Concert Previews

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World Premiere: The Esther Diaries

Soprano Sharon Azrieli Perez sings Esther, Queen of Persia and a biblical character, in a new song cycle by Canadian composer Haralabos Stafylakis on an Ellen Frankel text. The McGill Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Boris Brott, accompanies. The Esther Diaries will be created in a concert entitled Klez-Kabaret that will highlight the unique colors of Jewish music. Contemporary dancer Roger Sinha takes on the role of the scribe to whom Esther dictates her diary. The concert will feature another creation: Tur Malka by Henri Oppenheim, performed by the Montreal group Magillah. Maison symphonique - June 10. www.ocm mco.org JB 

Yannick Nézet-Séguin & Hélène Grimaud

The Metropolitan Orchestra closes its 33rd season, with an encounter between Yannick Nézet-Séguin and international star pianist Hélène Grimaud in two performances of Brahms’s Piano Concerto # 1 and Bruckner’s Symphony # 3. The June 12 concert is a benefit for the Metropolitan Orchestra. Note: the June 13 concert begins with a performance of Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture by students from the Joseph-François Perreault School, directed by Nézet-Séguin. Benefit tickets will go towards financing the school’s new concert hall project. Maison symphonique. www.orchestremetropolitain.com JB

World Premier at the Opéra-Théâtre de Rimouski

Based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem, Colin Doroschuk’s new opera Evangeline is the tragic tale of two lovers separated by the Expulsion of the Acadians. The Rimouski Opera Theatre is presenting the complete world premiere, directed by the composer himself. Sahara Sloan sings the title role while Pasquale d’Alessio takes on Gabriel. Dion Mazerolle, Martin-Michel Boucher, Tomislav Lavoie and Michiel Schrey complete the cast. Salle Desjardins-Telus, Rimouski – June 27, 28 & 29. www.opera-rimouski.com JB 

National Youth Orchestra at Notre-Dame Basilica

The Frontenac Cultural Centre and its series Les Lundis d’Edgar celebrate 25 years with a performance of the touring National Youth Orchestra under Emmanuel Villaume in a program of Mahler, Strauss and Neal Gripp. Edgar Fruitier provides introductions. In partnership with the Théâtre de Verdure (closed this summer due to renovations). Aug. 4. www.accesculture.com RB

Metropolitan Orchestre at the Mount-Royal Chalet

As part of the Campbell Concerts, the Metropolitan Orchestra, led by the charismatic Yannick Nézet-Séguin presents an enchanted evening at the spectacular Mount-Royal Chalet. On the program: Beethoven and Wagner. August 7, 7 PM. www.concertscampbell.accesculture.com RB