Prepare to be transported to the realms of musical enchantment as the Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) presents The Maestro of San Marco.
On the evening of March 2, 2024, Knox Presbyterian Church sets the stage for an extraordinary musical journey as the OBC pays homage to the timeless compositions of Claudio Monteverdi. Led by the incomparable Dr. Lisette Canton, the choir promises to captivate audiences with a repertoire that transcends centuries, from the sacred to the secular.
The Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) has been honoured with numerous prestigious accolades, marking its stature as one of Canada’s foremost vocal ensembles. In a historic milestone, the OBC became the first Canadian choir to grace the stage of the renowned Bachfest Leipzig in 2014, a venerable international celebration begun in 1904 of Johann Sebastian Bach’s illustrious compositions. Their return to the festival in 2022, by special invitation from organizers impressed by their inaugural performance, further solidifies their international acclaim.
Back home in Canada, the OBC’s exceptional talents have not gone unnoticed. Their album Handel: Dixit Dominus; Bach & Schütz: Motets earned them a coveted JUNO Award for Classical Album of the Year in the Vocal or Choral Category in 2020, a testament to their unparalleled artistry and dedication to musical excellence.
The choir’s global reach extends beyond Canadian borders. From captivating audiences in Beijing and Shanghai at the renowned “Meet in Beijing” arts festival in 2016 to touring extensively across Europe, Mexico, and Carnegie Hall in New York, the OBC has showcased their extraordinary talents on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The concert venue, Knox Presbyterian Church, stands as a beacon of architectural beauty and historical significance. Since the 1870s, it has provided a sanctuary for spiritual nourishment. On March 2nd, the audience will delight in the musical gospel as the effusive sounds of the Ottawa Bach Choir fill the hallowed hall.
“We are thrilled to showcase the rarely heard works of Claudio Monteverdi,” expresses Dr. Canton. “This performance is a celebration of his profound influence on the development of music and its transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque era.”
The concert will feature Monteverdi’s Messa a quattro voci da cappella, motets, and selected madrigals from his extensive collection of eight books, each piece meticulously chosen to showcase its brilliance and passion, and Monteverdi’s compositional innovation. Accompanied by a chamber instrumental ensemble and featuring soloists from within the choir, the evening promises sublime musicality and unparalleled artistry.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Monteverdi’s music within the breathtaking ambience.
Secure your tickets for The Maestro of San Marco at ottawabachchoir.ca or by phone at 613-270-1015.
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa
Admission: Reserved: $55; Adult: $45; Senior: $40; Student: $20; Children 12 and under: Free
