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Glebe Report September 2023
Ottawa Bach Choir presents 22nd season of magnificent choral music!
By Elena Goubanova
The Juno-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) welcomes you to its 2023-24 season of magnificent choral music with three concerts beginning in December.
The choir has performed extensively in Canada and abroad, achieving international acclaim in North America, Europe and Asia for delivering superb concerts with world-class soloists and musicians. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our new season with concerts and special events that will ignite your passion and provide an unforgettable musical experience,” says founder and artistic director Lisette Canton.
Fresh from releasing its eighth album, Johann Sebastian Bach: Six Motets, on the ATMA Classique label – it’s been described as “an exceptional interpretation” – the choir is delighted to offer three concerts highlighting its dramatic and moving sound, including music by Bach, Monteverdi, Telemann, Graupner, Zelenka and many more.
The season begins with baroque settings of the Magnificat on December 2 at 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church in the Glebe. The concert will highlight composers Zelenka, Biber and Leonarda and culminate with the original setting by Johann Sebastian Bach, composed for his first Christmas in Leipzig in 1723. It will be performed with the Theatre of Early Music baroque orchestra along with soloists and guests, including Daniel Taylor – you won’t want to miss it!
The second concert, The Maestro of San Marco, on Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church, features sacred and profane works by Claudio Monteverdi, who was Maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s in Venice for 30 years, from 1613 to 1643. Works include his Missa a 4 voci da cappella and selected Madrigals from Books 1-8, a prolific output of works that marked the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque with astonishing drama. The choir is joined by a chamber instrumental ensemble and soloists.
The final concert of the season, Leipzig 1723, on Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, includes an exciting array of German baroque cantatas by the candidates for the position of Thomaskantor in Leipzig: Telemann, Graupner and Bach. It includes Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75, the first cantata Bach composed for his new post as Thomaskantor in Leipzig. Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and soloists join the choir for this exceptional event.
Early-bird season subscription tickets, at a 15 percent discount, are on sale online until September 9, and tickets for individual concerts are also available. Regular season subscriptions, at a 10 percent discount, are on sale from September 10 at the following levels: reserved $148.50, adults $121.50, seniors (65+) $108.00, students and youth $54.00. For more information, visit our website at www. ottawabachchoir.ca, or email us at info@ottawabachchoir.ca.
We will celebrate the start of our 22nd season with Bach & Beer, in the festive spirit of Oktoberfest, on Saturday, October 14 at 5 p.m. at The River Lounge, 2259 Prince of Wales. The evening includes beautiful music by Bach and his contemporaries along with other favourites, delectable German-inspired canapés, cheese and charcuterie, flat bread pizza, salads, sumptuous desserts, local beer and wine. Enjoy delightful company and inspiring music by the OBC along with delicious food and drink. Tickets on the website are limited, so act now!
Come share our passion and discover the best that choral music has to offer!
Elena Goubanova is the administrative manager of the Ottawa Bach Choir.
