Antonio Vivaldi, one of the undisputed masters of classical music, continues to illuminate the cultural scene of Quebec’s metropolis. Whether amid the majestic acoustics of a historic hall, in the soft glow of thousands of candles, or during the fall early music festivals, the genius of the “Red-Haired Priest” will be on display for Montrealers through three immersive musical experiences this fall.
1. Concerto Evening: C.P.E. Bach and Vivaldi at Salle Bourgie
This Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., the prestigious Salle Bourgie at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will host the Accademia de’ Dissonanti ensemble. Housed in the former Erskine and American Church, built in the Neo-Romanesque style and renowned for its Tiffany stained-glass windows and exceptional acoustics, the hall offers a remarkable setting for the Baroque repertoire.
On the program:
Under the artistic direction of cellist Elinor Frey, the ensemble highlights the Italian passion and expressive sensitivity of the Empfindsamkeit style:
- Antonio Vivaldi: String Concertos in G minor (RV 152) and D minor (RV 127).
- C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concertos in B-flat major (Wq. 171) and A minor (Wq. 170).
- J.S. Bach: Toccata for Harpsichord in D Major (BWV 912), performed by harpsichordist Mélisande McNabney.
Practical Information:
- Location: Salle Bourgie, 1339 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal
- Date and time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $18.50 (ages 34 and under) / $37 (general admission)
More information about this concert here
2. Candlelight Concerts: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
For a heartwarming rediscovery of Vivaldi’s masterpieces, Candlelight reimagines *The Four Seasons* in the heart of Saint John the Baptist Church on Saturday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m.
In an enchanting atmosphere created by thousands of twinkling candles, local string quartets will reinterpret Vivaldi’s most famous movements. An ideal concert for both connoisseurs and those seeking a poetic evening.
Practical Information:
- Location: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, 309 Rachel Street East, Montreal
- Date and time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
More information about this concert here
21 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
Église Saint Jean-Baptiste
3. “Ombre des bois” by I Musici de Montréal
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the I Musici de Montréal chamber orchestra presents *Ombre des bois*, a concert focused on the depiction of nature and bucolic themes in classical music, coinciding with the opening of the Montreal International Bach Festival.
On the program:
The concert features one of Vivaldi’s most famous concertos, “Il Gardellino” (The Goldfinch), adapted into a virtuosic arrangement for oboe, creating a dialogue between Venetian freshness and Haydn’s classicism:
Antonio Vivaldi: Flute Concerto “Il Gardellino,” Op. 10 No. 3 (oboe).
Joseph Haydn: String Quartet, Op. 76, No. 4 , “Sunrise” (string orchestra).
Dylan Pinette: “L’ark aan syel, ” concertino for English horn and strings.
Practical Information:
- Location: Espace JAX, 1439 Sainte-Catherine Street, Montreal
- Date and time: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- Tickets: Starting at $25.00
More information about this concert here
