Longueuil Symphony Orchestra’s "Portée pédagogique" Series : Introducing young people to classical music and contributing to keeping students in school

Established in 1986, the Orchestre Symphonique de Longueuil (OSDL) has 52 professional musicians. Its mission is to produce innovative musical events that make symphonic music more easily accessible, especially throughout the Montérégie region. For 30 years, the Orchestra has enabled 30,000 spectators annually to attend a unique symphonic music experience. It is distinguished by its closeness and attentiveness to its audiences composed of adults and young people.

The “Portée Pédagogique” Series

The “Portée Pédagogique” Series was created in 1999 in collaboration with the Commission scolaire Marie-Victorin (CSMV), and it is offered to all school boards in the greater South Shore region. It pursues a twofold objective: to introduce young people to the treasury of classical music and, on the other hand, to contribute to keeping students in school. More than 100,000 students have benefited from this initiative which is contributing to the development of young people and to a fund of young musical talent. Amateur high school musicians can benefit from scholarships in Musical Studies.
In addition, the “Symphoniques de Cirque” matinées allow students at the elementary and high school levels to attend a large-scale, multidisciplinary show. The Spring Concert with its impressive choir, composed of 300 students from the elementary level, allows young people to explore a varied repertoire and to have the exceptional experience of sharing the stage with the OSDL and its director, Marc David.  This annual event enables families to have the experience of attending a concert - for the first time in many cases – and, for all present, it becomes a great moment of family pride.

It is through the support of many partners, such as the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, that this unique concert series continues to develop.