Commemorating the 25th anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in Quebec's history while celebrating the courage and collective humanity that emanated from it, Ice Storm Symphony (Symphonie de la tempete de verglas) takes the listener into a whirlwind of music by Quebecois composer Maxime Goulet. The program features Orchestre classique de Montreal under the direction of Jacques Lacombe performing three of Goulet's compositions: Fishing Story, What a Day, and the title work.
Ice Storm Symphony evokes various aspects of the January 4, 1998 calamity, inviting listeners to recall some of the more positive outcomes. Goulet's underlying mission is to raise awareness of the importance of our ecosystem by addressing the vulnerability of our environment. At the same time, his symphony evokes the hope and light that emerged following the event empathy, generosity, mutual aid, and even the heroism of the people of Quebec.
Composer Maxime Goulet works in many spheres of musical creation, ranging from symphonic music to video games. His classical works are regularly performed around the world by prestigious ensembles, including the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre philharmonique Royal de Liege, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He has composed over 30 video game soundtracks, including Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade, and The Amazing Spider-Man. He is also the creator of the Montreal Video Game Symphony, in collaboration with the Orchestre Metropolitain, for the celebrations of the 375th anniversary of the City of Montreal.
The Orchestre classique de Montreal (OCM) is one of the most established chamber orchestras in Canada, boasting tours to five continents, recordings, and regular appearances on radio and television. The OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble of the city's top professional musicians, performing concerts year-round. In keeping with its mission to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, the OCM has created the Music for All program, which works with many newcomer communities and Montreal organizations to make OCM shows accessible to everyone.
Music and Artistic Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Mulhouse in France from 2017 to 2021, Jacques Lacombe was previously Principal Conductor of the Bonn Opera in Germany from 2016 to 2018 and Music Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivieres from 2006 to 2018. From 2010 to 2016 he was Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and from 2002 to 2006, principal guest conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, following his role as music director of the Philharmonie de Lorraine in Metz, France. Jacques Lacombe is renowned as a "gifted and ambitious" conductor (The New York Times) whose artistic integrity and rapport with musicians and orchestras have propelled him to international stature.
