A Summer of Beethoven: Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Montréal’s Orchestre Métropolitain on DG Stage

Joining the growing roster of internationally renowned artists on DG Stage the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal (OM), led by their conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, joins forces with Deutsche Grammophon to stream Beethoven’s first 8 symphonies. Recorded in the magnificent acoustics of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’s Bourgie Hall, over 50 musicians will celebrate the composer’s 250th anniversary performing two symphonies per concert.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal comments: “Live music is being transformed thanks to this Deutsche Grammophon initiative. This innovative platform features the greatest musicians in the classical world and gives audiences across the globe the chance to listen to the unique sound of my home orchestra. I couldn’t be more proud to belong to these two great families—the famous Yellow Label and the OM—while we forge a new and exciting way to experience music together.”

Recently launched by Deutsche Grammophon, DG Stage – The Classical Concert Hall provides an extraordinary technological and musical experience. Developed by the DG Premium service, it includes exclusive, custom content available for a limited time, including: recitals, chamber music, orchestral performances and opera. Music lovers can find the biggest names in classical music, including maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Dr. Clemens Trautmann, President of Deutsche Grammophon said: “Beethoven was a revolutionary who changed the course of music history for ever. The 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth is the moment to recall how he was driven to ‘Play on, play against all odds’. His music, his courage and his humanity are for our time and for all times. We’re delighted to collaborate with the Orchestre Métropolitain and Yannick-Nézet-Séguin and connect a global audience to A Summer of Beethoven. Their project makes the perfect match for DG Stage and adds an extra dimension to the Yellow Label’s ambitious online classical concert hall. People worldwide will be able to experience their sensational music-making live and share in the fresh perspectives they are sure to bring to Beethoven.”

Each concert will cost 9.90 Euros, which is about $15 Canadian. Concerts can be streamed for 48 hours after they have been put online. The four concerts will be available starting on July 31 on DG Stage.

Mario F. Paquet, a classical music enthusiast and host of the OM’s pre-concert talks, will present each of the 8 symphonies alongside the Orchestre’s musicians. The talks will be recorded as short videos and will stream for free on the OM’s website.

Jean R. Dupré, President and CEO, Orchestre Métropolitain, said : “Thanks to this partnership with Deutsche Grammophon, audiences all over the world can see the talent coming out of Montréal, Quebec and Canada. New to DG Stage, the OM is taking advantage of a golden opportunity to make their debut in the world of multimedia recordings. And what a debut it is! Thank you to our musicians for their dedication and resilience, and to Yannick for making this exceptional partnership come to life.”

Schedule

Beethoven – Symphonies No. 2 and 4: Available starting Friday, July 31 at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), 8 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Beethoven – Symphonies No. 5 and 6: Starting Friday, August 7 at 2 p.m. EDT, 8 p.m. CEST

Beethoven – Symphonies No. 7 and 8: Starting Friday, August 14 at 2 p.m. EDT, 8 p.m. CEST

Beethoven – Symphonies No. 1 and 3: Starting Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. EDT, 8 p.m. CEST

Touching hearts at a safe distance

Nothing has been left up to chance during recording. The OM’s return to performing is compliant with the public health measures put in place by the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). All necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of OM musicians, technicians and the limited number of office staff on site. This includes making sure that no one is exhibiting COVID−19 symptoms, physical distancing of 2 meters, limiting access to the hall, installing one-way corridors, disinfecting the site and requiring masks when moving around the hall.

More about the Orchestre Métropolitain

Since it was founded in 1981, the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal has devoted considerable importance to Canadian artists in its programming, including instrumentalists, soloists, composers, singers and conductors. Over the last 20 years, the OM has grown alongside its artistic director and principal conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, whose career continues to reach new heights. Having developed an exceptional bond with his musicians, the conductor has led many memorable—and sometimes adventurous—musical performances. Last September, the OM announced that it had renewed Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s contract for life.

Acknowledgements

The Orchestre Métropolitain would like to give special thanks to its official partner, Hydro-Québec. This online concert series is presented by TD Bank Group. We also want to thank our public partners: the Government of Quebec, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Ville de Montréal.