“ Montreal is, every year, the host city for thousands of new immigrants arriving from the world over. The Montreal Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra is composed of musicians that reflect the ethnic, religious and national diversity that is now the fabric of our city. ”

“ The orchestra speaks only one language, but one that is understood by everybody, wherever they come from: MUSIC. The goal of the orchestra is to serve as an example of peaceful and hamonious integration of multiple cultures in a diverse society through the arts. ”

“ In a world of turbulence and misunderstanding, this orchestra of musicians like United Nations, by peddling their messages of cooperation and peace through music, gives hope to the world of a harmonious and livable climate for all. ”Marcel Tremblay

“ Indeed, by creating the MSO, you gave newcomers a unique chance to integrate into their host society through the practice of music. You thus participate actively in two spheres essential to the development and the prosperity of Montreal, the integration of immigrants and the arts. ”Michel Leblanc President, Montreal Chamber of Commerce

“ A unique experience on the planet, the Symphony Orchestra musicians of the world brings together classical musicians from the diversity. The initiative was born as Joseph Milo and Lucy Ravinsky set about bringing together Montreal artists who can not hired not recognized orchestras. ”Yves Bernard Le Jumele 2009

“ While the newspapers are full of talk of reasonable accomodation and how best to integrate immigrants in Quebec, there are a number of organizations that have – quietly and solidly – been doing just that all along…..the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra… ”Toula Foscolos Transcontinental 2007

Twenty years ago Mr. Milo, the conductor was speaking with the doorman in the building where we reside. This gentleman said that he was the principal cellist in the Moscow Symphony. He explained that he was grateful for his new home, however very unhappy and disillusioned regarding his inability to find a way into what he described as a ‘çlosed’ musical scene in Montreal. He had no contacts and there was far too much competition. A few weeks later a similar situation happened when a pizza delivery man seeing Mr. Milo’s piano, mentioned that he was a violinist by profession who played in the Bucharest opera orchestra and was newly arrived in Montreal looking desperately for orchestral playing opportunities.

It was that day that Mr. Milo suggested we try and create a Symphony Orchestra; as he was in fact a conductor, and I had managed the McGill Chamber Orchestra in the past. This ensemble would be expressly for the benefit of the professional immigrant musicians in Montreal; as an illustration of our ’integration’ capabilities while returning to them, their professional dignity.