“The program was perfectly aligned with these ecological concerns, particularly through the elemental force of The Rite of Spring and Claude Champagne’s Symphonie gaspésienne, which opened the evening. What an inspired idea to revive this work by one of the pioneers of Canadian music.”

“As for The Rite of Spring, it was a triumph for this young orchestra and its conductor to deliver such a solid, grounded interpretation, punctuated by genuine moments of exhilaration.”

“Ellis’s conducting, committed without being overly demonstrative, sustained the work’s overall tension and guided [The Rite of Spring] toward its inevitable final explosion without ever losing control. Once again, the audience was won over, responding with a second standing ovation.”

“With Katia Makdissi-Warren’s Chorus Nunavik, the atmosphere shifts completely. Throat singers Lydia Etok and Nina Segalowitz stand out not only for their technical mastery, but also for their ability to create an entire sonic universe, supported by the cellos and their immersive evocation of flora and fauna. Layers of intensity build upon one another, leading the work toward a thoroughly deserved ovation.”

“Charmed by the chemistry and virtuosity of the two artists—and undoubtedly moved by the recitation of a poem in an Indigenous language over the orchestral accompaniment—the audience gave all the musicians a standing ovation.”

“For Nicolas Ellis, the Orchestre de l’Agora embodies the idea of "coming home". It is also his "passion project". He cherishes the fact that it ‘started from nothing, as a student-led volunteer initiative, and grew into a professional orchestra.’”