On Sunday, November 17, the Calgary Bach Choir, under the direction of Artistic Director Terry Edwards, will open their new season with "Baroque Treasures," an afternoon dedicated to the enduring beauty of Baroque music. This highly anticipated concert will take place at Knox United Church in downtown Calgary and will be accompanied by special guests, the University of Calgary Chorus, led by Kathryn Parrotta.
This concert features five distinguished soloists: Jonquil Koddo (soprano), Aoife Bonaventura (alto), Jason Ragan (tenor), and basses Tyler Fitzgerald and Matthew Hicks. Together with the Calgary Bach Choir, these artists will bring to life some of the Baroque period's most iconic pieces, showcasing their unique brilliance in a program that promises both cherished classics and rare discoveries.
The program opens with a Calgary-premiere performance of Telemann’s Latin Magnificat in C, a stunning piece known only to select European choirs until recently. This is a rare opportunity for Calgary audiences to experience this work, which has finally gained recognition and popularity since its commercial publication a decade ago. Known for his innovative style, Telemann brought together French, Italian, and German elements in his compositions, and his Magnificat is no exception. Its grandeur and complexity are amplified by an ensemble that includes trumpets and timpani, and a unique duet for two basses, possibly inspired by Telemann’s own vocal range as a bass singer.
Following Telemann, the audience will be treated to timeless excerpts from J.S. Bach’s most beloved cantatas. Pieces from Cantatas 137, 140, and 147 showcase Bach’s profound ability to blend rich choral arrangements with stirring orchestration. These selections include familiar melodies, such as the beloved Lobet den Herren and Wachet auf, as well as the moving Dona nobis pacem from the B Minor Mass. Each of these works reflects Bach’s dedication to creating music that resonates deeply with the soul, embodying both devotion and artistic innovation.
Concluding this showcase of Baroque splendour is Mozart’s Regina coeli, KV 276, presented by the combined forces of the Calgary Bach Choir and the University of Calgary Chorus. This particular rendition completes a three-part cycle of Mozart’s Regina coeli settings, which has been a special feature of the Choir’s concerts since 2019. The inclusion of this majestic piece serves as a beautiful closing statement to an evening celebrating the power of choral and orchestral unity.
Special guest choir, the University of Calgary Chorus, brings their own selection to the afternoon’s program with two celebrated works: one by Renaissance master Palestrina and another by Romantic composer Fauré. However, the highlight of their appearance will undoubtedly be the Canadian premiere of Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare, a breathtaking multi-movement choral work by the acclaimed American composer. Known for her emotionally evocative style, Hagenberg’s compositions resonate with audiences worldwide, and Illuminare promises to be a mesmerizing addition to the evening.
Baroque Treasures opens the season with a program highlighting the depth and artistry audiences can expect in the months ahead. Terry Edwards, Artistic Director of the Calgary Bach Choir, describes the concert as a preview of the exceptional works to come.
--------
Celebrating its 36th season, the Calgary Bach Choir focuses on the works of Baroque composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and beyond. Under the Artstic Director Terry Edwards, the choir presents exceptional choir and orchestra concerts in November, March, and June.
More info & tickets