Preview Of Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal's Classic Spree Festival

The OSM Classical Spree Festival, the summertime rendezvous for music-lovers and discovery enthusiasts will run from August 10 to 13, 2017. The OSM unveils today a preview of the concerts presented at Maison symphonique, bringing together top names in classical music and make it possible for a broad audience to plunge into the musical world of the greatest composers.

Friday, August 11

IN A JAZZ MOOD | 7:00 a.m. |

Among the most popular works of the American repertoire are Barber's Adagio for Strings and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. In a return engagement with the OSM, pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin performs Gershwin's powerful jazz- and pop-inspired work. Written at the same time, the music from Shostakovich's ballet The Golden Age relates the adventures of a Soviet football team visiting the West for the first time. A case of culture shock!

Artists

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor

Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano (photo)

Program

Barber, Adagio for Strings (8 min)

Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue, for piano and orchestra (16 min.)

Shostakovich, The Golden Age, op. 22 (excerpts) (15 min.)

Saturday, August 12

PETER AND THE WOLF | 10:30 a.m. |

Discover the orchestra through the musical tale of Peter and the Wolf. Follow the adventures of the different characters, each represented by a particular instrument. You'll meet Peter (strings), the wolf (horns) and grandfather (bassoon). In fact, the bassoon will have a starring role in this concert. You will hear the world premiere of a work for this instrument specially written for this event. The perfect way to share a love of music with the family!

Artists

Kent Nagano, conductor (photo)

Carlo Colombo, Stéphane Lévesque, Mathieu Harel, Martin Mangrum, Michael Sundell, bassoons

Ensemble composed of OSM musicians, winners of the OSM Competition and guest artists

Program

Simon Leclerc, Concerto for five bassoons (OSM commission - world premiere) (15 min.)

Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, symphonic tale, op. 67 (25 min.)

VIRTUOSE, LE SPECTACLE | 2:00 p.m. |

In the wake of last year's success, Virtuose: le spectacle returns, with its young instrumentalists accompanied by their mentor, Gregory Charles, at the piano. An opportunity to hear both classical works and popular pieces that will enchant young as well as older audiences. Bring your special requests: the virtuosos are up for the challenge!

Artists

Gregory Charles, piano (photo)

The virtuosos from seasons 1 and 2

JOURNEY TO THE MEDITERRANEAN | 7:30 p.m. |

The famous Zorba's Dance by composer Mikis Theodorakis is an unfailing crowd pleaser and is guaranteed to whisk you away to Greece! Continue on your European Mediterranean journey as you listen to the exquisite overture of the opera La forza del destino, set in Spain and Italy, followed by a gem of the repertoire for guitar and orchestra by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. The change of scenery you've been dreaming about!

Artists

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor

Sharon Isbin, guitar (photo)

Program

Verdi, La forza del destino: Overture (7 min. 30)

Joaquín Rodrigo, Concerto de Aranjuez, for guitar and orchestra (21 min.)

Bizet, L'Arlésienne, Suite no. 2: Minuet (3 min.)

Theodorakis, Zorba's Dance (6 min. 30)

BEETHOVEN'S CHORAL FANTASY: A HYMN TO UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD | 9:00 p.m. |

A refined and profound work, J.S. Bach's Concerto for Violin no. 2 is performed by German violinist Veronika Eberle, while Beethoven's Choral Fantasy shines the spotlight on the OSM Chorus and pianist Till Fellner, who enthralled Maison symphonique audiences last year. As well, the Chorus and its dynamic conductor Andrew Megill invite you into a state of quiet contemplation with Beethoven's Elegiac Song.

Artists

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor

Till Fellner, piano

Veronika Eberle, violin (photo)

Soloists and the OSM Chorus

Andrew Megill, OSM chorus master

Program

Beethoven, Elegiac Song, op. 118 (5 min. 30)

Bach, Concerto for Violin no. 2 in E major, BWV 1042 (19 min.)

Beethoven, Choral Fantasy, op. 80 (version for solo piano and chorus) (25 min.)

TICKETS ON SALE THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, AT 12 PM

for the five concerts presented at Maison symphonique de Montréal

by contacting the OSM costumer service at 514 842-9951 or on osm.ca

Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

THE CLASSICAL SPREE: A MUST!

Already a fixture on the landscape of Montréal festivals, the OSM Classical Spree Festival is a celebration of classical music and an event for the entire family that presents, in a festive, convivial and laid-back atmosphere, a four-day marathon of more than 30 45-minute concerts with prices ranging from $10 to $40, special programs for children, free entertainment, and get-togethers with great artists from Canada and elsewhere. Very much a part of the OSM's tradition of excellence, the Classical Spree invites the public to discover and enjoy the talent of many of today's most talented performers and some of the great names of tomorrow. For the young and the not so young, the Classical Spree is a grand party where guests are carried away in a sublime classical whirlwind from one concert to another, from one activity to another, from one discovery to another!

The complete programming of the OSM Classical Spree Festival will be announced in May.

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