Jacques hetu - album cover
NACO Recordings

Two Orchestras, One Symphony

Jacques Hétu’s Symphony No. 5

Released October 17, 2024

Composer: Jacques Hétu
Genre: Contemporary orchestral music
Conductor: Alexander Shelley
Performers: Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir

Preview track available now
Worldwide release on November 15, 2024

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A powerful new recording of Jacques Hétu’s Symphony No. 5 with the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra led by Alexander Shelley

This project is more than a recording—it is a celebration of Canadian artistic excellence, a tribute to the late Jacques Hétu, and a reflection on the power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend. Two Orchestras, One Symphony is a benchmark performance of Jacques Hétu’s final symphony; and a new milestone in Canadian orchestral music. The album stands as both a tribute to Hétu’s epic composition and a testament to the unity and strength of Canada’s orchestral music community.

Performing live on tour at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, led by music director Alexander Shelley (Photo: Greggory Clark)

Celebrating the Legacy of Jacques Hétu’s Final Masterpiece

Internationally renowned Québecois composer Jacques Hétu’s final work, Symphony No. 5, is without a doubt one of his greatest achievements. Taking Paul Éluard’s poem “Liberté”, exploring themes of freedom and hope, it portrays Nazi-occupied Paris and concludes with a choral setting of Éluard’s poem, celebrating the end of the occupation. Hétu died just three weeks shy of its world premiere by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2010. 

Preview track - Full album available on November 15, 2024

Symphony No. 5 is now reimagined in this landmark recording with over 200 artists from the NAC Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Québec and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. The result is a sweeping, emotionally charged performance that breathes new life into Hétu’s masterpiece.

For music director Alexander Shelley, this project was a deeply fulfilling endeavour.

Hétu’s music has a refined elegance and craftsmanship that is both challenging and rewarding to explore. Bringing together two orchestras and a full choir for this recording was a thrilling experience, and the result is something truly special.

A Visionary Collaboration Uniting Canadian Excellence

Having guest conducted the OSQ in several concerts, Shelley envisioned a collaborative project that would showcase the unique strengths of both orchestras. The inclusion of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, one of Canada’s most revered choral groups, added yet another layer of richness to the project.

It’s not often that we have the opportunity to bring together so many talented artists from different parts of the country. The combined energy and passion of the NAC Orchestra, OSQ, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir made this project something truly remarkable.
Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra

Following a critically acclaimed tour in Québec and Ontario, this new recording occurred in March 2024 at Southam Hall in the National Arts Centre. The monumental effort involved hundreds of musicians and singers, all performing under Shelley’s inspired direction. The result is not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of unity in Canadian music, bridging different regions and musical traditions to create a shared work of art.

Opening night at the Grand Théâtre de Québec, first stop on the Two Orchestras, One Symphony tour (Photo: Greggory Clark)

A Lasting Tribute to Jacques Hétu

One of Canada’s most esteemed and frequently performed composers, Hétu’s catalogue includes some 70 works, including symphonies, opera, choral and chamber music, and concertos for numerous instruments.

It was a remarkable journey, one that not only honoured Jacques Hétu’s memory but also strengthened our artistic bonds. In these challenging times, Hétu’s work offers a profound sense of comfort and inspiration.
​Astrid Chouinard, President and CEO of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec

Hétu’s relationship with the NAC Orchestra stretches back nearly five decades. In 1977, the Orchestra commissioned Antinomie, which was conducted by then-Music Director Mario Bernardi. Later, under Conductor Emeritus Pinchas Zukerman, Hétu’s works were featured prominently on the Orchestra’s European tour in 1990 and its Québec tour in 2006. This enduring partnership laid the groundwork for the creation of Symphony No. 5, which marks a fitting conclusion to Hétu’s legacy.

Available Worldwide: November 15, 2024

As a showcase of leading Canadian ensembles, Two Orchestras, One Symphony is poised to make a lasting impression on listeners worldwide. Set for release on the Analekta music label, the new album will be available for streaming and purchase across all major platforms on November 15, 2024.