The Performing Arts

Circus

The extraordinary circus company Cirque du Soleil is based in Montréal. Each show is a celebration of pure skill and nothing less than magical, with acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists, and performers costumed to look like creatures not of this world -- iguanas crossed with goblins, or peacocks born of trolls. Cirque performs internationally, with as many as 20 shows playing across the globe simultaneously. Although there isn't a permanent show in Montréal, the troupe often comes to town in late spring and sets up its signature blue-and-yellow-striped tents in Vieux-Port. In 2011, the "Totem" show had performances in June and July. The new "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour" also debuted in Montréal at the Centre Bell in Oct. Check www.cirquedusoleil.com for the schedule.

Classical Music & Opera

Many churches have exemplary music programs. At Cathédrale Christ Church, 635 rue Ste-Catherine ouest (tel. 514/843-6577, ext. 369; www.montrealcathedral.ca), a top-notch choir sings Sundays at 10am and 4pm with programs that often include modernists such as Benjamin Britten and David Lord.

Dance

Montréal hosts frequent appearances by notable dancers and troupes from other parts of Canada and the world -- among them Hofesh Shechter Company, National Ballet of Cuba, Balé de Rua, and Toronto's Le Ballet National du Canada -- and has accomplished resident companies, too.