Press release
For immediate release
Montreal, May 29, 2025 — Jeunesses Musicales Canada (JMC) is proud to unveil its 76th season in Joseph-Rouleau Hall at André-Bourbeau’s JMC House. Beginning this October, JMC invites the public to discover 13 concerts for all ages as part of its Happy Hour Concert and Cushion Concert series.
“Our 76th season sets the stage for how we define ‘classical music.’ This year, our artist residency goes to jazz saxophonist Benjamin Deschamps. At Joseph-Rouleau Hall, we’re hosting a variety of guest concerts — Koperkus for little ones, and CC Duo with their concert, Lyrique, for older audiences. Touring artists from our JMC Concerts will also make a stop at our venue, with travel-themed recitals like French Panorama, Notes from the Front, and Postcards. And our Cushion Concert series continues to bring theatrical concerts to the cozy, intimate atmosphere of our hall. It’s a vibrant season you won’t want to miss!”, says Danièle Leblanc, Executive and Artistic Director of Jeunesses Musicales Canada.
The Happy Hour Concert Series
Spice up your Thursday evenings with our seven Happy Hour Concerts this season where the best up-and-coming musicians will dazzle you! Come early, as of 6:00 p.m., to enjoy a complimentary cocktail before the show. Great entertainment guaranteed!
This fall’s artist in residence, jazz saxophone player, Benjamin Deschamps, invites audiences to be seduced by the saxophone through three unique concerts:
- All About Wayne Shorter – December 4, 2025. Benjamin Deschamps joins forces with Jean-Pierre Zanella, Frank Lozano, and François D’Amours to explore the music of Wayne Shorter.
- Astor’s Universe – January 22, 2026. The Mistral Ensemble’s immersion into the fascinating world of Astor Piazzolla, featuring an eclectic mix of violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet, guitar, and double bass.
- Dialogues – March 19, 2026. Benjamin Deschamps brings together Nadia Monczak, Gentiane MG, and Levi Dover in a distinctive quartet where jazz meets classical music.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the CC Duo: Adam Cicchillitti & Steven Cohen present Lyrique, a unique portrait of 19th and 20th-century piano music, arranged for two guitars. The CC Duo transports us to this era through the rich timbres and intimate character of their instrument.
The Happy Hour Concert series also features performances by this season’s JMC artists:
- French Panorama – February 19, 2026. Ensemble Callinos invites you to discover the spellbinding lyricism of the flute, cello, and piano trio, which inspired numerous works by French Romantic and Impressionist composers.
- Notes from the Front: Fraternal Music for Voice and Piano – April 16, 2026. Soprano Mathilde Duval-Laplante and pianists Rosemarie Duval-Laplante and Jean-Michel Dubé create a space for contemplation of peace in a time of war.
- Postcards: From Isaac Albeniz to John Williams – April 30, 2026. Experience the splendour of Duo Aster performing works by Isaac Albéniz, Pedro Itturalde, and Alexis Ciesla in this musical adventure.
The Cushion Concert Series
Young music lovers will be enchanted by our Cushion Concert series, featuring six theatrical music performances. One guest production by Duo Airs, Koperkus, will be presented this season. All concerts have two showing each on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- On October 26, 2025, Opera Candy: The Gourmet Adventure of Hansel and Gretel, will introduce young audiences (aged 3-12) to the sweet sounds of the opera.
- On November 16, 2025, Bruno and Marton’s Giggle and Stomp! will get kids (ages 3-7) moving to the beat of the world of percussion and rhythm!
- December 7, 2025, The Christmas Jam, promises to get audiences of all ages into the holiday spirit with this interactive concert, where children sing with the artists and participate in creating their very own original song.
- In the heart of The Music Lovers’ Forest, all who live and breathe love music and play it! An introduction to3- to 7-year-olds to the family of wind instruments, on February 8, 2026.
- Can we be Friends?, showing on March 22, 2026, is a celebration of friendship involving three musicians who get to know each other over the course of a concert.
- And finally, Duo Airs presents Koperkus on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026 – perfect for children ages 1-4 years old. Get the whole family out to celebrate this special day!
For more information and box office: jmcanada.ca
About Jeunesses Musicales Canada
Jeunesses Musicales Canada (JMC) is a talent incubator that boosts the careers of the best emerging musicians and helps bring classical music to audiences of all ages. Today, a typical JMC season includes over 1,600 musical activities across Canada, ranging from chamber music concerts to exciting musical activities for young audiences.
– 30 –
Source: Jeunesses Musicales Canada
Media contact: Erin Whittaker
ewhittaker@jmcanada.ca
