Montreal, January 6, 2025 – As part of Montreal’s Black History Month, the Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) is proud to welcome renowned Canadian Haitian soprano Marie-Josée Lord, along with Panamanian American conductor Kalena Bovell. Presented by TD Bank Group, the concert will take place on Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Salle Pierre-Mercure.
This moving program will highlight landmark works by composers of African descent, including William Grant Still and Florence Price. The second half of the concert will feature Honey and Rue, a poignant song cycle by André Previn with texts by Toni Morrison, exploring the “sweet and bitter” aspects of life and love in the African American experience.
Marie-Josée Lord began her career in 2003 at Opéra de Québec in Turandot. She quickly established herself on major opera stages, performing leading roles such as Mimì (La Bohème), Laoula (L’Étoile), Suor Angelica, Nedda (I Pagliacci), Meg Page (Falstaff), and Serena (Porgy and Bess). She also took part in the original operatic production of Starmania. Her career is distinguished by her charisma, generosity, and deep passion for opera.
Conductor Kalena Bovell is recognized as one of the rising stars of classical music. In 2023, she became the first Black woman to conduct an opera in Canada with a new production of Treemonisha. She is the 2024 recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and a former fellow of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship. Originally from Los Angeles, she draws on her nontraditional background to encourage musicians from underrepresented communities.
“TD is proud to support this Orchestre classique de Montréal concert highlighting the exceptional talent of Marie-Josée Lord in celebration of Black History Month. These meaningful moments bring us together to celebrate the richness, diversity, and creativity of artists of African descent, while showcasing the plurality of voices, paths, and stories that inspire and energize our communities. By supporting such initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to highlighting the unique contributions of Black communities and to fostering environments where artistic expression, diversity, and inclusion can truly flourish.”
— Laurence Levy, Senior Vice President, Branch Network, Quebec Region, TD Bank Group
“It is with immense pride that the OCM presents this concert spotlighting the extraordinary soprano Marie-Josée Lord as part of Montreal’s renowned Black History Month. We extend our sincere gratitude to TD Bank, which has supported our initiatives for many years aimed at celebrating and promoting outstanding talent from Montreal’s diverse communities.”
— Taras Kulish, Executive Director of the OCM
MARIE-JOSÉE LORD AT THE OCM
Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. – Salle Pierre-Mercure
Orchestre classique de Montréal
Marie-Josée Lord, soprano
Kalena Bovell, conductor
Program
Boulogne, J. Chevalier de Saint-George – Symphonie concertante in C major, Op. 9 No. 1
William Grant Still – Mother and Child
Florence Price – Symphony for Strings in G major
André Previn & texts by Toni Morrison – Song cycle Honey and Rue (arr. Hugo Bégin)
Tickets: $20 to $59 | Online at orchestre.ca
About the OCM
Winner of a 2024 Juno Award, the Orchestre classique de Montréal (formerly the McGill Chamber Orchestra) was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and cellist and administrator Lotte Brott. Boris Brott, O.C., O.Q., one of Canada’s most respected conductors, led the OCM from 2000 until his death in April 2022. Now under the musical direction of Andrei Feher, the OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble made up of the city’s finest professional musicians, presenting concerts year-round and currently in residence at Salle Pierre-Mercure. Faithful to its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM continues its Music for All program, collaborating with newcomer communities and Montreal organizations to make its concerts accessible to everyone. The OCM thanks BMO Bank of Montreal, presenter of the 2025–2026 season.
Find the Orchestre classique de Montréal at www.orchestre.ca.
