Communities

Gustav Holst’s The Planets is one of the most iconic large orchestral works of all time, creating a sound world that inspired cinematic composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer. In this concert, you’ll hear the The Planets like you’ve never heard them before, in a new concert arrangement for two pianos by Duo Octavian. Also on the program is Kelly-Marie Murphy’s Dr. Blue’s Rapidly Deployable Escape Ladder, commissioned by Duo Octavian in 2022, and Suren Barry’s arrangement of Rameau’s characterful overture to the opera Pygmalion.

Savour the tradition of the troubadours, as Ménestrel breathes vivid life into music that has been shaped by centuries. Their voyage through historic repertoire is accented by lute, guitar and the intricate colours of the human voice. With selections ranging from grand compositions by Purcell, Dowland, and Monteverdi to nostalgic Gaelic, Québécois, and English folk melodies, Ménestrel reminds us of the pleasure of these musical forms. The group consists of recognized artists Janelle Lucyk (soprano), Kerry Bursey (tenor, guitar and lute) and Vincent Lauzer (recorder). who have established a reputation for combining ancient repertoire with elements of folk song.

As Duo Cordelia, violinist Vanessa Marcoux and pianist Marie-Christine Poirier invite you into an unexpected musical landscape, where classical compositions mingle with fresh repertoire, playful improvisation, and unconventional technique. Both graduates of the Université de Montréal and individually recognized as talented musicians, the two have been curating captivating performances together for almost a decade. Their 2024 album "Cendres" was honoured with an Opus Award for Album of the Year in the ancient, classical, romantic, modern and postmodern category. Wander with Vanessa and Marie-Christine through a program rich in storytelling and invention, where connections spark between genres that rarely intersect, and anything is possible.

Celebrated for his warm stage presence, compelling musical personality, and cutting-edge programming, Canadian pianist Carter Johnson is known for making classical music speak to all kinds of audiences. With playing described as "sincere, communicative, and intelligent", "drop-dead gorgeous", and even "the greatest thing since sliced bread" (Gramophone), Johnson’s competition laurels include being a finalist in the 2025 Van Cliburn Competition—the first Canadian to receive this honor"the winner of the 2025 Dublin Competition, and the silver laureate of both the Honens and Gina Bachauer Competitions. He is a recipient of the CAG Louis and Susan Meisel Prize. Highlights of Johnson's 2026-2027 season include recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Spivey Hall, and Merkin Hall, a return engagement with the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, and debuts with the Omaha and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, making his TSO debut alongside Angela Hewitt in Mozart’s Double Concerto. He has previously appeared with orchestras including the Polish National Radio Symphony, RTÉ National Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Utah Symphony, and Poznań Philharmonic Orchestras, and at festivals including OSM Virée classique, Festival of the Sound, Trasimeno Music Festival, and the Miami International Piano Festival. Johnson was born on Vancouver Island and holds degrees from the University of British Columbia, the Juilliard School, and Yale University, where he is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate. Trained in elocution, he frequently incorporates spoken commentary into his recitals, and maintains a strong interest in experimental and interdisciplinary programming. He resides in Connecticut with his wife and three children.