Montreal Symphony Orchestra to stage free concert for West Island flood victims

The Montreal Symphony Orchestra has announced a plan to stage a free concert in Pierrefonds-Roxboro at the end of the month to lift the spirits of residents affected by the heavy flooding.

"When we are hopelessand we hear music, sometimes it can give hope," said OSM music director Kent Nagano. "We are all neighbours and we are all together when something like this crisis happens."

The orchestra has already been raising money for the flood victims by donating proceeds from their final concerts of the season to the Canadian Red Cross fund.

• Hundreds across Quebec still can't return home due to flooding

"As musicians, we can't rebuild houses but we hope thissmall gesture of solidarity and friendship towardsMontrealerscancontribute to the spirit of cooperation following the spring floods," wrote Nagano in a statement released Friday morning.

The concert willbe held June 29 at 7:30 at Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, located at 13800Pierrefonds Boulevard.

The free concert is being presented in collaboration with the City of Montreal.

• Flood victims in Montreal prepare to go home, apply for financial aid
• Pierrefonds resident's return to his dank, wet home is bittersweet