Ottawa (Canada) – The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the final concert of its magnificent season featuring the rarely performed Passion Motets by early German Baroque master, Heinrich Schütz, Handel’s brilliant Dixit Dominus and Bach’s motet, Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229. With Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and Canadian soloists, including countertenor Daniel Taylor and other special guests, the music from this concert will be recorded for the choir’s 7th CD, due for release in 2018-19.

“This concert will give Ottawa audiences a chance to experience some of the best of the Baroque with rarely performed works by Handel, Schütz and Bach,” says Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Lisette Canton. “These spectacular works, performed with the distinguished Baroque orchestra Ensemble Caprice and soloists, will surely awaken the passions!”

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, for the choir’s 15th anniversary, featuring two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, with harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Jonathan Oldengarm. It includes ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden.

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, and Europe, and was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious Meet in Beijing arts festival in Beijing, China, in April 2016. In 2014, the choir completed a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam, and had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                   

Baroque Passion

Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Schütz’ Passion Motets and Bach’s Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229. With Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and soloists, including countertenor Daniel Taylor

Friday, May 4, 2018, 8 PM

St. Jean Baptiste Church, 96 Empress Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $45, Adult $35, Senior $30, Student $15, Children 12 and under Free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, by phone: 613-270-1015, or at the following outlets:

The Leading Note, 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

Ottawa (Canada) – The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second concert of its sixteenth season of magnificent choral music: Victoria: Officium Defunctorum, on Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8 PM, at Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa. This outstanding program highlights Victoria’s chef-d’œuvre, the Requiem of 1605, along with beautiful motets for the season by Renaissance and Baroque masters, including Allegri’s Miserere, and works by Palestrina, Lotti, and more, as well as some exquisite Contemporary contributions by Sanders and Pärt.

“This deeply moving repertoire will give Ottawa audiences a chance to experience some of the most beautiful a cappella choral music ever written,” says Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Lisette Canton. “The composers of these inspirational works express the pathos of this universal theme and speak to modern listeners in a timeless musical language.”

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, for the choir’s 15th anniversary, featuring two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, with harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Jonathan Oldengarm. It includes ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden.

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, and Europe, and was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious Meet in Beijing arts festival in Beijing, China, in April 2016. In 2014, the choir completed a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam, and had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                   

Victoria: Officium Defunctorum

Victoria’s Requiem of 1605, Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus, Palestrina’s Vexilla Regis, Sanders’ The Reproaches, Pârt’s The Deer’s Cry, and motets by Byrd, Lotti, and more, performed a cappella.

Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8 PM

Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $45, Adult $35, Senior $30, Student $15, Children 12 and under Free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, by phone: 613-270-1015, or at the following outlets:

The Leading Note, 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

THE WHOLE NOTE

VOCAL AND CHORAL

’Twas But Pure Love – Ottawa Bach Choir; Lisette Canton

Written by Dianne Wells

Category: Vocal and Choral

Published: 28 November 2017

’Twas But Pure Love
Ottawa Bach Choir; Lisette Canton
Canto 2016 (ottawabachchoir.ca)

The splendid choral offerings on this recording range from Renaissance to contemporary works and it was recorded just in time for the holiday season last year in celebration of the Ottawa Bach Choir’s 15th anniversary. It includes recording premieres for two Canadian works. The first, Sailor’s Carol by Matthew Larkin (director of music, Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa), is based on a text by Cornish poet Charles Causley. With a lovely harp intro and simple chordal accompaniment, three descriptive verses lead to the chant Ave maris stella, creating a sense of great awe at the everlasting guidance of a star. The Darkest Midnight in December by Kelly-Marie Murphy again features lovely passages by harpist Caroline Léonardelli, while the women of the choir present a gentle, yet sublimely shimmering interpretation of a 1728 text by Irish priest, Fr. William Devereux. Early works performed beautifully by the full choir include Tomás Luis de Victoria’s O magnum mysterium, an unaccompanied motet realized in all its haunting splendour. Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, BWV 230 provides a lively contrast with its double-fugue passages, showcasing each of the choirs’ sections and their superb tonal and rhythmic agility, as well as deftness of hand (and foot) by organist Jonathan Oldengarm.

To purchase CD: https://ottawabachchoir.ca/en/product/twas-but-pure-love-3/

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the first concert of its sixteenth season of magnificent choral music: Nativity, on Saturday, December 2, 2017, 8:00PM, at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa. In honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial, the concert features Christmas repertoire from Canada, including a new work by Outaouais composer, Marc Langis, as well as other beloved works by composers from Ottawa, including Nicholas Piper, Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, and some of the OBC’s favourite works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods for the season. This spectacular and unique presentation also showcases organist Matthew Larkin and harpist Caroline Léonardelli.

“We are thrilled to highlight Canada’s 150th anniversary with beautiful music by some of the Ottawa area’s finest composers, as well as other choral favourites for the Christmas season,” says Founder and Artistic Director Lisette Canton. “This concert spans the gamut, beginning with chant-inspired music right through to Contemporary selections that will inspire, delight, and instill the spirit of Christmas in us all. Come join us for a festive celebration!”

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, for the choir’s 15th anniversary, featuring two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, with harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Jonathan Oldengarm. It includes ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden.

Nativity

with organist Matthew Larkin and harpist Caroline Léonardelli

Saturday, December 2, 2017, 8PM: Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $45, Adult $35, Senior $30, Student $15, Children 12 and under are free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, or at the following outlets:

The Leading Note, 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

(The choir will also present the same concert on Friday, December 1, 2017, 8PM, at Saint-Joseph Cathedral, 245 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/billets-la-nativite-au-profit-de-centraide-39298652327)

In the spirit of Oktoberfest, the Ottawa Bach Choir, in collaboration with Ars Nova and the German Embassy, presents a concert and special event on Saturday, September, 30, 2017, 7 PM, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, including an evening of beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach and his Baroque contemporaries, local beer brewed by Kichesippi Beer Co., German Red Wine, delectable delights by Par Toutatis, hors d’œuvres and sumptuous desserts. Enjoy an evening of delightful company, inspiring music by the OBC and organist Matthew Larkin, along with delicious food and drink. 

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, for the choir’s 15th anniversary, featuring two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin. It includes ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden.

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, and Europe, and was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious Meet in Beijing arts festival in Beijing, China, in April 2016. In 2014, the choir completed a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam, and had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, the Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

For its 15th anniversary season, the choir released its 6th CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, with music for Christmas from the Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary periods, with two recording premieres by Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, accompanied by harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Jonathan Oldengarm. The first concert saw the launch of the CD, followed by Rossini: Sacred and Profane, featuring his Petite Messe Solennelle for two pianos and harmonium, along with works for solo ensembles, and Jesu, meine Freude, including German Baroque motets by Bach and his contemporaries.

This season saw the OBC perform Bach’s Mass in B Minor, in Ottawa and Toronto, Songs for Chamber Ensemble, with works by 19th and 20th century masters, including Ottawa’s Nicholas Piper, and two French masses – Charpentier’s Messe pour quatre chœurs and Langlais’ Messe solennelle. In April, the choir was invited to tour in China for the first time, performing as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious festival, Meet in Beijing 2016, with concerts in Beijing and Shanghai.

In this 13th season, the choir’s Subscription Series featured a performance in the Shenkman Arts Centre series in Orleans, Ontario, with the OBC singing Christmas Around the World, and it performed two other concerts, the masterpiece by Orlando di Lasso, Lagrime di San Pietro, and Now is the Month of Maying, highlighting madrigals and part-songs by Renaissance masters as well as Haydn’s 13 Part-Songs. The second Venetian Carnival gala performance also took place in February, and the choir was also featured in Schafer’s Apocalypsis in the Sony Centre in Toronto in June, along with 11 other professional choirs from Ontario.

Dear Music Lover,

It is my distinct pleasure, as Founder and Artistic Director, to invite you to subscribe to the Ottawa Bach Choir’s sixteenth season of magnificent choral music. Over the last 15 years, the professional ensemble has travelled the world and received national and international recognition. The choir released its 6th CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, last season to critical acclaim, and returned from China in 2016, where it was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious festival, Meet in Beijing 2016. In 2014, the OBC completed its 4th European tour, which included an invitation to perform in the Bachfest Leipzig 2014 at the Thomaskirche, in Leipzig, Germany, as the first Canadian choir ever to be invited.

Performances this season include a Subscription Series, the recording of the choir’s 7th CD, several Special Events and a concert at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. The season opens with a special concert and event, Bach & Beer, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, in collaboration with Ars Nova, the German Embassy and several local businesses.

The Subscription Series offers three spectacular concerts:

Nativity – December 1-2, 2017, 8 PM

Victoria: Officium defunctorum – March 10, 2018, 8 PM

Baroque Passion – May 4, 2018, 8 PM

The Ottawa Bach Choir is pleased to offer its audiences a subscription series for a limited time only. Get the entire 2017-2018 concert season for 10% less than regular ticket prices. This offer ends on November 30, 2017.

Come discover the best that choral music has to offer!

Lisette Canton
Founder and Artistic Director

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) would like to invite you to one of the magnificent events in its Intimate Concert Series, Bach on the Water, on Sunday, June 4th, 2017, 2:30-4:30 PM. Patrons Shirley Fulton-Deugo and Al Potvin host this glorious afternoon in their stylish home, at 38 Carss Street, just downstream from Almonte, built on the crest of a hill 22 meters above the Mississippi River with a spectacular view! Enjoy delightful company and inspiring music by the Ottawa Bach Choir, with delicious food catered by Jessica’s Syrian Food from Almonte (jessicassyrianfood.com), mouth-watering maple treats from Fulton’s, wine and soft drinks.

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton, the Ottawa Bach Choir 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. Now completing its fifteenth season, the professional ensemble has travelled the world and received national and international recognition. Last year, the choir journeyed to China, where it was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the international festival, Meet in Beijing 2016, in Beijing and Shanghai. In 2014, the OBC was the first Canadian choir to perform at the prestigious annual Bach festival in Leipzig, Germany, Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its 6th CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, in honour of the choir’s 15th anniversary. It features ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Italy, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Canada, with two Canadian recording premieres by Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin.

Tickets for Bach on the Water are $75 (a $50 tax receipt is available upon request). Parking is available on the driveway or on the street. Attendance will be limited to 30 guests, so get your tickets fast!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at www.ottawabachchoir.ca, or contact the Ottawa Bach Choir at info@ottawabachchoir.ca, or 613-270-1015.

Ottawa (Canada) – The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second subscription concert in this season of magnificent choral works: Rossini: Sacred and Profane, Saturday, March 4th, 2017, 7:30PM, at Southminster United Church 15 Aylmer Avenue, Ottawa as a feature in the Southminster United Church “Concerts by the Canal” Concert Series.

“We are looking forward to an intimate evening of choral music in a beautiful setting” says Founder and Artistic Director Lisette Canton. “This concert contrasts the charming Petite Messe Solennelle for two pianos and harmonium along with secular choral works for solo ensembles, both accompanied and a cappella.”

The OBC recently celebrated the release of its new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, for the choir’s 15th anniversary, featuring two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin. It includes ethereal music from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden.

The Ottawa Bach Choir was founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton and 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, and Europe, and was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious Meet in Beijing arts festival in Beijing, China, in April 2016. In 2014, the choir completed a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam, and had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, the Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

For interviews and information, please contact:

Erin Binks, Managing Director 613-806-6895 erin.binks@ottawabachchoir.ca

Dr. Lisette Canton, Founder & Artistic Director 613-222-1882 lisette.canton@ottawabachchoir.ca

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                                      

Rossini: Sacred and Profane

Mélisande Sinsoulier, piano; Helen Becqué, piano; Roland Graham, harmonium

Saturday, March 4th, 2017 | 7:30PM (7 PM Pre-Concert Chat)

Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $40, Adult $30, Student $10, Children 12 and under are free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, by phone: 613-270-1015, or at the following outlets:

The Leading Note, 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca or 613-270-1015

The Ottawa Bach Choir has launched its 6th and newest CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, in honour of its 15th anniversary. A superb recording featuring music for Christmas from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods, from Italy, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Canada, with two Canadian recording premieres by Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin. Harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Jonathan Oldengarm accompany the choir.

The CD will be available online on the choir’s website, as well as at The Leading Note in Ottawa, and online through CD Baby and iTunes.

Ottawa (Canada) – The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents its premiere subscription concert in this season of magnificent choral works: ‘Twas But Pure Love, Saturday, November 26th, 2016, 8PM, at St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa. In addition to the celebration of the CD release for the choir’s 15th anniversary, this concert also features organist Matthew Larkin and harpist Caroline Léonardelli in this grand setting in Ottawa’s Anglican Church in the Glebe. A reception will follow the concert.

“We are thrilled to present the repertoire we recorded this past summer for our new CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love,”  says Founder and Artistic Director Lisette Canton. “It includes festive music for the season from the Renaissance to the Contemporary periods from Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France and Sweden, with an emphasis on Canadian composers, including two Canadian recording premieres by Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin. We look forward to you joining us for this festive occasion!”

The Ottawa Bach Choir was founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton and 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, and Europe, and was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious Meet in Beijing arts festival in Beijing, China, in April 2016. In 2014, the choir completed a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam, and had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, the Bachfest Leipzig 2014. The OBC also recently performed in the much-anticipated Apocalypsis by Canada’s own R. Murray Schafer at the Luminato Festival in Toronto, in June 2015.

For interviews and information, please contact:

Erin Binks, Managing Director, 613-806-6895, erinbinks@yahoo.ca

Dr. Lisette Canton, Founder & Artistic Director, 613-222-1882, lisette.canton@ottawabachchoir.ca

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                           

‘Twas But Pure Love

with Matthew Larkin, Organ; Caroline Léonardelli, Harp

Saturday, November 26th, 2016, 8PM

St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $55, Adult $45, Senior $40, Student $25, Children 12 and under are free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, by phone: 613-270-1015, or at the following outlets:

The Leading Note, 370 Elgin Street, Ottawa; Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca or 613-270-1015

Dear Music Lover,

It is my distinct pleasure, as Founder and Artistic Director, to invite you to subscribe to the Ottawa Bach Choir’s fifteenth anniversary season of spectacular choral music. Over the last 13 years, the professional ensemble has travelled the world and received national and international recognition. The choir has just returned from China, where it was invited to perform as Canada’s choral representative in the prestigious festival, Meet in Beijing 2016. In 2014, the OBC completed its 4th European tour, which included an invitation to perform in the Bachfest Leipzig 2014 at the Thomaskirche, in Leipzig, Germany, as the first Canadian choir ever to be invited. As the choir expands in breadth, performances in this anniversary season include a Subscription Series, the launch of the choir’s 6th CD and several Special Events. The season opens with a special Fall Garden Party, A Sunday with Bach, at the German Ambassador’s residence. Come discover the best that choral music has to offer!

Lisette Canton
Founder and Artistic Director

This season brought the choir to new heights on the local and international stages. Concerts in Ottawa included The Glory of the Baroque, celebrating inspirational music for the season of Advent with motets and cantatas by Telemann, J.C.F. Bach, Buxtehude, Charpentier and J.S. Bach. The choir explored the music of The Tudors: Hidden Ecstacies, performed reflective seasonal works in the Christmas concert, In the Still of the Night, introduced the popular Venetian Carnival, and culminated the season with Prélude-Europe 2014, which preceded an inspiring 4th European Tour in June, where the choir was invited to perform in the world’s most prestigious international festival, the Bachfest Leipzig 2014, along with other performances in Venice, Lübeck, Groningen and Amsterdam.

Over the past ten years, this professional choir has performed throughout the world and has been acclaimed on both the national and international levels. As the choir moved into its second decade after an amazing tenth anniversary, the choir presented Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) by Johannes Brahms, Masters of the Renaissance, which included a cappella works by two of the period’s most important composers, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Tomás Luis de Victoria, and the final concert of the season, Baroque Magnificence, which included Bach’s early cantata, Himmelskönig, sei willkommen, BWV 182, Handel’s early choral masterpiece, Dixit Dominus, and Charpentier’s Exaudiat Pour le Roy.

Just back from its Carnegie Hall debut in New York City, performances this season included a Subscription Series, an Intimate Concert Series and the release of a new CD in honour of its 10th anniversary, Cantate Domino. The first concert, Baroque Christmas, included festive works from the German and Italian baroque. To celebrate the choir’s tenth anniversary, Bach’s Matthaüs-Passion (St. Matthew Passion), BWV 244, was presented with an array of international stars. The final concert of the season, Song and Spirit, was performed in advance of the OBC’s appearance at Podium 2012 featuring a newly commissioned work by Ottawa composer, Nicholas Piper. The Choir also performed at Ottawa summer festivals, Music and Beyond and Chamberfest.

The Choir expanded it scope this season by including a Subscription Series of German, French and Italian motets and cantatas inBaroque Masters, Monteverdi – Sacred and Profane and Buxtehude & Bach. The Choir also introduced the very popular Intimate Concert Series and traveled to Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Redpath Hall in Montreal, and New York City where it had been invited to make its debut at Carnegie Hall in Weill Recital Hall. Other performances were held at the Consulate General of France in New York and the “Arts at the Park” Series at Park Avenue Christian Church in Manhattan.

The Choir’s subscription series this year highlighted the 350th year of Purcell’s birth and the 200th year of Haydn’s death with stirring music in Haydn • Bach • Purcell Celebration, performing two festive cantatas by Bach with Ottawa-based international soprano, Donna Brown. Christmas Around the World comprised new and old favourites for the season from around the globe, and the final concert Miserere, presented music for Passiontide from the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, featuring Victoria’s strikingly beautiful Officium Defunctorum (Requiem).

This season, the choir presented Jesu, meine Freude, a challenging concert of all a cappella music and toured to Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto in its second performance in the Choir & Organ Series. The choir also performed with the Orquesta del Nuevo Mundo in Mexico City and toured Europe for the third time. This time, the choir not only participated in the Motette series for the third time at the Thomaskirche, in Leipzig, but also brought well-loved performances at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London as well as Notre Dame Cathedral, Church of the Madeleine and the American Church in Paris.