Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Canada

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of music for ondes Martenot, an electronic musical instrument invented in the 1920s by French musician Maurice Martenot. The ensemble was founded in 2007 by ondiste (ondes Martenot player) Estelle Lemire, who sought to promote the instrument and its repertoire through live performances and recordings. The ensemble's main members include Estelle Lemire, who serves as artistic director and ondiste, and her husband, Jean-Michel Malouf, who is a pianist and composer. Other members include cellist Caroline Milot, percussionist Julien Grégoire, and violinist Antoine Bareil. The ensemble also collaborates with guest musicians and composers, including Jean Derome, Michel Gonneville, and Ana Sokolović. Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal has performed at numerous festivals and concert series in Canada and abroad, including the Montreal/New Music Festival, the Ottawa Chamberfest, and the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville. The ensemble has also performed with orchestras such as the Orchestre Métropolitain and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 2011 concert at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, which featured the world premiere of Jean-Michel Malouf's "Concerto pour ondes Martenot et orchestre." The concerto, which was commissioned by the Orchestre Métropolitain, was a major highlight of the ensemble's repertoire and showcased the ondes Martenot's unique sound and capabilities. Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal has also received critical acclaim for its recordings, which include "Ondes de choc," a collection of works by Canadian composers, and "Jean Derome: Musique de chambre," which features compositions by Jean Derome performed by the ensemble and guest musicians. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical precision and musical sensitivity, as well as their ability to showcase the ondes Martenot's versatility and expressive range. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal is committed to promoting the ondes Martenot and its repertoire through educational initiatives and outreach programs. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and musicians of all ages, and has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring the instrument and its music to a wider audience. Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the classical music world. In 2012, the ensemble was awarded the Prix Opus for "Concert of the Year - Modern and Contemporary Music" for its performance of Jean-Michel Malouf's concerto. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Prix Opus awards, including "Discovery of the Year" and "Album of the Year - Modern and Contemporary Music." Overall, Ensemble d'Ondes de Montreal is a unique and innovative ensemble that has made significant contributions to the classical music world through its performances, recordings, and educational initiatives. The ensemble's commitment to promoting the ondes Martenot and its repertoire has helped to ensure that this fascinating instrument and its music will continue to be appreciated and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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