Orchestre symphonique de Québec

Founded in 1902, the Orchestre symphonique de Québec (OSQ) is Canada’s oldest symphony orchestra. A key player in the provincial capital’s music scene, it has always been closely linked to the city’s history. Among other events, it participated in the celebrations of Quebec City’s tercentenary in 1908, the Sommet de la francophonie in 1987, and the 400th anniversary of Quebec City in 2008, when the Orchestra performed Mahler’s monumental Symphony of a Thousand. It also shared the stage with Plácido Domingo before an audience of 100,000, a highlight in its history.

In addition to the major works of the symphonic repertoire, the OSQ performs many works by composers from Quebec, Canada, and abroad.

A leader in arts education and outreach, it contributes to the popularization of symphonic music through innovative projects such as the Zoo musical and the digital educational platform La galerie symphonique. Music education has been a key component of the Orchestra’s mission since 1936, and its Matinées symphoniques and Concerts famille enable young people to discover classical music, both in schools and at public performances. The OSQ also supports the next generation of musicians through its association with the Conservatoire de musique de Québec and the Laval University Faculty of Music.

Under the direction of renowned conductors, the OSQ has won numerous awards and produced 26 albums, several of which have won awards. The Orchestra continues to enrich Quebec’s cultural life with a broad and diverse program. Clemens Schuldt is the OSQ’s 12th music director.