MONTREAL - Next year the Montreal Symphony Orchestra will perform two concerts in honour of the founder of Dans la rue, Emmett 'Pops' Johns.

On Friday MSO Conductor Kent Nagano and Johns met publicly to discuss the partnership between the two organizations.

Several members of the MSO are already involved with Dans la rue, acting as advisors for the charity's music therapy program for homeless youth.

The meeting turned into a jam session between professional musicians and troubled kids, along with lots of dancing.

"This was something that we really did not expect at all," said Nagano, obviously enjoying the music.

"We felt like we had a new community, a new family, a very special sense of intimacy with people we had never met before. That is really the confirmation of the power of music," he said.

Next year the MSO will play two concerts as tribute for the man who created a charity organization at an age most people are preparing to retire.

The benefit concerts will take place on May 2 and 3, 2011.