The Evolution of the Orchestra | L’évolution de l’orchestre

Take a musical journey through time!

Online lecture series

This Fall, join host Julian Armour as he explores the Evolution of the Orchestra in this six-part adventure through music. Starting October 21, 2025, each session will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Zoom.

This course traces the fascinating story of the orchestra, from its earliest beginnings in royal courts to the polished, powerhouse ensembles of today. With lively stories, famous recordings, fun anecdotes, and a look at great conductors and orchestras past and present, this entertaining series brings the orchestra’s rich history to life.

The Zoom link and passcode can be found in the order details email after purchase. 

Partez pour un voyage musical à travers le temps !

Série de conférences d’automne

Cet automne, rejoignez l’animateur Julian Armour pour découvrir l’évolution de l’orchestre au fil d’une aventure musicale en six parties. À partir du 21 octobre 2025, chaque séance aura lieu le mardi après-midi de 14 h à 16 h sur Zoom.

Ce cours retrace l’histoire fascinante de l’orchestre, depuis ses débuts dans les cours royales jusqu’aux ensembles puissants et raffinés d’aujourd’hui. Grâce à des récits vivants, des enregistrements célèbres, des anecdotes amusantes, ainsi qu’un regard sur les grands chefs et orchestres d’hier et d’aujourd’hui, cette série captivante fait revivre la riche histoire de l’orchestre.

Le lien Zoom et le code d’accès se trouvent dans l’e-mail contenant les détails de la commande après l’achat.

What will be covered in the series?

• How did the modern symphony orchestra become what it is today?
• How to listen to music, and how to understand contemporary music.
• What are symphony orchestras, philharmonic orchestras, chamber orchestras, string orchestras, baroque orchestras, studio orchestras, pit orchestras and sinfoniettas?
• What does the conductor actually do?
• What is it like to play in an orchestra?
• How do orchestras choose their repertoire, members, soloists and conductors?
• Women and the symphony orchestra.
• What makes a great concert hall?
• How do orchestras from around the world differ from each other?
• How do orchestras pay the bills?
• What are the greatest masterpieces in the orchestral repertoire and what are some works that deserve to be heard more often?
• What is the future of the orchestra in today’s rapidly changing world? And much more!

“A superb lecturer with a love and vast knowledge of music. His enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. I loved every lecture… also loved the way the lecturer dealt with everyone’s questions.”

             Participant from previous lecture series

Schedule | horaire de cours

Class | cours 1*
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | Le mardi 21 octobre 2025
From Courts and Churches to Concert Halls: The Birth of the Orchestra

Class | cours 2
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | Le mardi 28 octobre 2025
The Classical Orchestra: Order, Balance, and Clarity

Class | cours 3
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | Le mardi 4 novembre 2025
The Romantic Explosion: Larger, Louder, and More Expressive!

Class | cours 4
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | Le mardi 11 novembre 2025
The Turn of the Century: From Mahler to Modernism

Class | cours 5
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | Le mardi 18 novembre 2025
The 20th Century and the birth of full-time professional orchestras: Innovation and Global Reach. The orchestra in times of turmoil.

Class | cours 6
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | Le mardi 25 novembre 2025
The Modern Orchestra Today: Traditions, Innovations, and the Future

*This class has been recorded and is available for viewing for ticketholders. Upon purchase a link will be sent to your email. | Ce cours a été enregistré et peut être visionné par les détenteurs de billets. Après l’achat, un lien vous sera envoyé par e-mail.

The Zoom link will remain the same each week. Each session will be recorded and a link to the video and playlist will be sent out to each registrant.

The series will be presented in English; however, participation in French is welcome.

Le lien Zoom restera le même chaque semaine. Chaque séance sera enregistrée et un lien vers la vidéo et la liste de lecture sera envoyé à chaque participant inscrit.

La série sera présentée en anglais ; mais, la participation en français est la bienvenue.

Save $25 on this course if you you have your 2026 festival pass!

Économisez 25 $ sur ce cours si vous avez votre passeport pour le festival 2026 !

Click here to buy your 2026 festival pass | Cliquez ici pour acheter votre passeport pour le festival 2026