PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a celebration of musical heritage and international camaraderie, The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is set to embark on a landmark tour of Canada, marking their first joint venture to Nézet-Séguin’s homeland. This momentous occasion also includes performances in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from April 17–21, 2024, weaving together a narrative of cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
The tour will grace the stages of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal—Nézet-Séguin’s birthplace—where the ensemble will be hosted by the Orchestre Métropolitain, an orchestra that also benefits from Nézet-Séguin’s dynamic leadership. This cross-border musical journey not only symbolizes a homecoming for Nézet-Séguin but also serves as a bridge between his American and Canadian families, fostering a shared appreciation for the universal language of music.
“For me, this tour holds special significance,” Nézet-Séguin remarked, highlighting the opportunity to unite his musical families through the works of composers Florence Price and Sergei Rachmaninoff, both of whom hold a dear place in the heart of the Orchestra.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s connection to Canada traces back a century, with its first performance in Montreal occurring in February 1924. Despite a blizzard thwarting their planned Ottawa concert that year, the Orchestra’s ties to Canadian audiences have only strengthened over time. The ensemble’s inaugural international appearance took place in Toronto in 1918 under the baton of Leopold Stokowski, marking the beginning of a storied history of global engagement.
Ann Arbor, too, shares a rich history with the Orchestra, which first performed there in 1913. For nearly half a century, the ensemble was a fixture at the University of Michigan’s May Festival, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The tour’s repertoire has been carefully chosen to reflect the Orchestra’s artistic identity and its historical connections with the featured composers. Rachmaninoff, who famously declared The Philadelphia Orchestra “the greatest orchestra in the world,” enjoyed a unique relationship with the ensemble, premiering many of his compositions with them. Similarly, the Orchestra has recently undertaken efforts to champion the music of Florence Price, the first African American woman recognized as a symphonic composer, earning a GRAMMY® Award for their recording of her work.
Beyond the concert hall, the Orchestra’s visit will encompass master classes, community performances, and collaborations with local musicians, underscoring the tour’s emphasis on educational outreach and cultural diplomacy. These activities highlight the transformative power of music to connect individuals across geographical and cultural divides.
The tour is supported by a coalition of sponsors and partners, including the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada play a crucial role in facilitating this cultural exchange, reflecting the Orchestra’s longstanding participation in the U.S. Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program.
As The Philadelphia Orchestra prepares to share its musical legacy with Canadian audiences, this tour represents more than a series of concerts; it is a testament to the enduring bonds formed through the shared experience of music. It reaffirms the Orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and global engagement, promising to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners and performers alike.
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