The JUNO Award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) is one of the choirs that will join the London Handel Orchestra in a blending of live and virtual performances of Handel’s Messiah to be presented on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 2 PM (EDT). Acclaimed baroque conductor, Laurence Cummings will lead soloists and the London Handel Orchestra in a live performance from St George’s, Hanover Square in London’s Mayfair – Handel’s own church. The choruses, recorded virtually, will be integrated digitally into the overall performance. The whole event will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube for global audiences to enjoy free of charge, and will be available on the London Handel Festival YouTube channel afterwards.

The OBC has won the JUNO 2020 Award for its recording, Handel: Dixit Dominus; Bach & Schütz: Motets, in the category Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral. Released on the ATMA Classique label, the album has been exclaimed as “staggering and movingly performed” (Gramophone Magazine), “among the very best” (American Record Guide) and “awe-inspiring” (The WholeNote).

The choir has also been invited to return to the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2022, as one of a select number of ensembles worldwide (and the only Canadian ensemble) asked to present the entire chorale cantata cycle of Bach, in June 2020.

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton, the OBC offers a wide range of choral music from all historical periods, featuring some of Canada’s top choristers. With the combination of a scholarly and emotional approach, the OBC provides an unforgettable experience of choral music at its best. The OBC has toured extensively in Canada, the United States, Europe, and  China, and  had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Tickets can be obtained via the London Handel Festival.

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca