Founded in 1995 by Salim Nakhjavani, the Orchestre des jeunes du mont Royal (OJMR) was created to provide a place where young musicians of the community could meet and make music together as a symphony orchestra. Salim laid the foundations for the OJMR, enabling the orchestra to grow by bringing together a dedicated team, keen to provide a supportive environment for the musical development of young musicians of all levels. The OJMR was first directed by Mark Simons, followed by Scott Gabriel, and since 2011, the artistic director is Jean MacRae.

Over the years the OJMR has grown to five ensembles: beginner, junior and intermediate string ensembles, a preparatory symphony orchestra, all leading to the most advanced Symphony Orchestra.

The OJMR’s mission is to provide young musicians with the opportunity to learn and perform together under the guidance of dedicated professionals, with the aim of introducing them to the joys of ensemble music, broadening their knowledge of the orchestral repertoire, stimulating their passion and introducing them to the discipline of high-level performance. The orchestra aims to provide an enriching and memorable experience, whether young musicians choose to pursue a professional career, become teachers, amateur musicians or simply passionate listeners.

Winner of several awards, the Orchestre des jeunes du mont Royal has performed at the prestigious Maison Symphonique de Montréal, as well as performing on tour in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Cuba. Other collaborations include concerts with the Vermont Ballet, the Braunschweig Youth Orchestra (Germany), the Petits Chanteurs du Mont-Royal, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, as well as with renowned musicians such as baritone Russell Braun, cellist Stéphane Tétreault, and violinists Andrew Wan and Russell Iceberg. In June, 2024, the Symphony Orchestra had the honour of performing at the celebrated Carnegie Hall in New York as part of the Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational Concert.