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

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

The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) would like to welcome you to its seventeenth season of glorious choral music. Over the past sixteen years, the professional ensemble has travelled the world and received national and international recognition. Last season, the choir recorded its seventh CD and performed – for the fourth time – at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. In  2016, the choir released its JUNO-nominated CD, ‘Twas But Pure Love, to critical acclaim, and toured 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. The choir has also performed at Carnegie Hall, across Canada, and in Europe, in Germany, England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, as well as in Mexico, and more.

Performances this season include a Subscription Series, the release of the choir’s seventh CD, Baroque Passion, and several Special Events.

The Subscription Series offers three spectacular concerts:

Christmas in Venice – December 1, 2018, 8 PM

La Sainte-Chapelle – March 2, 2019, 8 PM

Mozart Celebration – May 4, 2019, 8 PM

The Ottawa Bach Choir is pleased to offer its audiences a subscription series for a limited time only. Get the entire 2018-2019 concert season for 10% less than regular ticket prices. This offer ends on November 30, 2018.

Join us and discover the best that choral music has to offer!

Lisette Canton
Fondatrice et directrice artistique

Join the Ottawa Bach Choir, in collaboration with Ars Nova and the Rideau Club of Ottawa, for a delightful Spring Party, featuring beautiful music performed by the choir, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres, sumptuous desserts, wine and cocktails, and the good company of Ottawa’s cultural, business and diplomatic community, at the prestigious Rideau Club. Space is limited – don’t miss out!

Proceeds from this fundraising event will help support the great work of this world-class choir.

Friday, May 25, 2018, 5:30 PM
Rideau Club
99 Bank Street, Ottawa

Tickets: $85 ($60 tax receipt available upon request)

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.