The 17th performance season of Montréal En Lumière opens on Feb. 18, 2016, with a program that highlights the cultural treasures of China and spotlights the city of Shenzhen. The Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra will kick off the festival on Feb. 18 under conductor Muhai Tang, presenting a blend of Chinese and European classical works in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Among the season’s notable premieres is Betty Bonifassi offering a contemporary interpretation of slave chants, and folk-rock band Will Driving West performing selections from their third album, Fly.
The festival lineup also features a wide range of artists and productions across genres. Jazz pianist Thomas Enhco brings his dynamic approach to the stage. Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq will provide a live accompaniment to Robert Flaherty’s landmark 1922 film Nanook of the North. Saxophonist Yannick Rieu appears with his contemporary repertoire, while singer-songwriter Calum Graham presents his melodic folk-influenced work. Contemporary jazz vocalist and pianist Laila Biali offers an intimate, modern set.
Classical and early music audiences can look forward to several highlights: Keith Kouna’s reinterpretation of Franz Schubert’s song cycle Le voyage d’hiver, Daniel Taylor and the Theatre of Early Music performing Four Thousand Winter, and a complete run of Bach cantatas by the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal. Theatre offerings include David Mamet’s play Race at Théâtre Jean-Duceppe and Alexandria Haber’s new work On This Day at the Centaur Theatre.
Dance and innovative stagecraft are well represented with Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía bringing powerful, rhythmic flamenco choreography, and contemporary circus-theatre Circus Incognitus by Jamie Adkins combining daring acrobatics and theatrical storytelling. Together, these presentations showcase the diversity of the festival’s programming, from solo instrumentalists and vocal performers to large ensemble works, dramatic plays, dance, and multimedia collaborations.
Montreal en Lumière’s 17th season emphasizes cross-cultural exchange and artistic innovation, pairing international companies with local talent and commissioning fresh reinterpretations of classic works. The festival’s focus on Shenzhen and China creates a throughline of cultural celebration while the broader program maintains its commitment to varied, high-quality performances across music, theatre, and dance.