Orchestre Symphonique de Québec


The Orchestre symphonique de Québec is a Canadian symphony orchestra based in Quebec City. The orchestra also performs with the Théâtre lyrique du Québec, the Opéra de Québec, and the Choeur symphonique de Québec.

History

Founded in 1902 as the Société symphonique de Québec, the OSQ is the oldest active Canadian orchestra. Joseph Vézina was the OSQ's first music director, from 1902 to 1924. In 1942, the orchestra merged with rival orchestra Cercle philharmonique de Québec, at which time it changed its name to the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec.
The orchestra holds an annual competition for young Quebec musicians awarding monetary prizes as well as the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra.
The most recent Canadian music director of the OSQ was Françoys Bernier, from 1966 to 1968. Yoav Talmi was music director from 1998 to 2011 and now has the title of chef émérite with the orchestra. In December 2011, the OSQ announced the appointment of Fabien Gabel as its 11th music director, as of the 2012–2013 season, with an initial contract of 4 years. The orchestra's most recent music director, Gabel concluded his tenure as OSQ music director at the close of the 2020–2021 season. After the close of Gabel's tenure, Bramwell Tovey served as principal guest conductor of the OSQ in the interim until his death in July 2022.
In December 2022, the OSQ announced the appointment of Clemens Schuldt as its next music director, effective September 2023, with an initial contract of four seasons.

Music directors