A Night to Remember: Portage Saint-Malachie Residents at the OSQ

Thanks to the kindness of Orchestre symphonique de Québec (OSQ) and Britta Kröger from Maison Simons, 35 young individuals from the Portage residential and social reintegration programs in Saint-Malachie had the opportunity to attend a concert by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra at the Grand Théâtre de Québec.

Directed by Japanese Maestra Nodoka Okisawa, the orchestra performed Dvorak’s famous Symphony No. 9, known as the “New World Symphony.” This musical piece was inspired by Native chants, and the finale expresses the longing to conquer a vast and free world.

At the ripe age of discovery, our young vulnerable clientele thoroughly enjoyed this cultural excursion, which introduced them to a music genre seldom listened to by their generation. All participants were thrilled to go backstage during intermission. One of them even played briefly on the famous Steinway & Sons grand piano, impressing everyone with his talent.

Thanks to the OSQ and Mrs. Kröger for igniting a sense of joy in the lives of these young people who hope for a better future.