Since their stellar debut concert, they have been performing on the stages of London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Tokyo and are one of the world’s most highly acclaimed chamber orchestras. Guest artists have included Msitslav Rostropovitch, Sviatoslav Richter and Gidon Kremer.

On January 15, Pro Musica will bring this great ensemble to Place des Arts in a program featuring Mozart, Dvorak, Britten and Alfred Schnittke.

Schnittke has Jewish roots and grew up in the Ukraine. During his life he was targeted by the Soviet bureaucracy several times, which at one point banned his First Symphony. Another time, he was fobidden to leave the country.

Imbued with a mystic vision, his music was at first influenced by Shostakovitch. His work evolved as he experimented with serial composition techniques, integrating and juxtaposing different styles and writing film scores. His later music became more stark, personal and stylistically unified.

In 1985, he suffered a stroke that left him in a coma. Following other episodes, he was pronounced dead more than once. Schnittke remarkably continued to compose until the end of his life, leaving his 9th Symphony unfinished.  He died in 1998.

Schnittke’s  Monologue for alto and strings will be performed at this upcoming concert. Mozart’s Divertimento in D minor, Benjamin Britten’s Lacrymea and Dvorak’s Serenade in D minor are also featured on the program. The concert begins at 7:30 pm.

Info: (514) 842-2112.

Tremblay’s Assorted Candies: a treat for all ages

by Megan Callahan

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing the Centaur’s world English premiere of Michel Tremblay’s Assorted Candies, a play inspired by his book of short stories. This enchanting tale transports us into the world of six-year-old Michel viewed from underneath the dining room table. Through his eyes, we are introduced to the unforgettable characters that shape his world.

As the lights dimmed and the story began to unfold, I was quickly drawn into the simple, intimate setting; the theatre itself is cozy and you get a sense of being part of the scene. The story is told as a series of memories; an adult Michel Tremblay (Gordon McCall) narrates, playing with the idea of faulty recollection, the way your mind chooses what to keep, modify or erase. His anecdotes are often quirky and charming, and more than once I was moved by the Tremblay family’s bittersweet experiences. For example, the first scene depicts Michel’s mother and aunt having a ridiculously funny argument over a wedding present; fiercely proud, they are determined to hide their poverty.

The actors portrayed the Quebecois family with humorous accuracy. McCall had the dual role of playing the adult Michel as well as the child, and he jumped back and forth effortlessly. However, it was “tante Albertine” (Leni Parker) who stole the show. Loud and engaging, Parker naturally conveyed the cynical, sarcastic character, by far the most personable of the play. In one particularly hilarious scene involving a Christmas fairy, she had the entire audience roaring with laughter!

The Tremblay family warms your heart. I noticed with surprise that I was the youngest one in the audience. My grandmother had invited my friend Sophie and me, both 18, and we were all charmed by this original play.

I hope more grandparents get the hint!

Movies for you and the youngsters

Ex-Centris Cinema recently launched its seventh season of Ciné-Kid, a program for children aged 3 and up that introduces them to films from around the globe.

The animated tale, L’Enfant de Grelot, or “Charlie’s Christmas” (52 min., French) opens December 17. Made in France, this charming story of a mailman and a forgotten star-child will surely warm hearts this winter.

Other films will be shown at 11 am every Sunday until April. The Ciné-Kid program promises to please anyone with a love of original films. Tickets are $4.50 for children and $6.50 for adults. Info: (514) 847-2206 or visit www.ex-centris.com. The box office opens at 10 am.