The Orchestre Métropolitain opens this season with Mahler, Joyce and Yannick

Orchestre Métropolitain presents

Mahler, Joyce and Yannick

Journey to a new universe. Grandiose. Unique. Sublime.

Mahler’s Third Symphony paints the creation of the world with a thousand colours. Under the masterful baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the piece unveils the splendour of its landscapes, flora and fauna. It is in this fertile soil that humanity is born, brought to life by Joyce DiDonato’s magnificent voice, singing of humanity’s pain and the joy that triumphs over all suffering. The angelic voices of the women’s and children’s choir join the soloist in a radiant hymn of forgiveness and eternal promise.

As is now tradition at the OM, the season will open with a piece written by an Indigenous composer. Sonny-Ray Day Rider, pianist and ethnomusicologist, is particularly interested in the musical heritage of his tribe, the Blackfoot. His work draws inspiration from nature—both the world around us and human nature.

Artists
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain since 2000, to which he committed himself “for life” in 2019, Yannick Nézet-Séguin became, in September 2018, the third Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera (Met) in New York. Music Director of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2012, he became its Artistic and Music Director in 2023 and renewed his contract until 2030. He is Honorary Conductor of the Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest, where he was Music Director from 2008 to 2018, and is also an Honorary Member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano

The staggering, joyful artistry of Joyce DiDonato reminds us that in any generation there are a few giants. Joyce is not only a great, brave and inspiring artist – one of the finest singers of our time- but she is also a transformative presence in the arts. Those who know her repertoire are in awe of her gifts, and those who know nothing of it are instantly engaged. Joyce sings and the world is suddenly brighter. She compels us to listen actively, to hear things anew. – Jake Heggie, Gramophone

Multi-Grammy Award winner and 2018 Olivier Award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, Kansas-born Joyce DiDonato entrances audiences across the globe, and has been proclaimed “perhaps the most potent female singer of her generation” by The New Yorker. With a voice “nothing less than 24-carat gold” according to The Times, Joyce has towered at the top of the industry both as a performer, a producer, and a fierce advocate for the arts. With a repertoire spanning over four centuries, a varied and highly acclaimed discography, and industry-leading projects, her artistry has defined what it is to be a singer in the 21st century.

Chœur Métropolitain (with the participation of professional choral singers), prepared by François A. Ouimet and Pierre Tourville

Chœur des Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, prepared by Andrew Gray

Program
S.-R. Day Rider, Eukaryotica (World premiere, commissioned by the OM)
Mahler, Symphony No. 3

September 23, 2025 at 7:30pm
Maison symphonique

To purchase your tickets, visit: www.placedesarts.com