Nagano, MSO play tribute to Japan

For the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and its musical director Kent Nagano, these are exciting times.

The MSO and Nagano are releasing a new CD – and the orchestra will inaugurate Montreal’s brand new concert hall in late summer.

In addition, this Friday, Nagano and the OSM will pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.

The tribute will be broadcast as part of Radio-Canada’s “Une heure sur terre” public affairs program.

Nagano, who is of Japanese descent and was born in California, has been greatly affected by the destruction and loss of life in Japan. He says he would like to send a message of “humanity” during the special show.

In French, Nagano said he admires “the quiet and peacefulness” of the Japanese people, along with the courage they have demonstrated as they face an “uncertain and incredibly dangerous future”.

Nagano’s new CD includes the MSO performing Beethoven’s Third Symphony.

The praised director won a Grammy Award earlier this year for best opera recording.

With files from the Canadian Press.