Organ, brass and percussion perform Holst’s The Planets

Conductor Thomas Le Duc-Moreau’s inspiring enthusiasm and artistic sensitivity combine in an effective and humanistic symbiosis, highly appreciated by musicians and audiences alike. Upon graduating from his conservatory studies, Thomas was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and subsequently of the OSM. His opera credits include two premieres in 2022 and 2023: Christian Thomas’ Messe solennelle pour une pleine lune d’été, based on the play by Michel Tremblay, and Yourcenar – Une île de passions by composer Éric Champagne at the Festival d’opéra de Québec. Since the beginning of his career, Thomas has conducted almost every symphony orchestra in Quebec, as well as the Prague National Theatre Orchestra of the Czech Republic. In 2022, he received the very first Prix Joseph-Rouleau awarded by the Fondation du Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec, in recognition and support of his promising early career. 

Jean-Willy Kunz, Organist-in-Residence with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, is responsible for the development and enhancement of the Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique. He has performed as a soloist with the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Les Violons du Roy and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has premiered works by significant composers. Owing to his various interests, Jean-Willy Kunz is involved in numerous projects that bring a fresh perspective to the organ: jazz with saxophonist Branford Marsalis; pop with Pierre Lapointe; stage music with Cirque du Soleil; contemporary music with Quatuor Bozzini; or Baroque music with Ensemble Caprice. His discography includes several recordings that demonstrate the versatility of his musical influences, notably Symphonie et créations for organ and orchestra with the OSM (Juno award, 2016). Jean-Willy Kunz is Professor of Organ at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal and Artistic Director of the Canadian International Organ Competition.