The CSM (MSO) gave about 1500 concerts there between 1935 and 1963, when the orchestra moved to the PDA. The Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra and the Montreal Youth Symphony Orchestra also played there. Among renowned performers who appeared at Plateau Hall were Marian Anderson, Kirsten Flagstad, Walter Gieseking, Vladimir Horowitz, Raoul Jobin, Wilhelm Kempff (Beethoven's 32 Sonatas in 1961), Mstislav Rostropovich, Erna Sack (12 recitals in one season), and Solomon. Igor Stravinsky and the violinist Samuel Dushkin gave a joint recital there in 1937.
After 1963 the hall came to be used for the presentation of variety shows, pop or folk-music concerts. The auditorium was renamed Salle Jean-Deslauriers in 1975.
Author Gilles Potvin
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Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.


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