two months ago. She succeeded Jean-Marc Léveillé, who left the OPQ last June.
The former general director, who was publicly one of the most unconditional supporters of Alexandre Da Costa’s artistic vision, left amid serious disagreements with the conductor. The Duty was able to get his hands on a document that Mr. Léveillé sent to the board of directors shortly after his departure. In it, he is particularly harsh towards Alexandre Da Costa and his management style, accusing him of putting his interests before those of the orchestra.
Joined by The DutyMr. Léveillé indicated that he could not comment publicly on the document he wrote. Through his lawyer, Alexandre Da Costa also declined to comment, awaiting the conclusions of the ongoing investigation into the work climate.
Upon her arrival, the new general director commissioned an external firm to take stock of labour relations within the orchestra. A report is expected by next week. Véronique Bugeaud reiterated her full confidence in the conductor and artistic director of the OPQ. The chairman of the board of directors, Mr.e Jean-Jacques Rainville also defended Alexandre Da Costa.
“He is a virtuoso, an exceptional artist. It is a chance to have him in the orchestra. From that point of view, I think there is no problem. Now, we need more rigor within the administration,” he maintained, accusing Jean-Marc Léveillé of having increased the organization’s deficits.
Me Rainville acknowledged that the reduction in CALQ funding was bad news. But he said the orchestra’s future is not in jeopardy and that the public is there.