Hélène Pedneault, writer and co-founder and "Water drawer of SOS Water", officially kicked off the evening, explaining why the two associations joined forces to present this extraordinary benefit councert. This was not only a self-fundraiser; it also served to highlight the fact that Montreal's musicians are among the best in the world. What better opportunity then to spend some wonderful time with this symphony orchestra that, without a microphone in sight to distort its sound, managed to stir us with pleasure!

 

The musicians made a grand appearance. After a five-month strike and difficult negotiations toward a collective agreement, they were in the mood to make music together. A surprise was in store for us right from the beginning: Association president Marc Béliveau, told us that the negotiation comittee had come to an agreement in principle that very day, and that if the musicians voted in favour of the agreement the following Monday, they would be back in business. After all, music is their passion. The evening had suddenly become even more meaningful for everyone.

 

Why join forces?

SOS Water Coalition Eau Secours! must host a benefit activity every year, since the members' contributions aren't enough to finance all of their activities. As for the musicians, they know all too well that the under-financing of the MSO threatens the orchestra's survival. Thus the reason for joining forces: linking ecology, culture and the participation of local residents. We have some of the best musicians in the world and we want to protect our water: two excellent reasons to meet.

Hélène Pedneault introduced the orchestra and the director, Alexis Hauser, who specifically geared the evening's musical program to the theme of water.

It is never easy to describe what's behing the smile of certain spectators, the teary eyes of others, or the exuberance of the applause. However, the energy that floods a room during a concert in which sound ans eords are justaposed to create emotion is quite familiar to those who have already attended an event of this kind. But tonigh, a phonomenon occured. Before playing a single note, the musicians of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra received a standing ovation. Their mere prisence, their courage, five months of strike to defy the contemps of certain administrators... all pointed to their artistic value. It was a return to the stage that was celebrated with terrific enthusiasm by the crowd at Saint-Jean-Baptiste.