
Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Cheif Executive Officer Steps Down
By Francisco SalazarThe Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal has announced that Madam Madeleine Careau will step down from her position as Chief Executive Officer.
Her term will end at the end of the season in June. Careau said that she decided after considering it for some time.
In a statement, Careau said, “After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that the time had come for me to pass the baton; to allow a new chef executive officer to carry on with the mission of excellence, innovation and community involvement that has always been the OSM’s. Soon to be 90 years old, the Orchestra can still claim a strong foundation; its place among the great North American orchestras is beyond question; its future is every bit as promising. I wish to thank the many people who’ve supported me these last 24 years, in particular Mr. Michael Turcotte, Chairman of the board of directors when I arrived at the OSM; Mr. Jacques Laurent, his successor for four years; and Mr. Lucien Bouchard, who has assumed that important role since 2004.”
OSM Chairman of the Board Lucien Bouchard added, “On behalf of the board of directors, I wish to thank Madeleine Careau most sincerely for her remarkable contribution to the influence and development of the OSM for nearly 25 years. Often working in the shadows, while the spotlights shone on the musicians and their conductor, Madam Careau has been a great conductor in her own way, ensuring that all the teams, both artistic and administrative, follow the same score and collaborate in harmony for the good of the institution and its various audiences. A determined and rigorous administrator, and an inspiring and visionary leader, Madeleine has left a mark on the OSM that will last for a long time. For that, and for much more, we are more than grateful to her.”
Careau joined the orchestra on Feb. 1, 2000, and helped in recruiting Maestro Kent Nagano in 2006. She also helped launch of the Virée classique, one of the world’s biggest urban classical music festivals, and in the hiring of Maestro Rafael Payare.