Jacques Hétu était une figure bien établie de la scène musicale canadienne lorsque l’Orchestre symphonique de Toronto lui a commandé la Symphonie no 5. Élève de Clermont Pépin à Montréal puis d’Henri Dutilleux et d’Olivier Messiaen à Paris, il a développé un langage tonal faisant le pont entre les deux continents. Le choix du poème d’Éluard – l’un des plus grands poètes français (et membre de la Résistance) – était donc tout naturel. Hétu s’est éteint à peine trois semaines avant la première de l’œuvre en 2010. Alexander Shelley la fait revivre entourée de deux grands orchestres canadiens, l’Orchestre du Centre national des Arts du Canada et l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec, et d’un choeur, le Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
A visionary recording uniting Canadian artistic excellence
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Now available – Jacques Hétu’s Symphony No. 5 by Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir led by Alexander Shelley
Performing live on tour at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, led by music director Alexander Shelley © Greggory Clark This project is more than a recording – it is a celebration of Canadian artistic excellence, a tribute to the late Jacques Hétu, and a reflection on the power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend. Two Orchestras, One Symphony is a benchmark performance of Jacques Hétu’s Symphony No. 5, his final work and a new milestone in Canadian orchestral music. The album is a tribute to Hétu’s epic composition and a testament to the unity and strength of Canada’s orchestral music community.
Celebrating the legacy of a final masterpiece
Symphony No.5 is undoubtedly one of internationally renowned Québecois composer Jacques Hétu’s most significant achievements. His final work draws inspiration from Paul Éluard’s Second World War poem Liberté, which explores themes of freedom and hope, to portray Nazi-occupied Paris, concluding with a choral setting of Éluard’s poem, celebrating the liberation of France. Unfortunately, Hétu never heard his masterwork performed live. He died three weeks shy of its world premiere by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2010.
This landmark recording reimagines Symphony No. 5, featuring over 200 artists from the NAC Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. The result is a sweeping, emotionally charged performance that breathes new life into Hétu’s masterpiece.
This project was an incredibly fulfilling endeavour for Alexander Shelley, now in his tenth season as the NAC Orchestra’s music director. Shelley commented: ‘Hétu’s music has a refined elegance and craftsmanship that is both challenging and rewarding to explore. Bringing together two orchestras and a full choir for this recording was a thrilling experience, and the result is something truly special.’
A powerful collaboration
Having guest conducted the OSQ in several concerts, Shelley envisioned a collaborative project that would showcase the unique strengths of both orchestras. The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, one of Canada’s oldest and most revered choral groups, added another layer of richness to the project.
"It’s not often that we can bring together so many talented artists from different parts of the country. The combined energy and passion of the NAC Orchestra, OSQ, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir made this project something truly remarkable"
Alexander Shelley, NAC Orchestra music director
Following a critically acclaimed tour in Québec and Ontario, this new recording took place in March 2024 in Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre. The monumental effort involved hundreds of musicians and singers performing under Shelley’s inspired direction. The result is a technical achievement that symbolizes the unity in Canadian music, bridging different regions and musical traditions to create a shared work of art.
Opening night at the Grand Théâtre de Québec, the first stop on the Two Orchestras, One Symphony tour © Greggory Clark
A lasting tribute to Jacques Hétu
One of Canada’s most esteemed and frequently performed composers, Hétu’s catalogue includes some 70 works, including symphonies, operas, choral and chamber music, and concertos for numerous instruments.
"It was a remarkable journey, one that not only honoured Jacques Hétu’s memory but also strengthened our artistic bonds. In these challenging times, Hétu’s work offers a profound sense of comfort and inspiration."
Astrid Chouinard, President and CEO of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec
Hétu’s relationship with the NAC Orchestra stretches back nearly five decades. In 1977, the Orchestra commissioned Antinomi and performed the piece under former music director Mario Bernardi. Later, under Pinchas Zukerman, Hétu’s works featured prominently on the Orchestra’s European tour in 1990 and its Québec tour in 2006. This enduring partnership laid the groundwork for this grand-scale interpretation of Symphony No. 5, which marks a fitting conclusion to Hétu’s legacy.
A showcase of leading Canadian ensembles, Two Orchestras, One Symphony has the potential to make a lasting impression on listeners worldwide. Set for release on the Analekta music label, the new album is now available for purchase and streaming across all major platforms.