Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal to Partner with Conservatoire de Musique et d’Art Dramatique du Québec

The new partnership will see OSM musicians giving masterclasses, leading sectionals, and coaching chamber ensembles at the Conservatoire

Canada's Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) recently announced a new partnership with the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec (CMADQ). The relationship will allow for closer links between the OSM and the conservatoire's students, and will involve activities such as OSM players leading sectionals and appearing in chamber ensembles with CMADQ students.

In addition, OSM players will appear at the conservatoire to give masterclasses and to perform concerts.

OSM Music Director Rafael Payare announced the new partnership to guests of honor and members of the Board of Directors, at a function held at the Maison Symphonique.

The two institutions will celebrate the beginning of the new partnership with a concert, to be held on June 2, 2024. All the players who appear onstage will be members of the OSM who once studied in Quebec's conservatoires — to highlight the importance of the conservatoire system for local orchestras.

"Music conservatories are vital: they provide training to tomorrow’s musical artists," said Rafael Payare. "Without them, music would not have a future, or its future would be severely compromised."

"My hope is that this partnership encourages us to build on past collaborations and stimulates innovative new ones. Music is essential for the heart and the mind, and its role in human wellness is fundamental. The fact that we can create by and through music is one of the miracles of life."

"The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal comprises several musicians who received their training in the Conservatoire system," said Marc Hervieux, Director General of the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec. "It makes this partnership a natural nexus between our two organizations."

"The OSM and the Conservatoire were founded around the same time, and by the same entities. Let us not forget that Wilfrid Pelletier served as Music Director of the OSM just before establishing the Conservatoire in 1942. This Conductor Emeritus and visionary spurred the very foundation of these two key cultural institutions in Quebec."