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“The Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke opens its 84th season with their new Maestro”
On October 5, the Sherbrooke audience was reacquainted with the musicians of the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke (OSS). For the opening concert of its 84th season, the OSS brought the sounds of Verdi, Liszt and Tchaikovsky to the Centre culturel de l'Université de Sherbrooke.
October 12, 2023 - Estrie Plus
On October 5, the Sherbrooke audience was reacquainted with the musicians of the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke (OSS). For the opening concert of its 84th season, the OSS brought the sounds of Verdi, Liszt and Tchaikovsky to the Centre culturel de l'Université de Sherbrooke.
La force du destin!
This first concert in the Grands concerts BMO Classical Series, entitled La force du destin! presented by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, featured a musical program based on the theme of fate. In fact, the OSS's new conductor, Jean-Michel Malouf, wanted to “ask the crowd about their beliefs regarding the notion of destiny.” He even shared a personal story with the audience. “I had not believed in destiny before preparing for tonight's concert, but I'd like to share an anecdote of an uncanny coincidence with you. During my first conducting class in the late 1990s, I happened to study Verdi's La forza del destino with Maestro Stéphane Laforest”.
A successful premiere... despite two cancellations
The first concert of the OSS's 2023-2024 season was performed without concertmaster Élaine Marcil. According to a press release, Ms. Marcil “was forced to cancel her participation for health reasons,” and violinist Ryan Truby was brought in. Soloist André Laplante also had to cancel with 24 hours' notice due to illness. Pianist Serhiy Salov agreed to perform the Piano Concerto No. 2. It should be noted that Salov had not performed this work for ten years.
A “thunderous ovation” for Maestro Jean-Michel Malouf
The audience at Salle Maurice-O'Bready welcomed the new captain of the OSS with a “thunderous ovation”. The audience also applauded Maestro Malouf warmly during the final notes of Symphony No. 4. The audience was “seduced by this revival”.
" [...] Maestro Malouf is an excellent communicator; he has great emotional intelligence and a facility for connecting with people. It is truly unanimous among us, and I take the liberty of speaking for all of us when I say that this is the beginning of a very beautiful collaboration.”
- Annick Sévigny, Principal Flute of the OSS
Jean-Michel Malouf: The man who brings music to life
From his deep love of music to his attention to intonation, Conductor and Artistic Director Jean-Michel Malouf is one of Quebec’s musical luminaries. His gentle, respectful approach makes him a humane, passionate and attentive conductor.
October 10, 2023 - The Daily
From his deep love of music to his attention to perfect intonation, Conductor and Artistic Director Jean-Michel Malouf is one of Quebec's musical luminaries. His gentle, respectful approach makes him a humane, passionate and attentive conductor.
Olivier Bonjour - This content was produced by ATM-Journalism students at Cégep de Jonquière.
During the summer of 2023, Jean-Michel was appointed Artistic Director of the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra. He will serve as Director for both the Saguenay and Sherbrooke orchestras until the end of 2025. He will then step down from the Saguenay organization after nine years and continue his position with the Sherbrooke orchestra. A new challenge for which he is well prepared.
The catalyst
The moment music truly grasped him was when he set foot on a stage for the first time. "What hooked me were my first concert experiences in 2nd and 3rd grade,” recalls Malouf. “I was on stage with everyone, and the whole audience was applauding us. These are such galvanizing moments, still today. Being on stage generates a unique feeling... when one falls into it, it becomes an addiction.”
The trombone found a place of choice in his heart; an instrument he studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal from 1994 to 2002. Conducting soon became increasingly compelling, and the opportunities kept coming. Eventually, conducting became a permanent part of his life.
Perfect pitch
Each conductor has their strengths, for Jean-Michel, the quality of intonation is key. His focus on this aspect brings him continual praise. His approach with musicians doesn't go unnoticed either, as Marie Bégin, concertmaster of the Orchestre du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, explains: “I've always appreciated his kindness, respect and good manners towards the musicians".
Music is an emotional art form that can convey a powerful message. However, not everyone can achieve what he does, explains Ms. Bégin. “He makes music come to life, and that's what’s truly amazing, because music is alive, and yet it's often played as if it were dead when it should be in motion.”
Jean-Michel Malouf is the new Music Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke
After over a year of waiting, auditioning and consulting, the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke team has revealed the identity of the ensemble's new Music and Artistic Director.
August 15, 2023 - La Tribune
After over a year of waiting, auditioning and consulting, the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke (OSS) team has unveiled the name of the Eastern Townships ensemble's new Music Director. Maestro Jean-Michel Malouf will carry on the orchestra's ascension to greater heights over the next three to five years.