As part of Black History Month, the Orchestre classique de Montréal OCM proudly welcomes acclaimed Canadian Haitian soprano Marie Josée Lord, alongside Panamanian American conductor Kalena Bovell, for a powerful and moving concert presented by TD Bank to be held on Thursday, February 5 at 7 30 p.m. at Salle Pierre Mercure.
This special evening highlights the richness and lasting impact of Afro descendant voices in classical music, offering audiences an inspired program that celebrates both artistic excellence and cultural legacy. Featuring works by William Grant Still and Florence Price, the concert sheds light on composers whose contributions are essential to the classical canon yet too often underrepresented.
The second half of the program presents Honey and Rue, a deeply evocative song cycle by André Previn, set to texts by Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison. Through its exploration of love, memory, and the sweet and bitter realities of life, the work resonates strongly with the African American experience and the broader themes honored during Black History Month.
Marie Josée Lord began her career in 2003 with Opéra de Québec in Turandot and quickly established herself on major operatic stages. Her repertoire includes beloved roles such as Mimì in La Bohème, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Meg Page in Falstaff, Serena in Porgy and Bess, and Suor Angelica. Known for her charisma, generosity, and deep emotional commitment, she is also recognized for her participation in the operatic creation of Starmania.
Conductor Kalena Bovell is widely regarded as one of today’s rising stars in classical music. In 2023, she made history as the first Black woman to conduct an opera in Canada with a new production of Treemonisha. A recipient of the 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence and a former Taki Alsop Conducting Fellow, Bovell draws on her unconventional path to inspire musicians from non traditional backgrounds.
TD is proud to support this Orchestre classique de Montréal concert spotlighting the remarkable Marie Josée Lord during Black History Month, says Laurence Levy, Senior Vice President, Branch Banking Network, Quebec Region, TD Bank Group. These moments bring us together to celebrate the richness, diversity, and creativity of Afro descendant artists, while highlighting the many voices and stories that energize our communities.
It is with immense pride that OCM presents this concert as part of Black History Month, showcasing the exceptional talent of Marie Josée Lord, adds Taras Kulish, Executive Director of the OCM.
We extend our sincere thanks to TD Bank for its long standing support of initiatives that celebrate and promote the diverse artistic voices of Montréal.
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
Joseph Bologne, 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
Honey and Rue arranged by Hugo Bégin
Tickets range from 20 to 59 dollars and are available online at orchestre.ca
About the Orchestre classique de Montréal
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 led the orchestra from 2000 until his passing in April 2022. Now under the musical direction of Andrei Feher, the OCM is a dynamic, innovative ensemble made up of Montréal’s finest professional musicians and is in residence at Salle Pierre Mercure. True to its mission of diversity and inclusion, the OCM continues its Music for All program, collaborating with newcomer communities and local organizations to make classical music accessible to everyone. The OCM thanks BMO Bank of Montreal, presenter of the 2025 to 2026 season.