Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM)

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is considered the most prestigious symphony orchestra in Canada and one of the best in North America.

Composed of 92 permanent musicians and a choir, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal gives nearly 100 classical music concerts per year, the vast majority in the main concert hall, the Maison symphonique.

In addition to major concerts, symphony series and recitals, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal also gives shows for young people and shows featuring a more pop-music style of classical music as part of the OSM Pop series, which stars artists such as Les Trois Accords, Ariane Moffatt, Roch Voisine and many more.

Founded in 1934, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s first Artistic Director was the Montrealer Wilfrid Pelletier (1935–1941), whose name adorns the first concert hall built in 1963 on the site that would become Place des Arts. The OSM earned its place of prominence on the international scene under the direction of Charles Dutoit (1977–2002), owing notably to important tours and fine recordings. From 2006 to 2020, Kent Nagano took the helm of the OSM, inaugurating the Maison symphonique, the Orchestra’s home venue, as well as the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique. Conductor Rafael Payare succeeded him in 2021 as Music Director Designate and fulfills his first complete programming with the 2022–2023 season.

An orchestra making its mark internationally

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has greatly accentuated its presence at a number of festivals and on tour in Europe, Asia and South America in recent years. The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is also reputed for its hundred or so recordings over the years, which have earned it some fifty national and international awards, on prestigious labels including Decca, EMI, Philips, CBC Records, Analekta, ECM and Sony, as well as under its own label.

Events

Rafael Payare Gives Us A Hero’s Life
Classical

Rafael Payare Gives Us A Hero’s Life

Maison symphonique
Bernard Labadie and Haydn’s Creation
Classical

Bernard Labadie and Haydn’s Creation

Maison symphonique
Wizards and Jedi: An Evening with John Williams
Classical

Wizards and Jedi: An Evening with John Williams

Maison symphonique
A Journey to the Middle East: Scheherazade to Simurgh
Classical

A Journey to the Middle East: Scheherazade to Simurgh

Maison symphonique
Bruce Liu Performs Chopin’s Second Concerto
Classical

Bruce Liu Performs Chopin’s Second Concerto

Maison symphonique
Rafael Payare: From Andalusia to the Plains of Venezuela
Classical

Rafael Payare: From Andalusia to the Plains of Venezuela

Maison symphonique
South American Music and Dance with the OSM
Classical

South American Music and Dance with the OSM

Maison symphonique
Charles Richard-Hamelin Performs Prokofiev’s Concerto no. 2
Classical

Charles Richard-Hamelin Performs Prokofiev’s Concerto no. 2

Maison symphonique
Dominique Fils-Aimé: Symphonic Trilogy
Classical

Dominique Fils-Aimé: Symphonic Trilogy

Maison symphonique
Les Cowboys Fringants: Encore
Classical

Les Cowboys Fringants: Encore

Maison symphonique
Bartók’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion
Classical

Bartók’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Percussion

Maison symphonique
Bach and Glass on the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique
Classical

Bach and Glass on the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique

Maison symphonique
Closing Concert: Rafael Payare and Mahler’s Third
Classical

Closing Concert: Rafael Payare and Mahler’s Third

Maison symphonique
Harmonium symphonique - Pure Symphony
Classical

Harmonium symphonique - Pure Symphony

Maison symphonique
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