OCM presents Ice Storm Symphony
The OCM to co-commission Maxime Goulet’s first symphony in collaboration with four other orchestras
The Orchestre classique de Montréal, under artistic director Boris Brott, is spearheading the commissioning of long-time OCM collaborator Maxime Goulet, who will compose his first symphonic work: the Ice Storm Symphony.
Five North American orchestras are joining forces to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Great Ice Storm of 1998 with this new Québec composition. Celebrated for his inventive works such as Symphonic Chocolates and the Micro Météo song cycle, Goulet will create a moving musical portrait of the storm, one of the worst natural disasters in the province’s history.
A symphony that pays tribute to solidarity
The symphony will evoke various aspects of the ice storm, conjuring up its most striking and memorable moments. It will also serve to raise awareness of our vital ecosystem and the fragility of our environment. At the same time, the piece will deliver a message of hope, paying tribute to the empathy, generosity and heroism of the Québec people as they came together in the midst of this life‑changing event. Read more about the Ice Storm Symphony.
Five North American orchestras are joining forces to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Great Ice Storm of 1998 with this new Québec composition.
Five orchestras are uniting to co-commission this new work, echoing the spirit of solidarity that carried us through those dark days in 1998. All five ensembles will perform the symphony, in part or in full. The Orchestre symphonique de Laval will debut the second movement in the winter of 2021, Houston’s ROCO will premiere the first movement in the fall of 2021, the Orchestre classique de Montréal will officially debut the entire work in the spring of 2023, and the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke and the Orchestre symphonique de Trois‑Rivières will perform the complete symphony as part of their respective 2023‑2024 seasons.
About Maxime Goulet
Maxime Goulet works within various realms of musical creation ranging from opera to video games. His classical pieces are regularly performed by leading ensembles around the world, including the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège and the Houston Symphony. He has scored more than 30 video games, including Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade and The Amazing Spider‑Man. He is also the creative force behind the Montreal Video Game Symphony, a concert event premiered by the Orchestre Métropolitain during the City of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations. Read more about Maxime Goulet.
Featured image: Courtesy of Orchestre classique de Montréal
Other articles on musical events and concerts
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM), previously known as the McGill Chamber Orchestra, was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and his wife Lotte Brott. The OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring to five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Now led by Boris Brott, OC, OQ, the elder son of Alexander and one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, the OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians, which presents concerts throughout the year in the finest halls of Montreal. orchestre.ca
There are no comments
Add yours