The OPCM announces a
memorable 10th season
The Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes promises several highlights
October 29, 2024
To mark its 10th season, Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes (OPCM) will present some of the greatest masterpieces of classical music at the Maison symphonique de Montréal. Virtuosos, choristers, and talented singers will deliver memorable performances, making this season the most grandiose in the history of this young ensemble, already renowned here and across the province.
As an opening, the OPCM will offer a masterful interpretation of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Mozart’s Requiem in D minor on November 15 and 16. Conductor Francis Choinière will lead 100 choristers and 52 musicians, accompanied by the exceptional voices of soprano Myriam Leblanc, mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy, tenor Andrew Haji, and baritone Geoffroy Salvas.
On March 9, the OPCM will present Gustav Holst’s legendary suite Les Planètes, featuring the full choir and 90 musicians, promising a magnificent spectacle. The program will also include the powerful Gloria by British composer Karl Jenkins, showcasing the magic and strength of the OPCM’s 100 choristers.
To conclude the season on May 24, a grand evening will feature soprano Sarah Dufresne and mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy in Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony No. 2. More than 200 artists, choristers, and musicians will participate in this glorious work, made famous by the acclaimed film Maestro (2023) about conductor Leonard Bernstein.
“At the dawn of a monumental 10th season, I proudly and enthusiastically present to you an impressive range of masterpieces,” says Francis Choinière, artistic director. “They reflect our vision and celebrate our growth and journey undertaken over the last decade. Each concert has been carefully prepared to highlight the depth and diversity of the classical repertoire, while showcasing the talent of our community.”
Francis Choinière
Francis Choinière is the co-founder, artistic director, and conductor of the OPCM, which he co-founded in 2016 to unite his two passions: choral and symphonic music. Recognized as a promising young conductor, he was named one of the “30 Canadian classical musicians under 30 to watch” by Radio-Canada.
Choinière completed a master’s degree in orchestral conducting at McGill University and, as the artistic director of the OPCM, he conducts the ensemble in concerts featuring major vocal and symphonic works. Under his leadership, the OPCM made its debut at the Maison symphonique de Montréal in 2021, which has become its main venue.
The maestro has conducted the OPCM in major works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Fauré and Duruflé’s Requiems, as well as Handel’s Messiah. Choinière is committed to inspiring a new generation of music lovers through OPCM performances. In addition to his role with the OPCM, he is involved in other musical projects, notably as principal conductor of the FILMharmonic Orchestra and co-founder of GFN Productions.
Program for the 2024-2025 OPCM Season
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Mozart’s Requiem
Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Francis Choinière and the Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes
Myriam Leblanc, soprano
Allyson McHardy, mezzo-soprano
Andrew Haji, tenor
Geoffroy Salvas, baritone
The Planets by Gustav Holst and Gloria by Karl Jenkins
Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3 PM
Francis Choinière and the Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des MélomanesResurrection –
Symphony No. 2 by Gustav Mahler
Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Francis Choinière and the Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes
Sarah Dufresne, soprano
Allyson McHardy, mezzo-sopranoConcerts presented at the Maison symphonique
1600 Saint-Urbain, Montreal
Tickets for the 2024-2025 OPCM season are available on the Place des Arts website, at 514 842-2112 or 1 866 842-2112
About the OPCM
The Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes (OPCM) is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 in Montreal, dedicated to inspiring a new generation of music lovers. In addition to its regular season, the OPCM offers music education initiatives and participates in international music projects, including master classes, workshops, and school scholarships, for the development and advancement of lyrical and symphonic art. The OPCM envisions a classical music community in Montreal and abroad with an ever-growing appreciation for the lyrical and symphonic arts through awareness, excellence, education, and inclusion.
Image: Tam Photography
Orchestre Philharmonique et Chœur des Mélomanes (OPCM) is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 to create a community of talented young musicians. This Montreal-based ensemble known for its vibrant and dynamic sound is dedicated to the development, promotion and advancement of choral and orchestral music. opcmelomanes.ca
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