Montreal Symphony Orchestra to Open 2018 Salzburg Festival With Krzysztof Penderecki's ST. LUKE PASSION

The Salzburg Festival has invited the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal / Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) and Kent Nagano to perform the opening concert of the 2018 Festival. On July 20, 2018, at the Festival's Felsenreitschule, OSM will perform Krzysztof Penderecki's epic St Luke Passion, for chorus, soloists and orchestra. As part of the composer's 85th birthday celebrations, this concert will also be performed in the context of the Ouverture spirituelle series dedicated to sacred music and religiously inspired works.

St Luke Passion was premiered in Münster Cathedral, Germany, on March 30, 1966. The OSM has maintained a special relationship with the Polish composer and conductor for close to 50 years. In addition to having played many of his works, the OSM had the privilege of being conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki on many occasions, beginning on March 27, 1979. His most recent appearance was on September 20, 2015, when he conducted the OSM Chorus in the Canadian premiere of his Psaume III.

"For nearly a century, the Salzburg Festival has been an international reference in performances of the highest standard," commented OSM Music Director Kent Nagano. "The OSM is proud to take part in this important tradition by joining the Festival's program in a concert featuring Krzysztof Penderecki's St. Luke Passion - an important yet rarely performed work by one of the 20th century's greatest musical voices. The St. Luke Passion combines a large orchestra, three mixed choirs and soloists, in a full and fervent expression of its sacred text, and the profound faith of its composer."

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
2018 Salzburg Festival, Austria - Opening Concert, July 20, 2018
St Luke Passion (Passio et Mors Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Secundum Lucam)
Krzysztof Penderecki, composer
Kent Nagano, conductor
Sarah Wegener, soprano
Lucas Meachem, baritone
Matthew Rose, bass
Warsaw Boys' Choir, Krzysztof Kusiel-Moroz, chorus master
Kracow Philharmonic Chorus, Teresa Majka-Pacanek, chorus master

Since its founding in 1934, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has distinguished itself as a leader in the orchestral life of Canada and Québec. A cultural ambassador of the highest order, the Orchestra has acquired an enviable reputation internationally through the quality of its many recordings and tours. The OSM carries on that rich tradition under the leadership of its current music director, Kent Nagano, featuring innovative programming aimed at updating the orchestral repertoire and strengthening the Orchestra's connection with the community. Over the years the OSM has undertaken over 40 tours and roughly 30 national and international excursions. The Orchestra has made more than 100 recordings, on the Decca, EMI, Philips, CBC Records, Analekta, ECM and Sony labels, as well as on its own label, which have earned it over 50 national and international awards.

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