A Night of French Elegance: Jean-François Lapointe and the OCM Dazzle at “Impressions Françaises

Last Wednesday November 20th, the Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM) transported audiences to a world of French sophistication and emotional resonance at Centre Pierre-Péladeau (salle Pierre-Mercure),

Starring baritone Jean-François Lapointe and conductor Andrei Feher at the helm, the program, aptly titled Impressions Françaises, delivered an exquisite celebration of French music that left the audience enraptured with “La Belle Epoque”

The concert opened with Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane, in a delicate arrangement by C. Simpson, setting an atmosphere of refinement. The OCM’s strings captured the work’s understated elegance, creating a sense of nostalgia and calm.

Following this was Alexander Brott’s poignant “Lament“. This rarely performed work was a revelation, its haunting melodies resonating deeply in the acoustics of the Salle Pierre-Mercure. Feher’s sensitive direction allowed the music’s emotional depth to shine, leaving the audience in contemplative silence.

Fauré’s beloved vocal mélodies—Après un rêve, Poème d’un jour, and Au bord de l’eau—followed, with Jean-François Lapointe lending his velvety baritone to the evocative texts. His interpretation was heartfelt and nuanced, effortlessly drawing the audience into the poetic world of Fauré.

With Maurice Ravel’s Petite Symphonie à cordes, orchestrated by Rudolf Barshai. Conductor Andrei Feher led the OCM in a performance that was both vibrant and precise, highlighting Ravel’s intricate harmonies and shimmering textures.

Lapointe returned to the stage for the Chansons de Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, with arrangements by François Vallières. His portrayal of the chivalrous and melancholic Don Quixote was deeply moving, his voice capturing the hero’s longing and passion with a masterful command of dynamics and phrasing.

Albert Roussel’s Sinfonietta op. 52 brought a lively interlude, showcasing the orchestra’s technical brilliance and versatility. The piece’s rhythmic vitality and playful character provided a refreshing contrast to the lyrical introspections of the earlier works. The OCM handled the complexities of Roussel’s writing with finesse, offering a dynamic and spirited performance.

Lapointe’s artistry and velvety voice , combined with the OCM’s impeccable musicianship under Feher’s baton, made Impressions Françaises an unforgettable experience.

The concert not only celebrated the richness of French music but also reaffirmed the OCM’s reputation as one of Montreal’s premier ensembles.

Bravo to all for an evening that was as sophisticated as it was soul-stirring.

Next concert will be : LA MESSIE DE HAENDEL December 12th at the St-Joseph Oratory

For more information about upcoming OCM performances, visit Orchestre.ca.