The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the first concert of its seventeenth season of glorious choral music, Christmas in Venice, on Saturday, December 1, 2018, 8:00 PM, at St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, in Ottawa. Featuring festive repertoire for Christmas inspired by Italian composers working in Venice during the early Baroque period, the concert includes Monteverdi’s Christmas Vespers, polychoral works by Giovanni Gabrieli, as well as works by Bassano, Croce and more. This spectacular presentation celebrates the glory and splendour of the Christmas season, and includes the baroque orchestra Ensemble Caprice, with strings, sackbuts and continuo, as well as soloists.

The OBC’s seventh recording will be released on the ATMA Classique label, with music by Handel, Bach and Schütz, on December 14 at the Rideau Club. The choir has also been invited to return to the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2020, as one of eighteen ensembles worldwide asked to present the entire chorale cantata cycle of Bach.

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 had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                  

Christmas in Venice

with Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and soloists

Saturday, December 1, 2018, 8 PM: St. Matthew’s Church, 130 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $45, Adult $35, Senior $30, Student $15, 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

The JUNO Award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the first concert of its 19th season, Hodie!, on Saturday, December 5, 2020, 8 PM, in its new Digital Concert Hall. The concert features festive repertoire for Christmas, including Britten’s Ceremony of Carols,  and glorious works by Victoria, Praetorius, Pachelbel, Schütz, Sweelinck, Ottawa composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Matthew Larkin, with Ottawa harpist Caroline Léonardelli and organist Matthew Larkin.

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.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                   

Hodie!

Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and works by Victoria, Praetorius, Pachelbel, Schütz, Sweelinck, Murphy and Larkin

Saturday, December 5, 2020, 8 PM: Digital Concert Hall

Tickets: General $20

Tickets are available online: OBC Digital Concert Hall

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second concert of its seventeenth season of glorious choral music, La Sainte-Chapelle, on Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8:00 PM, at Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, in Ottawa. The concert features music by rarely performed French composers prominent at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, including Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe des morts, as well as motets and chansons by Pierre Certon and Claudin de Sermisy, accompanied by organist Matthew Larkin.

The OBC’s seventh CD, Handel, Bach & Schütz, has been released on the ATMA Classique label, and is available on the website and on all online platforms. The choir has also been invited to return to the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2020, as one of eighteen ensembles (and the only Canadian ensemble) worldwide asked to present the entire chorale cantata cycle of Bach.

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 had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                  

La Sainte-Chapelle

with organist Matthew Larkin and soloists

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8 PM: Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa

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

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

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

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

The JUNO-nominated Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second concert of the season, The Genius of Josquin, on Saturday, March 7, 2020, 8 PM, at St. Jean Baptiste Church, 96, Empress Avenue, in Ottawa. The concert highlights rarely performed sacred and secular music by the Franco-Flemish Renaissance genius, Josquin des Prez, who worked in France, Belgium, Italy and the Vatican. Repertoire includes Missa Pange Lingua, the exquisite Ave Maria and La Déploration de Johannes Ockeghem, as well as magnificent motets and chansons, all performed in the lush acoustic of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, in Ottawa.

The OBC has been nominated for a 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 2020,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.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                   

The Genius of Josquin

Missa Pange Lingua, Ave Maria, Le Déploration de Johannes Ockeghem, and magnificent motets and chansons

Saturday, March 7, 2020, 8 PM: St. Jean Baptiste Church, 96 Empress Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $50, Adult $40, Senior $35, Student $15, Children 12 and under are free

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

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

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

In the spirit of Oktoberfest, the Ottawa Bach Choir, in collaboration with Ars Nova and several local businesses, presents a concert and special event on Sunday, September, 30, 2018, 3 PM, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, including an afternoon of beautiful music by Johann Sebastian Bach and his Baroque contemporaries, local beer brewed by Kichesippi Beer Co., wine, delectable delights by Par Toutatis, hors d’œuvres and sumptuous desserts. Enjoy an afternoon of delightful company, inspiring music by the OBC and organist Matthew Larkin, along with delicious food and drink.

 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.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Lisette Canton, Conductor

Matthew Larkin, Organ

Bach & Beer

Sunday, September 30, 2018, 3 PM

St. Bartholomew’s Church, 125 MacKay Street, Ottawa

Tickets: $75 ($50 tax receipt available upon request)

Tickets available at:

Online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca

Information: www.ottawabachchoir.ca or 613-270-1015

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.

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

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents its final subscription concert in this season of magnificent choral works: Charpentier: Messe à quatre chœurs; Langlais: Messe solennelle, Saturday, May 7, 2016, 8PM, at Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen Street, Ottawa. This concert also features organist Matthew Larkin in this grand setting in Ottawa’s Anglican cathedral.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s rarely performed Mass for Four Choirs is stylistic of the 17th century Italian polychoral form, typical of Gabrieli, which Charpentier was most-likely exposed to during a brief period of study in Rome. The second half of the concert is a modern juxtaposition of the first with Jean Langlais’ Solemn Mass (written in 1949), composed for four-part choir, completing this sublime concert.

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 has been 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.

Ottawa Bach Choir

with Matthew Larkin, Organ

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                                                         

Charpentier: Messe à quatre chœurs; Langlais: Messe solennelle

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 8PM

Christ Church Cathedral, 439 Queen Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $50, Adult $40, Senior $35, Student $15

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

Ottawa (Canada) – The JUNO award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the final concert of the season, Gloria!, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 7:30 PM, at St. Patrick’s Basilica, in Ottawa. The concert features a selection of Italian-influenced baroque masterpieces, including Vivaldi’s Gloria, RV 589, Handel’s Laudate pueri Dominum, HWV 237, and Chiara Margarita Cozzolani’s Dixit Dominus a 8. Joined by Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and spectacular soloists, this concert reflects the vibrant energy and expressive intensity of the Italian baroque style, and closes the season with splendour!

“Prepare to be Immersed in the brilliance of the Italian Baroque with music by Vivaldi, Handel, and the rarely-performed Cozzolani, including compositions written in Venice, Rome and Milan.” says Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Lisette Canton. “Performed with the distinguished Baroque orchestra Ensemble Caprice and soloists, Ottawa audiences won’t want to miss the passion and grandeur of Italian baroque splendour.”

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton, the Ottawa Bach Choir offers audiences a wide range of choral music of the finest quality, performing music from all historical periods while keeping Bach’s choral oeuvre as the focus of its repertoire. The choir has garnered acclaim through award-winning recordings and worldwide tours, including in Canada, Europe, the United States, Mexico and China, featuring prestigious appearances at Bachfest Leipzig, Meet in Beijing, Festival Música Santa Fe, Ottawa Chamberfest, Carnegie Hall, and more.

For interviews and information, please contact:

Hannah Lim, General Manager, hannah.lim@ottawabachchoir.ca

Dr. Lisette Canton, Founder and Artistic Director, lisette.canton@ottawabachchoir.ca

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Vivaldi: Gloria, Handel: Laudate pueri Dominum, and Cozzolani: Dixit Dominus a 8

with Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and soloists

Lisette Canton, Conductor

Gloria!

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 7:30 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Basilica, 220 Kent Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $55, Adult $45, Senior $40, Student $20, Children 12 and under free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents its opening subscription concerts in this season of magnificent choral works: J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232, Saturday, November 14, 2015, 7:30PM, at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto; and Sunday, November 15, 2015, 7:30PM, at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa. This concert features the full setting of one of Bach’s last and greatest compositions, completed in 1749, but only first performed in its entirety in 1859. Today it is considered one of the greatest pieces of choral music ever written. The choir is joined by the Baroque orchestra, Ensemble Caprice, Matthias Maute, artistic director; and world-class soloists, including Daniel Taylor, Agnes Zsigovics, Jacques-Olivier Chartier, Geoffrey Sirett, Daniel Lichti, and more.

“Join the OBC and a spectacular cast of instrumentalists and soloists in performances of ‘the greatest musical work of art of all times and people’—Bach’s Mass in B Minor,” says Founder and Artistic Director, Lisette Canton. “It represents a timeless, crowning achievement of Bach’s musical and spiritual profundity, and continues to move listeners, placing it far above any work composed in Western history. We invite you to join us in this incredible musical experience.”

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; most recently returning from a two-week tour of Venice, Leipzig, Lübeck, Groningen, and Amsterdam. The choir 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, Toronto in June 2015.

Ottawa Bach Choir

J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232

Saturday, November 14, 2015, 7:30PM

Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto

Sunday, November 15, 2015, 7:30PM

Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $50, Adult $40, Senior $35, Student $15

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, by phone: 613-270-1015 (Ottawa) or 416-736-2100 x70191 (Toronto), 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 (Ottawa) or 416-736-2100 x70191 (Toronto)

Ottawa (Canada) – The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the final concert of its seventeenth season of glorious choral music, Mozart Celebration, on Saturday, May 4, 2019, 8:00 PM, at St. Jean Baptiste Church, 96 Empress Avenue, in Ottawa. This concert features majestic masterpieces by Mozart composed in the 1770s while he was still in Salzburg. Repertoire includes the Krönungs-Messe (Coronation Mass), K. 317, Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339, Regina coeli, K. 276, and more, performed with members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and soloists. This concert is sponsored by the generous support of Sunny and Nini Pal.

The OBC’s seventh CD, Handel, Bach & Schütz, has been released on the ATMA Classique label, and is available on the website and on all online platforms. The choir has also been invited to return to the world’s most prestigious international Bach festival, Bachfest Leipzig 2020,as one of 40 ensembles (and the only Canadian ensemble) worldwide asked to present the entire chorale cantata cycle of Bach.

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 had the honour of being the first Canadian choir ever to be among the performers in Bachfest Leipzig 2014.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                  

Mozart Celebration

with orchestra and soloists

Saturday, May 4, 2019, 8 PM: St. Jean Baptiste Church, 96 Empress Avenue, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $45, Adult $35, Senior (65+) $30, Student $15, Children 12 and under are free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca, or at the following outlets: Compact Music, 206 & 785 1/2 Bank Street, Ottawa

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

The JUNO Award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second concert of its 19th season, The French Renaissance, on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 8 PM, in its new Digital Concert Hall. The second concert highlights rarely performed sacred and secular music by the Franco-Flemish Renaissance composer, Jean Richafort, and more. Repertoire includes his Missa pro defunctis (Requiem), as well as chansons by Orlande de Lassus, Pierre Certon and Claudin de Sermisy, all performed in the beautiful acoustic of St. Paul’s Chapel, Ottawa.

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.

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

Dr. Lisette Canton, Conductor                                                   

The French Renaissance

Jean Richafort Requiem and chansons by Claudin de Sermisy, Pierre Certon, Orlande de Lassus and Richafort.

Saturday, March 13, 2021, 8 PM: Digital Concert Hall

Tickets: General $20

Tickets are available online: OBC Digital Concert Hall

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

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)

Ottawa (Canada) – The JUNO award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the second concert of the 23rd season, Polychoral Extravaganza, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, in Ottawa. The concert features a joint performance with the Vancouver Chamber Choir, with works by each choir as well as polychoral music for double choir. Composers include Bach, Bruckner, Schütz, Tavener and Martin, among others, along with the OBC performing Langlais’ Messe solennelle with organist Matthew Larkin, and the VCC showcasing works by Muhly, Hawley, Whittall, Dove, and more!

“The OBC is thrilled to welcome the Vancouver Chamber Choir, directed by Kari Turunen, back to Ottawa, and to collaborate on such an eclectic program ,” says Founder and Artistic Director, Lisette Canton. “Don’t miss this choral celebration, featuring music from the Baroque to the Contemporary, by two of Canada’s exceptional professional choirs!”

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Lisette Canton, the Ottawa Bach Choir offers audiences a wide range of choral music of the finest quality, performing music from all historical periods while keeping Bach’s choral oeuvre as the focus of its repertoire. The choir has garnered acclaim through award-winning recordings and worldwide tours, including in Canada, Europe, the United States, Mexico and China, featuring prestigious appearances at Bachfest Leipzig, Meet in Beijing, Festival Música Santa Fe, Ottawa Chamberfest, Carnegie Hall, and more.

For interviews and information, please contact:

Hannah Lim, General Manager, hannahlim913@gmail.com

Dr. Lisette Canton, Founder and Artistic Director, lisette.canton@ottawabachchoir.ca

Listing information:

Ottawa Bach Choir

with the Vancouver Chamber Choir; Kari Turunen, Artistic Director

Matthew Larkin, Organist

Lisette Canton, Conductor

Polychoral Extravaganza

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m.

Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Tickets: Reserved $55, Adult $45, Senior $40, Student $20, Children 12 and under free

Tickets are available online: www.ottawabachchoir.ca

Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca

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

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

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

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC), along with organist Matthew Larkin and Ensemble Caprice Baroque Orchestra, will be taking its music to China with an invitation to perform at the prestigious Meet in Beijing festival in April 2016. The OBC will be performing several concerts, including masterclasses led by artistic director Dr. Lisette Canton, in Beijing and Shanghai. This will include performing in the Opening Ceremonies of the festival with the Symphony Orchestra of the National Opera of China. Performance venues will comprise the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Concert Hall at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre, and the Beijing Concert Hall.

The OBC will be performing the works of several Baroque masters, including J.S. Bach, and Canadian works by Healey Willan, Rupert Lang, Leonard Enns, Diane Loomer and Harry Somers, among others. The members of the OBC will also be polishing their Mandarin as they present the Chinese folksong Mo Li Hua.

The OBC is very excited to be invited to China after its recent invitation to perform at the Bachfest Leipzig 2014 at the Thomaskirche, in Leipzig, Germany, as the first Canadian choir ever to be invited. The OBC is happy to include the tour in its season along with its subscription series, intimate concerts, community outreach, and a CD recording planned in this season of choral wonders.

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. The OBC has also been invited to perform in many other festivals in Ottawa, Quebec City, and most recently in Toronto at the Luminato Festival performing in the much-anticipated Apocalypsis by Canada’s own R. Murray Schafer.

Who: Ottawa Bach Choir, Lisette Canton, conductor
Where: Knox Presbyterian Church
Reviewed on: Saturday, March 8, 2014 – 8 PM

OTTAWA — The music of the cultural movement of the English Renaissance, more or less contemporary with the Tudor era, reached some of the greatest heights of its time. At its best, it bears comparison with the work of De Lassus, Victoria and the other major continental polyphonists. English music would not be so distinguished again until the 20th century.

The Ottawa Bach Choir offered a program of music from the 16th and early 17th centuries Saturday evening at Knox Presbyterian Church. There was considerable variety in it, consisting largely of sacred music of various stripes, but with a few secular works. The composers represented included familiar names like William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and Orlando Gibbons, along with lesser-known musicians.

The first offering was If You Love Me, an anthem by Thomas Tallis, who is probably the best-known of the lot. Conductor Lisette Canton led a reading typical of much of what was to follow; there were a few minor flaws of intonation in an otherwise impressive performance.

Robert Parsons’ Ave Maria was beautiful without qualification as were the subtly nuanced Laudibus in Sanctis by William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons’ Lullaby My Sweet Little Baby. The last of these had quite a sensuous feeling about it, a little curious perhaps but beautiful just the same.

There were three secular songs too, which provided a bit of contrast to the high seriousness of most of the repertoire. Gibbons’ The Silver Swan was perhaps the most satisfying of them.

The major work on the program was Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices, a masterwork of the first order. Not only was it the most substantial item on the program, it received the most accomplished and satisfying performance. It was solid throughout, but with no shortage of great moments, especially in the Credo. The Sanctus and Agnus Dei were uncommonly beautiful as well.

Altogether it was an entirely lovely evening of a cappella singing

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/