Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, also known as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Choir, is a renowned classical music artist that has been captivating audiences for over 80 years. The choir was founded in 1935 by Wilfrid Pelletier, a Canadian conductor and pianist, who also served as the first music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. The choir's early years were marked by a series of successful performances, including its debut concert in 1935, which featured works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart. Over the years, the choir has performed a wide range of classical music, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, Verdi, and Mahler, among others. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was its performance of Handel's Messiah in 1939, which was broadcast live on the radio and received widespread acclaim. The choir continued to perform the Messiah annually for many years, becoming a beloved holiday tradition in Montreal. In the 1950s, the choir began to expand its repertoire, performing works by contemporary composers such as Stravinsky, Britten, and Messiaen. The choir also began to collaborate with other orchestras and conductors, including Leonard Bernstein and Charles Dutoit. One of the choir's most memorable performances took place in 1967, when it performed at the opening ceremony of Expo 67, a world's fair held in Montreal. The choir performed a specially commissioned work by Canadian composer André Prévost, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. In the 1980s, the choir underwent a period of significant growth and development under the leadership of conductor and music director Charles Dutoit. Dutoit, who served as music director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1977 to 2002, brought a new level of professionalism and artistic excellence to the choir. Under Dutoit's leadership, the choir performed a number of major works, including Verdi's Requiem, Mahler's Symphony No. 8, and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The choir also collaborated with a number of renowned soloists, including Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jessye Norman. In recognition of its outstanding performances, the choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1982, the choir was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. The choir has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, Canada's top music award, and has won the award twice, in 1990 and 1996. Today, the choir continues to be a vital part of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, performing regularly with the orchestra and collaborating with other artists and ensembles. The choir is known for its exceptional musicianship, powerful performances, and commitment to excellence, and remains one of the most respected and beloved classical music artists in Canada and around the world.

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