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Just hours before its season-opener concert with pianist H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Grimaud, the Orchestre M\u00e9tropolitain confirmed a historic $2.5 million donation from patrons Louise and Sophie Desmarais.<\/p>\n
The funds will be used over 10 years to support artistic development, and the vision of the Orchestra and conductor Yannick N\u00e9zet-S\u00e9guin.<\/p>\n
The announcement expands the range of possibilities for continuing to grow and boost a major local orchestra that is a source of pride for Montrealers.<\/p>\n
\u201cCreative freedom is one of the most valuable things you can give an artist,\u201d says OM artistic director and principal conductor N\u00e9zet-S\u00e9guin. \u201cThis support fills me with joy and brings a new burst of energy to developing, in collaboration with the musicians, large-scale projects and inspiring concerts with great artists.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cArt and music have always had the power to bring people together,\u201d wrote Louise and Sophie Desmarais in a statement. \u201cThey are essential to the well-being of the community.\u201d [\u2026] \u201cContinuing to help give wings to the creativity of the OM’s conductor and musicians is a way of looking to the future with hope and of supporting the aspirations of music and the promotion of local talent.\u201d<\/p>\n