Press Release

Arion Orchestra – Opening Concert of the Montreal Series A Colorful Season Beyond the Four Seasons

October 9, 10, 11, 2015 at Bourgie Hall of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal, September 22, 2015 – Ushering in its 35th Season in grand style, it is with great pleasure that Arion Baroque Orchestra welcomes once again the outstanding violinist and conductor Enrico Onofri in this opening concert of its Montreal Series, Beyond the Four Seasons, on October 9, 10, and 11 at the Bourgie Hall of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The scintillating mezzo‐ Mireille Lebel will also shine in this all‐Vivaldi concert.

Beyond his famous Seasons, storms, birds, frost, the hunt, and rustic revelry can be found in a good number of the and vocal music by that great Venetian conjurer. Experience the exhilaration of the tempest as well as the joys nature also bestows in Vivaldi’s wonderful music as expressed by the moving voice of Mireille Lebel, the eloquent violin of Enrico Onofri, and the sensitive flute of Claire Guimond.

A conference, in French, will be held 45 minutes before each concert, given by Guy Marchand. Also, take advantage of the after‐concert talk for a friendly and informative exchange with Enrico Onofri and Mireille Lebel.

“It is truly a great pleasure to open Arion’s 35th Season in such a rich and colorful fashion,” says Artistic Director Claire Guimond. “The presence of such exceptional artists as our two guests is sure to spark widespread enthusiasm.”

Enrico Onofri Enrico Onofri is concertmaster and soloist with since 1987. Born in Italy, he was invited by as principle violinist with the Capella Reial while still a student. He then went on to collaborate with various first‐rate ensembles, such as Concentus Musicus Wien and Ensemble Mosaïques. He also performs with the ensemble Imaginarium, which he founded. He has collaborated with many of the greatest musicians of , such as , and . Several of his many CDs have received prestigious international awards.

Mireille Lebel Vancouver‐born mezzo‐soprano Mireille Lebel debuted as a member of the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and was subsequently invited to join the Ensemble of Theater Erfurt, Germany. She is now making critically successful debuts with companies and orchestras in Europe and North America. This season Mireille makesr he debut at the Prague State Opera in the title role of Carmen. She will return to Theater Erfurt as Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice and will reprise her role as Ljubica in Ana Sokolovic’s opera Svadba at the Opéra de Nantes et Angers. She has sung on many recordings with the Boston Festival, including the 2015 Grammy winner for ‘Best Opera Recording’: Charpentier’s La descente d’Orphée aux enfers.

Presenter of the concert: Program

Antonio Vivaldi (1678 ‐1741)

Concerto for strings and continuo in G major, Alla rustica, RV 151 Aria Gelido in ogni vena from the opera Farnace, RV 711 Motet for mezzo‐soprano, strings, and continuo, Sum in medio tempestatum, RV632 in E major for violin, strings, and continuo, Op. 8, No. 1, La Primavera, RV 269 Concerto in D major for flute, strings, and continuo, Op. 10, No. 3, Il Gardellino, RV 428 Concerto in B‐flat major for violin, strings, and continuo, Op. 8, No. 10, La Caccia, RV 362 Concerto in E‐flat major for violin, strings, and continuo, Op. 8, No. 5, La Tempesta di mare, RV 253

Practical Info Dates and times: October 9: 8 p.m. / conference at 7:15 p.m. October 10: 4 p.m. / conference at 3:15 p.m. October 11: 2 p.m. / conference at 1:15 p.m.

Prices: Single Tickets; $20 to $50 Subscriptions starting at $80 Tickets: Arion Orchestre Baroque: 514.355.1825 or www.arionbaroque.com, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ Bourgie Hall of the 1339 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Peel or Guy‐Concordia Metros, Buses 24, 66, 165 or 166

Arion Orchestre Baroque Since its foundation in 1981 in Montreal, Arion has tapped into the creative energies of Baroque such as Bach and Vivaldi by performing their works on period instruments, thus rediscovering the radiant colors of their timeless masterpieces. Thanks to Claire Guimond’s artistic vision, Arion is a cornerstone in the world of early music on period instruments, both on the national and international stage.

– 30 – For more information: Marilyne Laroche Corbeil Director, Development and Partnerships 514.355.1825, ext. 25 / [email protected]