The Canadian Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal has a penchant for the symphonic repertoire, and is also known for its unusual approaches to the genre. The orchestra has set itself the goal of conveying to children and young people an understanding of the big symphonies, and its special commitment is shown in a wide variety of initiatives and programmes. Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been its conductor since the year 2000.

Supported by two world-class soloists, the Francophone alto Marie-Nicole Lemieux and cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras (of whom critics have said that he plays with the same urgency that he breathes with), Nézet-Séguin presents expansive forms and grand emotions: the concert programme focuses on remarkable works by French and French-Canadian composers.

The closing highlight of the evening is Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations – grandiose musical portraits of selected friends of the composer’s. read less