Upholding the tradition established by Yuli Turovsky is both a challenge and an incredible opportunity. A challenge because, during his 27 years at the helm of the ensemble, Yuli has been able to foster a kind of sixth sense with his musicians, and this has enabled them to understand one another perfectly and work together to create I Musici’s signature style and sonority. An opportunity, as well, since I Musici’s members are talented chamber musicians who are sensitive to one another and who find fulfilment in music. — With respect and determination, therefore, I begin my new mandate as artistic director of an ensemble I’ve come to know well—one that has been a frequent source of inspiration, and one with which I intend to achieve extraordinary things. — The 2011-2012 season has a bit of everything to satisfy music lovers: renowned guest conductors and soloists, works selected from among the masterpieces of the last four centuries, and, above all, supremely talented and passionate musicians driven to meet new challenges. We’ll also have the opportunity to perform in two concert halls, each of them perfect, we hope, in terms of acoustics. — Though he’s retiring, Yuli Turovsky remains an inspiration to us, and on behalf of all of I Musici’s musicians, I would like to pay him a very sincere tribute. His contribution to Montreal’s cultural life has been nothing short of immense, and he has served as an extraordinary ambassador for Quebec throughout the world. He leaves us a rich tradition, one we must carry on in order to take the ensemble to new heights.
I wish you all a wonderful 2011-2012 season with I Musici.
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, principal conductor and artistic director designate
