A Word from the Artistic Advisor and Principal Guest Conductor

I am pleased and thrilled to unveil our 2021–2022 program designed just for you. Following the difficult times we have all gone through, it is crucial more than ever to come together again and enjoy wonderful music under one roof. I am pleased to announce that we now have a permanent venue at Salle Pierre-Mercure. This great and cozy concert hall has a wonderful acoustic and was specifically built for our chamber orchestra upon recommendations by Yuli Turovsky. The prodigal son has returned.

This turning point falls neatly into our artistic style of celebrating and strengthening the relationship between our renowned ensemble, I Musici, and the Montréal community. You will be introduced to soloists, pianists, violinists, actors, composers, and circus artists throughout the season. Most of our guest artists hail from… Montréal! Our musicians have sound knowledge of cultural mediation; they will continue to be involved in numerous communities, schools, and groups that are the most underprivileged in our diverse city.

Another founding aspect of our programming is the revival of string orchestra repertoire, which is part of I Musici’s soul and DNA. The greatest chamber music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Schubert, Dvořák, Brahms, and Shostakovich is at the centre of it all. Orchestra members have been behind this revival (many of whom have been members since the orchestra’s inception) in addition to Stéphane Tétreault, our I Musici artist in residence for the next few years. Through Stéphane’s virtuosity, he will honour Yuli Turovsky’s legacy with great cello concertos that have become the hallmarks of the orchestra.

Collaboration and versatility also guided us in our musical choices. Collaboration was made possible by combining art forms such as literature, theatre, and cinema, and joining forces with other prominent ensembles such as Les Violons du Roy and Kleztory. Versatility will come in the form of diverse musical styles and periods, from 1680 with Corelli to 2022 with new musical compositions. What could be richer than a thoroughly baroque Handel, sophisticated Haydn, romantic Schubert, or an energetic and passionate Shostakovich?

Be part of an exciting experience that features a chamber orchestra at the height of its powers, a plethora of wonderful, diverse, and accessible masterpieces, a unique concert hall in the Quartier des spectacles, prestigious and much-loved guests, and the joy of being together again.

Jean-François Rivest