Canada chief quits over 'irreconcilable artistic differences'

Orchestras

norman lebrecht

June 22, 2024

The general director of the Orchestre philharmonique du Québec, Jean-Marc Léveillé, left the organisation this month, citing ‘irreconcilable divergences between the general management and the artistic director, Alexandre Da Costa’.

One of Léveillé’s supporters speaks of a ‘major toxic climate at the Orchestra, 100% created by Alexandre Da Costa… It’s toxic celebrity behavior, blackmail, intimidation.’

The orchestra has 52 musicians and five staff.

Read here.

Comments

Emil says:

June 22, 2024 at 9:37 am

There’s a long backstory: the orchestra used to be the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil – a respectable symphony orchestra on the south shore of Montréal (with many musicians from I Musici, the Orchestre Métropolitain, etc.). Alexandre Da Costa – a violinist – was hired as MD, and according to many musicians and other sources, turned the orchestra into his own star vehicle. He tried to rename it “Orchestre national du Québec”, and then compromised on “Orchestre philharmonique du Québec” when faced with criticisms that one cannot unilaterally claim the title of “national orchestra”.
The musician union claims nearly half the orchestra quit over four years due to clashes, and called in government mediators. Le Devoir had the story last year: https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/musique/785699/musique-classique-la-direction-d-alexandre-da-costa-vivement-contestee

Andy says:
June 23, 2024 at 4:19 pm
The “national” orchestra of Quebec? Try “provincial” for accurancy. Until I see a coin or postage stamp with QUEBEC instead of CANADA, it’s just one of ten provinces regardless of the moot yelps of politicians that Quebec is a nation. That it ain’t. I double checked with the United Nations.
Reply
- Emil says:
  June 24, 2024 at 8:50 am
  Happy to help – the Québécois is a distinct nation, as acknowledged by the Canadian government in…2006.
  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/house-passes-motion-recognizing-quebecois-as-nation-1.574359
  As for the UN, they recognise states – not nations – and besides, Québec has a recognised representative at UNESCO, a UN entity: https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/ministere/relations-internationales/representations-etranger/representation-quebec-unesco
  Reply
  - Andy says:
    June 24, 2024 at 1:34 pm
    Political gobbledygook that appeases separatist paranoia doesn’t make a country. To most people, “national” is reserved for countries, not smaller, lesser entities like states, provinces, districts, or villages. The reason folks like Alexandre Da Costa want to use inaccurate verbiage is to appeal to the insecure mindset that typefies separatists and makes them believe that the houses-of-cards politicians have constructed to create the illusion of independence to win votes and that have since been consigned to obscure corners of the internet mean something to the world.
    How’s that kool aid tasting?
    Reply
    - Emil says:
      June 24, 2024 at 3:04 pm
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      That is just plain wrong. Go tell the Scots, Welsh, and Northern Irish they’re not “nations”. Or the Catalans. Or, literally the First Nations.
      Or pick up any book on nationalism.
    - Andy says:
      June 24, 2024 at 4:38 pm
      Do you mean NOTWITHSTANDING the fact Quebec is a province, it’s a nation? Straw dog.
      But it’s understandable that Alexandre Da Costa would take that route. He couldn’t sustain an international career as a violin soloist, and creating a fantasy world in Longueuil, Quebec, by energizing community separatist ideology makes good business sense.
      Only let’s not pretend political machinations and the make believe “nation” of Quebec is reality. Two independence referendums failed, and it’s not up to diplomats and politicians to declare nationhood as a booby prize to a linguistic minority. When you arrive at an airport cross the border into Quebec, it’s Canadian customs and immigration who greet you. That’s the bottom line.

msc says:

June 22, 2024 at 2:45 pm

I remain puzzled by SD’s persistent use of the names of nations in place of adjectives: “Canada chief”?

Robert says:
June 23, 2024 at 8:31 am
This is an ongoing trend journalism – you see it everywhere and I find it jarring. Maybe adjectives are now regarded as derogatory?
Reply
Susan Bradley says:
June 23, 2024 at 8:51 am
It’s a journalistic hangover from the days of print. Headlines being in larger font, content had to be conveyed in fewer characters.
Reply

Longueuil Insider says:

June 22, 2024 at 6:35 pm

Not surprised at M L’éveillé’s departure, 100% true that da Costa is a toxic presence. He had some celebrity when he was younger and has been riding that wave of mediocrity ever since. An insufferable and incompetent person. The board forced him into the directorship against the wishes of most of the musicians, many of whom did resign for this very reason. The board also changed the name of the orchestra in an attempt to profit off the recognition of the orchestre symphonique de Quebec, Canada’s oldest orchestra. The best and only thing that l’orchestre symphonique de Longueuil can do to save itself is dismiss da Costa and the entire board, and start again with more talent and less stupid.

Canada chief quits over 'irreconcilable artistic differences' - Slippedisc (2024)

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