Madeleine Careau honoured by HEC Montréal for her service to the arts
April 28, 2025
HEC Montréal is awarding an honorary doctorate to Madeleine Careau for her exceptional contribution to Quebec’s performing arts and its influence beyond borders. The honorary insignia will be presented to her during the convocation ceremony of the Bachelor of Business Administration program on May 12, 2025, at the Théâtre Maisonneuve de la Place des Arts.
Madeleine Careau has been a prominent figure in Quebec’s cultural scene from the time she was recruited by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in the 1970s until she took over as director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) from 2000 to 2024.
Some of her notable achievements include the establishment and inauguration of the Maison symphonique de Montréal, the creation of the urban festival La Virée classique, the creation of the OSM Foundation, and the recruitment of Kent Nagano and Rafael Payare, two internationally renowned conductors.
Prior to taking charge of the OSM, Madeleine Careau had already left a significant mark on the cultural industry by co-founding the Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la vidéo (ADISQ) in 1979, and by serving as head of the Just for Laughs Festival from 1987 to 1991. She also produced the first-ever Gala des prix Gémeaux, contributed to the global success of Notre-Dame de Paris as Luc Plamondon’s right-hand person and held key cultural policy positions in Quebec.
A journey marked by excellence and commitment
Madeleine Careau is an inspiring and unifying leader, who is admired for her determination, rigour, hard work and exceptional flair. She has received several honours, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, the Ordre national du Québec, the Prix Denise-Filiatrault and the Ordre de Montréal.
Her commitment is further reflected through her voluntary participation on several boards, including the Conseil des arts de Montréal and Montréal en lumière. Since 2008, she has served on the advisory committee of the Carmelle and Rémi Marcoux Chair in Arts Management at HEC Montréal, where she actively contributes to discussions on cultural governance and the training of future leaders.
By bestowing this honorary doctorate, HEC Montréal pays tribute to a career that has greatly contributed to democratizing local arts and culture, and giving them new impetus, leaving a deep and lasting impression on Quebec society.