About
A Mural Honouring a Cultural Builder: Ethel Stark
To make space for the women who shaped history is to affirm our collective will to build a memory that is richer, fairer, and more inspiring. It is in this spirit that this mural was created—born from a citizen-led initiative, in tribute to Ethel Stark: violinist, conductor, trailblazer.
As the first woman to conduct a symphony orchestra in Quebec, Ethel Stark paved the way for generations of female musicians. After performing with the New York Women’s Chamber Orchestra, she co-founded the Montreal Women’s Symphony Orchestra with Madge Bowen—daring to introduce a new voice into the local musical landscape. Her orchestra would go on to make history at Carnegie Hall, becoming the first Canadian orchestra to perform there.
Visual artist Melsa Montagne, whose work delicately explores the representation of women, was chosen to bring this story to life. Her sensitivity resonates with the spirit of the mural, which anchors Ethel Stark firmly in our shared cultural heritage.
This project aligns closely with MU’s mission: to honour the builders of our culture through public art. With this mural, another powerful woman joins the Cultural Builders collection, which now includes over 30 monumental works throughout the city.
Paying tribute to Ethel Stark is a celebration of courage, creativity, and boldness—a recognition of a woman who changed her era. It is also about giving her rightful place back, in the park that bears her name, in the very neighbourhood where it all began. Together, let’s keep her legacy alive.
