
Illustration: Caroline Hamel
HOW ARE DONATIONS USED?

Funds raised in connection with the Bal des enfants enable the OSM to continue developing its future audiences by providing an early introduction to classical music. These funds also allow the Orchestra to implement inclusive projects in the community for lowest-access groups; to encourage young local musicians; and to offer summer programming that is accessible to all. The OSM continues to fulfill this education and accessibility role despite the ongoing pandemic.
Developing future audiences
- Each year, some 25,000 young people aged 5 to 17 attend the Children’s Corner (family concerts) and School Matinee (concerts for schools) series;
- 7 Opus Prizes awarded by the Conseil québécois de la musique in recognition of high-quality concerts
- Affordable pricing (from $9 to $12 per schoolchild);
- Classroom support for making classical music more accessible (pedagogical materials, turnkey digital concerts, educational resources, video clips, playlists).
Coordinating inclusive projects in the community for lowest-access groups;
- Some ten projects per year in collaboration with community organizations and special education programs;
- Clientele among the most vulnerable groups (underserved and low-income neighbourhoods, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, refugee families, newcomers to Quebec, and other groups);
Encouraging young local musicians;
- Involvement with emerging and nonprofessional artists from Quebec and Canada (training, masterclasses, support for amateur artists as part of our summer programming and other initiatives.);
- Annual OSM Competition since 1940, the largest classical music competition in Canada: a high-level contest, mentorship and career-building support for laureates, prestigious international jury and partners.
Offering accessible summer programming
- 3 concerts in the parks of Greater Montreal and a large-scale outdoor concert on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park that drew more than 50,000 people in 2019;
- The Classical Spree festival, drawing tens of thousands of festival goers for the past 8 years and offering low-cost concerts (starting at $10), free performances and activities for a 5-day period at Place des Arts and on rue Sainte-Catherine. This event involves approximately 500 artists.