History
1983
An orchestra, composed of students from Yuli and Eleonora Turovsky, recorded Handel’s Concerti grossi, opus 6, for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
1984
Founding of the orchestra and first concert at the Redpath Hall of the McGill University Faculty of Music. I Musici de Montréal signed an exclusive recording contract with the British house Chandos. First American tour.
1986
First concert tour in the various boroughs of Montreal.
1987
I Musici de Montréal receives the Ensemble of the Year award from the Canadian Music Council.
1988
Release of the recording of Dmitry Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 14 This record will earn the Montreal ensemble a Diapason d’Or, awarded by the prestigious monthly Diapason.
1990
The I Musici de Montréal Chamber Orchestra becomes a permanent orchestra, hiring its musicians on an annual basis. / First tour in Asia.
1992
I Musici received a Rosette from the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and Cassettes for its recording of the Concerti grossi, opus 6 by Handel. This record is still considered a record of reference. / First European tour. / Participation in the prestigious Mostly Mozart Festival in New York.
1993
In order to devote himself to the artistic direction of I Musici, Yuli Turovsky left the Borodine Trio, of which he was one of the founding members since 1977. First concert of the Ogilvy Concerts series, presented at the Tudor Hall of the famous store.
1994
I Musici de Montréal is the first Canadian orchestra to perform in China and Vietnam, during an Asian tour that takes it to eight countries.
1995
Yuli Turovsky was appointed artistic director of the Orford Arts Centre and I Musici de Montréal became the orchestra in residence.
1996
Félix of the Classic album of the year, orchestra or ensemble, album Ginastera/ Villa-Lobos/ Evangelista.
1997
Juno Awards, Best classical album, large ensemble or soloist with large ensemble, for the album Ginastera/ Villa-Lobos/ Evangelista.
1998
Celebration of the 15th anniversary of its founding. Creation of Coups d’archets by Canadian composer Denis Gougeon, commissioned for this occasion. The Conseil québécois de la musique awards the orchestra two Prix Opus Discographic Event of the Year and Meilleur enregistrement, musique contemporaine pour le disque, which includes works by Gorecki, Pärt and Schnittke.
1999
I Musici de Montréal receives the Grand Prix of the Conseil des arts de Montréal for its exceptional and unique contribution to the influence of music.
2000
Participation in the Soirées de Luxembourg, under the patronage of S. A. R. the Grand Duchess Maria Theresa. Concert broadcast thanks to the collaboration of the European Union of Radio Télévision.
2001
Participation aux Soirées de Luxembourg, sous le haut patronage de S. A. R. la Grande Duchesse Maria Theresa. Concert radiodiffusé grâce à la collaboration de l’Union Européenne de Radio Télévision.
2003
I Musici de Montréal celebrates its 20th anniversary at the Pollack Room of the McGill University Faculty of Music. Live broadcasting on the Radio-Canada Cultural Channel. Radio Canada International also broadcasts the concert by satellite around the world. The Orchestra’s fortieth album, The Modern Cello, received an Opus Album of the Year Award in the classical, romantic and modern music category from the Conseil québécois de la musique.
2004
Special Opus Award International Outreach, by the Conseil québécois de la musique. / Participation in the famous Casal Festival of Puerto Rico. / Concert at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with Egberto Gismonti.
2005
Release of the 1st CD for the Canadian label Analekta, Spanish Violin, with Yuli Turovsky on cello and conducting. / World premiere of the animated film made from Natasha Turovsky’s “Tableaux d’une Exposition” paintings, inspired by Moussorgski’s musical work. / Great report on I Musici de Montréal and his recordings, produced by the prestigious British monthly The Strad, November 2005.
2006
Julien Proulx is appointed conductor in residence.
2008
I Musici celebrates its 25th anniversary with an exceptional season.
2011
Withdrawal of the beloved founder and artistic director, Yuli Turovsky for health reasons. Appointment of Jean-Marie Zeitouni as principal conductor and designated Artistic Director.
2012
Jean-Michel Malouf is appointed chief in residence.
2013
Death of Yuli Turovsky, founder of I Musici de Montréal, January 15, 2013. Creation of a work by Nicolas Gilbert.
2014
Creation of a work by Denis Gougeon on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of I Musici de Montréal.
2014
Creation of a work by Denis Gougeon on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of I Musici de Montréal.
2015
Ghassan Alaboud is appointed conductor in residence. Broadcast a concert on medici.tv of a concert recorded at Domaine Forget with Marie-Nicole Lemieux.
2016
Welcoming Syrian refugees at many concerts. Creation of a work by Katia Makdissi-Warren
2017
Creation of works by Nicolas GIlbert and Julien Bilodeau. First educational project with A Montreal School for All. Presentation of concerts and educational events in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro at the Sintonias Canada-Brasil Music Festival. Broadcast on medici.tv of a concert with pianist Christian Blackshaw at the Maison symphonique de Montréal. Start of a new collaboration with the McCord Museum as part of educational projects. Jean-Marie Zeitouni renews his contract for the artistic direction until 2021.
2018
Back in time for I Musici during the Enchanted Music concerts at the McCord Museum, which showcase the mechanical showcases of yesteryear at the Ogilvy House. Creation of a work by Éric Champagne. The violinist Françoise Morin-Lyons, a founding member, is retiring.
2019
Start of a new collaboration with the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. Creations by Julien Bilodeau and Denis Gougeon as part of the Orchestra’s 35th anniversary celebrations.
