The 12th season of the Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir of Music Lovers (OPCM) will take place under the banner of romanticism. Under the direction of its leader, artistic director and founder, Francis Choinière, the ensemble will present at the Maison symphonique de Montréal pieces representing some of the most remarkable masterpieces in history.
Brahms’ Requiem: Consolation and serenityA German Requiem by Johannes Brahms will launch this grandiose season on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. You will then experience an unforgettable evening of depth and lyricism with two masterpieces of German romanticism. First, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E always seduces with its elegance, virtuosity and luminous melodies. It is distinguished by the immediate entry of the soloist, the sequence of three movements without pause and a poetic balance between the orchestra and the violin. For its part, A German Requiem offers a profoundly human and comforting vision of life, death and hope rather than dwelling on the terror of mortality. Composed of seven movements, this work is the longest by the legendary composer. Between brilliance and contemplation, the program will transport you on a gripping emotional journey, combining the grace of the concerto with the spiritual and choral power of Brahms. Unforgettable and rich in intensity, this concert will feature the talented violinist Guillaume Villeneuve as well as soloists Aline Kutan (soprano) and Geoffroy Salvas (bass).
La Traviata by Verdi: Forbidden and impossible loveOn Friday January 29 and Saturday January 30, at 7:30 p.m., place at La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi in concert version. This iconic opera will take you to 19th century Paris. You will witness the moving story of Violetta Valéry and her love, as sincere as it is fragile, for Alfredo, at the heart of a world governed by social conventions. Carried by some of the most beautiful pages of the repertoire, including Semper libera and the famous brindisi Libiamo ne’ lieti calici, La Traviata offers an intense sound journey, between ardor, intimacy and tragedy. Solitude, remorse, sacrifice and fatality are staged there. This touching work will feature a world-class cast, including Nino Machaidze (Violetta), Piotr Buszewski (Alfredo) and Gregory Dahl (Germont).
Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2: Lyricism and virtuosityFinally, on Saturday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m., the OPCM will perform two masterpieces by Sergei Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2 and Les Cloches. Universally recognized as one of the most famous works in the repertoire, the Piano Concerto No. 2 will seduce you with its captivating melodies and intense lyricism which combine to form a work of ardent romanticism. For its part, Les Cloches stands out for its rich and dramatic sound palette. This spectacular choral fresco inspired by the poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe is generous with evocative and grandiose colors. Through a captivating musical journey, between virtuosity, poetry and orchestral power, this concert will feature internationally renowned pianist Alain Lefèvre and an exceptional vocal cast including Sydney Baedke (soprano), Sam Champagne (tenor) and Mikelis Rogers (baritone).
Turandot: Last concert of the 2025-2026 season While waiting for this season which promises to be as memorable as it is exceptional, the OPCM invites music lovers to the Maison symphonique de Montréal on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m., for the closing concert of the 2025-2026 season.
On this occasion, the ensemble will present Turandot. This work by Giacomo Puccini evokes the mysterious world of ancient China, with powerful characters and moving music, including the essential Nessun Dorma. Soprano Aviva Fortunata will interpret Princess Turandot, surrounded by a prestigious vocal ensemble: tenor Andrew Haji (Calaf), soprano Sydney Baedke (Liù), bass-baritone Colin Ramsey (Timur), tenor John Mac Master (Emperor Altoum), baritone Mikelis Rogers (Ping), tenor Sam Champagne (Pang), tenor Spencer Britten (Pong) and bass Matthew Li (the Mandarin). The choir will be provided by the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal. Make this unique event the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
Program for the 2026-2027 OPCM seasonConcerto for violin in E by Felix Mendelssohn and A German Requiem by Johannes BrahmsSaturday, December 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Conductor – Francis ChoinièreViolin – Guillaume VilleneuveSoprano – Aline KutanBass – Geoffroy Salvas
La Traviata (concert version) by Giuseppe VerdiFriday January 29 and Saturday January 30, 2027, at 7:30 p.m. Conductor – Francis ChoinièreVioletta – Nino MachaidzeAlfredo – Piotr BuszewskiGermont – Gregory DahlGrenvil – Alex HallidayAnnina – Ariane CossetteFlora – Simona GengaGastone and Giuseppe – Sam ChampagneBaron Douphol – Geoffrey Schellenberg
Piano Concerto No. 2 and Les Cloches by Sergueï RachmaninovSaturday, May 8, 2027, at 7:30 p.m. Conductor – Francis ChoinièrePiano – Alain LefèvreSoprano – Sydney BaedkeTenor – Sam ChampagneBaritone – Mikelis Rogers
Concerts presented at the Maison symphonique (1600 Saint-Urbain, Montreal)