Ottawa (Canada) – The JUNO award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents the first concert of its 24th season, Handel: Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 7:30 PM, at St. François d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Avenue, in Ottawa. The concert features Handel’s jubilant and rarely-heard Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, written in 1739, to John Dryden’s poem in honour of the name day of the patron saint of music, Saint Cecilia, along with Purcell’s Welcome to all the Pleasures and Haydn’s Missa Cellensis, with Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and exceptional Canadian soloists, soprano Ellen Wieser, tenor Owen McCausland and countertenor Nicholas Burns.
“The celebration of music, honouring the patron saint of music St. Cecilia, is one of great historical significance and we are thrilled to present some of the finest works on this theme by Handel, Purcell and Haydn,” says Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Lisette Canton. “Join us as we magnify the power of music in ‘heavenly harmony’ with extraordinary musicians in this style. Ottawa audiences won’t want to miss this festive celebration!
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
Handel: Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, HWV 76
Purcell: Welcome to all the Pleasures, Z.339
Haydn: Missa Cellensis, Hob.XXII :8
with Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and soloists, soprano Ellen Wieser, tenor Owen McCausland, countertenor Nicholas Burns
Lisette Canton, conductor
Handel: Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
St. François d’Assise Church, 20 Fairmont Avenue, Ottawa
Tickets: Reserved $60, Adult $48, Senior $40, Student $20, Children 12 and under free
Tickets are available online: ottawabachchoir.ca
Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca