Handel’s choral masterpieces come under the spotlight in an upcoming concert by The Bach Elgar Choir. George Frederic Handel’s Choral Masterpieces takes place on March 9 at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre west of downtown Hamilton.
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the choir, with soloists soprano Bethany Hörst and tenor Jean-Philippe Lazure.
Choir & Soloists
The Bach Elgar Choir is a Hamilton institution, founded in 1905. BEC Artistic Director Alexander Cann leads the choir. BEC is one of Canada’s oldest arts organizations, and has a distinguished history.
- The Bach Elgar Choir premiered Verdi’s Requiem in North America;
- The Choir has commissioned many works from Canadian composers such as Nathanial Dett and Matthew Emery, among others;
- The organization presents imaginative programming, such as their acclaimed live soundtrack to Fritz Lang’s iconic film Metropolis.
Artistic Director Alexander Cann
Choral conductor, pianist and teacher Alexander Cann earned a B.A. from McMaster University, and an M.Mus. from McGill. He has been Artistic Director of Bach Elgar for 14 seasons. Under his leadership, the choir has put the major works of Bach and Mozart at the centre of its repertoire. The works of Edward Elgar continue to be added to that growing list of works.
His initiatives includes programs such as the Baroque Opera Choruses, Canadian Folksongs, and Music from World War One, among others. Along with his work for the Bach Elgar Choir, he is Director of Music with Melrose United Church in Hamilton.
Jean-Philippe Lazure, tenor
A graduate of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, tenor Jean-Philippe Lazure is a sought after soloist and opera singer. During his time with the Ensemble Studio, he sang the role of Don Curzio in the COC production of Le Nozze di Figaro, and Conte Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. He went on to perform Cartier and Father André in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Louis Riel in Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec.
Recent engagements include performances with the Winnipeg Symphony in Handel’s Solomon, as a soloist with the Ottawa Choral Society, and in the world premiere of Water: An Oratorio (Martin) with Grand Philharmonic Choir.
Bethany Hörst, soprano
Bethany Hörst holds a Master of Music degree in Literature and Performance from Western University, where she currently teaches voice. She is the winner of several international competitions, including the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio Solo Competition at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and first prize at the NYCO Mozart Competition, the International Aria Competition, the Opera Lyra Ottawa Studio Competition and Conservatory Canada’s Vocal Competition.
As a professional vocalist, she has appeared across Canada, as well as in France and the Netherlands. Her repertoire includes works from the Baroque through Classical and contemporary eras.
The Concert
The program will focus on the choral works of Handel that were completed prior to the Baroque blockbuster Messiah.
It’s a treasure trove of work. Handel composed his first set of motets and cantatas in 1707 in his early 20s, shortly after his first opera Almira (also called Nero) in 1704 at the age of 19. Messiah wouldn’t be created until 1741. The decades in between were a rich period where he composed a variety of both secular and sacred choral music, including hymns, songs, and oratorios.
Along with the music, the audience will hear details from Handel’s life, and some of the stories behind the music.
Details about the concert and tickets available [HERE].
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.
Sign up for the Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! — local classical music and opera news straight to your inbox HERE.
- PREVIEW | The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Offers Old & New In 130th Anniversary Season - April 29, 2024
- INTERVIEW | Composer Ari Kinarthy And Director Jeff Lee Petry Talk About Ari’s Theme, Premiering At Hot Docs - April 26, 2024
- PREVIEW | Creators & Performers Natalya Gennadi And Kristine Dandavino Talk About Grandma’s Shawl - April 26, 2024
