OFC ACHIEVEMENTS

In addition to all the musical activities on their agenda, since the summer of 2001, the musicians have participated in numerous ceremonial activities and receptions. So that they can discover the various aspects of Canadian Francophonie, the OFC’s schedule also makes room for cultural and leisure activities. Here are some of the highlights of the OFC’s achievements:


In December 2006, the OFC realized the biggest tour of China by a North American Orchestra. A total of 14 concerts in 11 Chinese cities. Two of these concerts were broadcasted on Chinese television to nearly 8 million viewers

Presentation of nearly 75 concerts at such venues as the Lanaudière Festival, the Domaine Forget International Festival, the Stratford Summer Festival, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Notre-Dame of Montreal Basilica, the Grand Theatre in Shanghai and the Polytheatre in Beijing;

Participation of 10 concerts during the Acadian 400th anniversary including the Closing Ceremonies of the Congrès mondial acadien in 2004 before an audience of over 8,000, aired live on Radio-Canada television and radio;

Recording of several concerts for Radio-Canada Radio;

Recording of Bruckner’s 7th Symphony and Bruch’s Violin Concerto for Analekta Records;

Development sessions with several great masters, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s Musical Director Pinchas Zuckerman, and I Musici’s Artistic Director Yuli Turovsky;

Participation at the July 1st, 2001 festivities on Parliament Hill broadcasted across Canada on CBC and Radio-Canada television;

Pop concerts in Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City with Jean-Pierre Ferland and Mario Pelchat before an audience of over 5,000 people at every concert;

Nearly 8.5 million people have seen or heard the OFC at concert halls, on radio or television.

More than a training program – a unique life experience!

In addition to the professional enrichment it affords, this experience enables young musicians to travel across Canada and discover the various facets of the numerous francophone communities. By giving the members of the Orchestre a chance to meet and talk with other young people who share the same passions and ambitions, this project is also an opportunity for them to improve their knowledge and understanding of the francophone reality and francophone history.

Throughout their training and particularly during the tour, these young musicians, our rising musical elite, convey the very picture of a vital and committed youth. Never before has such an opportunity been given to Canada’s young francophone and francophile musicians to come together in such an inspiring setting to share an entirely unique experience. Articulate, intelligent, dynamic and bursting with life, the young people of the Orchestre de la Francophonie canadienne are fantastic representatives of Canada’s diversity.