The Montreal Symphony Orchestra Is Throwing 'Surprise' Flash Concerts Around The City

It could be coming to your neighbourhood.
Senior Editor

Hear that music in the air? Our usual summer festivities may be on pause, but organizations are still finding ways to bring a little joy to the season. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra is one of them.

This summer, Orchestra members are gathering for flash performances around the city, and your neighbourhood could be next.

"In parks, beside emblematic monuments or in the CHSLDs of Greater Montreal, every week, small ensembles of OSM musicians will get together in the community to offer passers-by impromptu musical performances," the OSM website explains.

The Summer Neighbourhoods series aims to "bring Montreal back to life and make people feel good!"

In total, the Orchestra will put on over "60 surprise outdoor performances."

Each week, the OSM is sharing which borough its musicians will grace. "The exact locations will, however, remain a surprise!" it says.

Performances have already taken place in front of nursing homes and in parks in the boroughs of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie, the Sud-Ouest, Verdun, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.

The Summer Neighbourhoods series is just one part of a seasonal program that promises "a multitude of free activities."

The OSM is also "collaborating with several Montreal cultural institutions such as Quartier des spectacles and Tohu, to welcome an array of Quebec artists and offer a melange of classical music and other of performing art forms, including dance, circus, literature, and much more."

In August, the Orchestra is even throwing an outdoor, drive-in benefit concert at the Montréal-Trudeau Airport.

"Be among those who will have the privilege of experiencing this unique concert under the stars, in complete safety in the comfort of your vehicle and in full compliance with Public Health recommendations."

The venue has a 550-car capacity, but the OSM encourages fans to act fast to book their spots.

Tickets start at $100.

Montrealers are in for a musical summer.

Just be sure to keep listening for music in your area. There could be a surprise around the corner.

  • Thomas MacDonald
  • Senior Editor

    Thomas MacDonald was the Senior Editor of MTL Blog. He received a B.A. with honours from McGill University in 2018 and worked as a Writer and Associate Editor before entering his current role. He is proud to lead the MTL Blog team and to provide its readers with the information they need to make the most of their city.

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