A truly intercultural project
“As a member of Montréal’s contemporary Iranian music community, I have made it my mission to showcase the richness of Iranian musical traditions while continuing to engage with other artistic cultures. […] This cross-cultural focus lies at the heart of my artistic vision.”
– Roozbeh Tabandeh
Montréal, February 3, 2025 – The Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Conseil québécois de la musique are delighted to present the Prix Opus Montréal – Inclusion and Diversity to composer Roozbeh Tabandeh for his project Songs of the Drowning –Chants des noyés.
Accompanied by a $10,000 bursary, the award recognizes an artist, artists’ collective or arts organization that hails from a diverse or Indigenous background or implements inclusive practices in the service of groups that are under-represented in Montréal’s cultural landscape. It highlights outstanding achievements whose artistic or social impact has had a significant impact on the concert music scene over the past season.
About the work
“Songs of the Drowning is an interdisciplinary work presented in four languages that brings together music, poetry and image. It speaks to the universality of human and non-human emotion and experience, drawing on a critical approach. This work reflects my belief that art has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. One of the project’s most important aspects is that it promotes the work of other artists,” said the winner.
Inspired by the poetry of Sandeep Bhagwati and the paintings of Khosro Berahmandi, the project was created for human voice, chamber ensemble and digital visual content. It also features the talents of visual artist Hadi Jamali and set designer Haleh Vedadi.
Created in August 2024 in the Wilder Building’s Espace bleu by Ensemble Paramirabo and Chants Libres under the direction of conductor Mélanie Léonard, the work was presented at the 8th edition of Opér’Actuel by the company Chants Libres, in cooperation with the Le Vivier group.
About the Prix Opus awards
Created in 1996 by the Conseil québécois de la musique, the Prix Opus awards are dedicated to concert music. Presented every year in February, they honour artists, events and presenters. For over 20 years, the Conseil des arts de Montréal has joined forces with the Conseil québécois de la musique to hold the Prix Opus gala and pay tribute to the quality and diversity of Québec concert music.
About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
Offering various forms of guidance and support, the Conseil des arts de Montréal identifies, supports and recognizes artistic innovation and creative expression in their diverse forms to promote Montréal artists and organizations that produce and present art. It plays a unique role as a catalyst for the artistic ecosystem. Since 1956, it has been helping make Montréal a vibrant cultural metropolis, recognized at home and abroad for its artistic vitality.
