FROM YEREVAN TO MONTRÉAL With Aline Kutan, Soprano Available for viewing on demand from March 9 to March 23

Montreal, February 10, 2021 – From March 9 to 23, Armenia will be in the spotlight as the Orchestre classique de Montréal presents beloved Armenian-Canadian soprano Aline Kutan, under the baton of Maestro . The concert will feature three Armenian composers: Aram Khatchaturyan, Kevork Andonian and Armen Tigranian. Two works by renowned composer and OCM founder, Alexander Brott, will round out the program, broadcast live from Salle Pierre-Mercure on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and available for on-demand viewing until March 23.

The evening will include arias and excerpts from Armen Tigranian’s opera, Anoush, marking Aline Kutan’s return to the title role which she performed in 2001 at the Michigan Opera Theatre and in 2008 at the Yerevan Opera House, Armenia’s National Opera Theatre. Aline will also sing Alexander Brott’s tuneful and nostalgic Songs of Contemplation, including Cradle Song, dedicated to the composer’s wife Lotte upon the birth of their eldest son Boris, now OCM’s Artistic Director.

The OCM is especially pleased to present the world premiere of Revival by Armenian-Canadian composer Kevork Andonian. A portion of the concert’s proceeds will go to the Atken Armenian Foundation to support music programs for underprivileged children in Armenia.

Aline Kutan has appeared on the world’s greatest opera and concert stages over the course of her distinguished 20-year career. Winner of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Competition in 1995, her acclaimed performances of Lakmé (Lakmé) and The Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute) have taken her to the world’s leading opera houses, including the Paris Opera, the Opéra de Montréal, the Opéra National de Bordeaux, La Scala in Milan, the Glyndebourne Festival, and the Teatro Colon. Aline Kutan also takes great pleasure in teaching the next generation of singers as a voice instructor at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal and McGill University’s , in addition to her numerous master classes.

FROM YEREVAN TO MONTRÉAL Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. (available for viewing on demand until March 23) Orchestre classique de Montréal Aline Kutan, soprano Boris Brott, conductor Tickets: $20 | Online at orchestra.ca

Program 1. Songs of Contemplation - A. Brott - Strangers Yet - Cradle Song - Grief - The Sun’s Shame 2. Ritual - A. Brott 3. Masquerade Suite - Khatchaturyan (arranged by Nuhran Arman) - Galop - Nocturne - Mazurka - Valse 4. Lament - Kevork Andonian (Canadian Premiere) 5. Revival - Kevork Andonian (World Premiere) 5. Excerpts from the opera Anoush - Armen Tigranian: - Aria of Anoush - Dance (instrumental) - Mad scene

This performance is made possible thanks to support from the Québec Government’s Cultural Sector Economic Recovery Plan and the Azrieli Foundation.

About the OCM The Orchestre Classique de Montréal (OCM), previously known as the McGill Chamber Orchestra, was founded in 1939 by violinist, conductor, and composer Alexander Brott and his wife Lotte Brott. The OCM quickly became one of Canada’s most established chamber orchestras, touring to five continents, recording extensively, and appearing regularly on radio and television. Now led by Boris Brott, OC, OQ, the elder son of Alexander and one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors, the OCM is a vibrant, innovative, and flexible ensemble consisting of the city’s best professional musicians. The OCM presents concerts throughout the year and is now in residence at the Salle Pierre-Mercure. Fulfilling its mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the OCM has created the program Music for Everyone which enables collaborations with numerous new immigrant communities and Montreal organizations in making OCM's performances accessible to all. The OCM proudly acknowledges BMO Bank of Montreal as its 2020-21 Season Presenter.

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MEDIA RELATIONS: Alain Labonté Communications [email protected] / 514 616 7133