Arts

It's a whole new way of seeing the symphony, and these videos take you behind the scenes

You can stream "Symphony for Montréal" on CBC Music — but first, go behind the scenes of this original show.

Stream 'Symphony for Montréal' on CBC Music — but first, go behind the scenes of this original show

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal performs Symphony for Montreal, May 31, 2017. (Antoine Saito/Courtesy of Moment Factory)

It's a brand new symphony that was written just for Montreal, and over on CBC Music you can stream a live recording of the entire thing. While you listen, though, you might not realize something about the "Symphony for Montreal."

On CBC Music: Listen to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal play Symphony for Montreal.

The event, which featured the world premiere of Samy Moussa's original symphony "Concordia," was performed by more than just the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Amidst the woodwinds and strings and horns et al, there was a "visual instrument" playing with the orchestra. Dancers appeared in 3D, towering from stage to ceiling, and conductor Kent Nagano's every gesture was interpreted in real-time through dazzling, animated visualizations. These projections, which appeared on screens surrounding the musicians, were the work of Montreal's Moment Factory — a multimedia studio better known for their work in pop music, not classical. They're the masterminds behind Celine Dion's Vegas show, and you'll have seen their face-melting video work if you've bought a ticket to see Madonna, Nine Inch Nails or the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the last few years. And in these behind-the-scenes videos, created by their team, you'll get a sense of how this latest live music event came together.

Watch!

Behind the scenes at the Maison Symphonique de Montréal

7 years ago
Duration 3:33
Go behind the scenes of a new symphony by Samy Moussa, conducted by Kent Nagano and staged by Moment Factory. Join them for an immersive and dreamlike journey celebrating the 375th anniversary of Montreal's founding.

Behind the scenes at the Maison Symphonique de Montréal

7 years ago
Duration 3:28
Go behind the scenes of a new symphony by Samy Moussa, conducted by Kent Nagano and staged by Moment Factory. Join them for an immersive and dreamlike journey celebrating the 375th anniversary of Montreal's founding.