EMSB Chorale: Where Choir and Symphony Became One

The EMSB Chorale, now in its 46th season, was thrilled to participate once again with the Orchestre philharmonique et Choeur des Mélomanes (OPCM) in Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, preceded by Stravinsky’s monumental The Rite of Spring. The choir sang three performances at the Maison symphonique on November 7 and 9 under the direction of the brilliant young conductor, Francis Choinière, who is a FACE School (EMSB) alumnus. It was an impressive event, with 180 choristers, a full symphony orchestra on stage and world-class soloists. Le Devoir music critic o noted that the youth choir gave a solid performance. 

The Chorale held its annual Holiday Concert  on December 6 at   Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Montreal. Anne-Marie Denoncourt was at the piano and the choir  once again welcomed the Salvation Army’s Citadel Band.   Following Pat Abbott’s retirement as artistic director of the choir after leading it for 35 years, longtime associate conductor Marie-Eve Arseneau has now taken over the artistic reigns. She is also a music teacher at FACE School in the high school program. Pat   continues to serve as executive director of the choir.  For information on upcoming choir events or to audition for the winter/spring semester, contact Pat Abbott at pabbott@emsb.qc.ca