Montreal comes alive with waltzes, nocturnes and preludes

Kristine Berey

May, 2010

The Montreal Chamber Music Festival is in full gear, and three other stellar musical events are in the works for classical music lovers.

Monday, May 10, Pro Musica will present virtuoso pianist Janina Fialkowska performing Mozart’s Fantasia in C minor, Schumann’s Carnival of Vienna and Chopin waltzes, nocturnes and preludes. Theatre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts. Tickets: 514 845-2112.

May 15, 7:30 pm, Cantabile Chorale and Orchestra will perform Bach’s monumental masterpiece, the St. Matthew’s Passion at St. Genevieve Church, 16037 Gouin, Ste. Genevieve. Tickets at the door. Info: 514 449-8765.

Pianist Janina Fialkowska will perform at Place des Arts on May 10. Photo: Michael Schilhansl

May 24 to June 4, the Montreal International Musical Competition will bring together the world’s greatest young violinists, who will compete through quarter and semi-finals at Centre Pierre Peladeau, culminating in a Gala Concert at Place des Arts.

The 24 artists come from Canada, U.S., South Korea, Germany, Japan, China, Spain, Poland, France and the Czech Republic. Preliminary rounds are reasonably priced. Info: 514 845-4108 or visit concoursmontreal.ca

Place Des Arts will present a new music series next season of six concerts. Music lovers will hear renowned artists such as violinst Joshua Bell, mezzo soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, soprano Renée Fleming, violinist, Gidon Kremer. and ensembles Kremerata Baltica, and the NHK Symphony from Tokyo, conducted by André Prévin.