One of the largest contemporary music events in North America: Montreal/New Musics 2023 - Music and Spirituality

 

Montreal/New Musics (MNM) international festival, presented by Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ), has developed into one of the largest contemporary music events in North America. The 11th edition takes place from 23 February to 5 March 2023 under the title Music and Spirituality, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds. At the centre of 10 days of music making are five major concerts reflecting diverse musical influences. 

Ensemble Obiora and the Ensemble de la SMCQ, conducted by Cristian Gort, open the festival with a new work by Canadian composer Katia Makdissi-Warren who brings together two traditions, Inuit and Breton throat singing. Alongside this will be music by Arvo Pärt and French composer Alexis Savelief.

Andrew Balfour, a composer of Cree origin, presents Notinikew, an anti-war mini-opera that tells the story of indigenous soldiers who fought for Canada in the First World War and were denied the right to return home. Another featured composer is Canadian Walter Boudreau with a performance of Golgot(h)a, which uses poems by Boudreau's friend Raôul Duguay to create a Way of the Cross, based on a motet by Victoria. Other concerts include the French ensemble Court-circuit in different generations of French, Canadian and American composers, reflecting a spirit of freedom, and works for piano, ondes martenot and women's choir by Olivier Messiaen

Full details from the festival website.