Unveiling the Power of OpenStreetMap (OSM)
In the heart of Summer 2025, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) treated audiences to a free, open-air concert at the Esplanade of the Olympic Park. Entitled "Spectacular Nature", this grand event celebrated the beauty and power of nature through an immersive programme of music, led by the dynamic conductor, Rafael Payare.
The concert kicked off with Rossini's overture from the opera Guillaume Tell, a fitting tribute to the majesty of the Swiss Alps. The programme then took the audience on a musical journey through nature, with Debussy's turbulent waters, Maxime Goulet's evocation of an ice storm, and more. The concert concluded with Debussy's La mer and an encore of La marche hongroise from Berlioz's La damnation de Faust, leaving the crowd with smiling faces and memories of a beautiful evening.
Tenor Pene Pati was a special guest at the concert, delivering captivating performances of arias from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet and Puccini's La bohème. His standout performance of the famous Nessun dorma from Puccini's Turandot earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Rafael Payare, known for his dynamic conducting with the OSM and other orchestras, not only led the concert but also introduced lesser-known artists to the audience, including a piece by contemporary Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Payare even took the time to mingle with the crowd during the rehearsal, especially with members of the Venezuelan community.
The concert attracted several thousand people, creating a sense of "social sweetness" as couples walked hand in hand and people left quietly after the event. André Robitaille, the host, appreciated the active listening of the crowd and the conviviality and respect during the event.
The OSM's "Spectacular Nature" concert provided a unique cultural experience, reconnecting audiences with the beauty and emotional power of nature-themed music in an outdoor, communal setting. While there was no appearance of Josee Lapointe at this event, according to available sources, her enthusiasm for the concert was evident as she found it "extraordinary" and "exceptional".
The "Spectacular Nature" concert was part of the OSM's Classical Spree, which continues until Sunday with more concerts and dozens of free events. For those who missed this special event, there is still plenty of opportunity to experience the magic of music under the stars.
The immersive programme of music during the OSM's "Spectacular Nature" concert included not only classical pieces like Debussy's turbulent waters and La mer, but also contemporary works, such as a composition by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, showcasing a blend of arts and entertainment. Tenor Pati's captivating performances of arias from Romeo and Juliet and La bohème, along with his famous rendition of Nessun dorma from Turandot, added an element of music to the evening's entertainment.
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