A true sensation at its creation, the Rite of Spring always impresses, as much for its audacious rhythms as for its brilliant virtuosity. To open the Festival, Nicolas Ellis and l’Orchestre de l’Agora brings you a surge of shimmering colours and suave exoticism, in Stravinsky’s vision of a “sacred Pagan rite.” This follows Inuit throat singing, Claude Champagne’s evocation of an ancient natural setting, and Ravel’s portrait of middle-eastern legend, featuring the marvellous Soprano Julie Fuchs in her début with the Festival.

The Gala de la Terre of the Orchestre de l’Agora invites the public to take an interest in initiatives aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems here in Quebec. Since 2020, the event has enabled $513,000 to be donated to environmental causes.  This year, $5 from each concert ticket will be directed to Nature Conservancy of Canada’s St. Lawrence Project, which is dedicated to preserving and restoring lands along the St. Lawrence River. Claude Champagne’s Gaspé Symphony will be performed in tribute to this project.