Heavenly Harmony: Ottawa Bach Choir Rings in 24th Season with Handel’s Ode to Music’s Patron Saint

Ottawa’s cultural calendar is about to be graced with a celebration of music that reaches back centuries while resonating deeply in the present. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the JUNO award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) opens its 24th season with a performance of Handel: Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day — a rarely heard gem that honours the patron saint of music, Saint Cecilia. The concert begins at 7:30 PM at St. François d’Assise Church in Hintonburg, a venue whose acoustics and architecture promise to elevate the experience.

The evening’s program is a curated journey through baroque brilliance, featuring not only Handel’s jubilant 1739 ode — set to John Dryden’s poetic tribute — but also Purcell’s Welcome to all the Pleasures and Haydn’s Missa Cellensis. These works, each a masterstroke in its own right, will be performed alongside the Ensemble Caprice baroque orchestra and a trio of 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,” says Dr. Lisette Canton, OBC’s Founder and Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to present some of the finest works on this theme by Handel, Purcell and Haydn. Join us as we magnify the power of music in ‘heavenly harmony’ with extraordinary musicians in this style.”

Founded in 2002, the Ottawa Bach Choir has become a pillar of Canada’s choral scene, known for its commitment to excellence and its global reach. From Carnegie Hall to Bachfest Leipzig, the choir has brought its signature blend of precision and passion to audiences around the world. Yet it remains deeply rooted in Ottawa, offering local audiences access to performances that rival Europe’s finest concert halls.

ABOVE: The Ottawa Bach Choir, with Founder and Artistic Director Dr. Lisette Canton standing front and centre.

This season opener is more than a concert — it’s a statement of artistic intent. By choosing works that honour music’s spiritual and cultural legacy, the OBC invites listeners to reflect on the enduring power of harmony, both musical and communal. In a time when division often dominates headlines, this event offers a moment of unity through sound.

Tickets range from $20 for students to $60 for reserved seating, with children 12 and under admitted free — a gesture that underscores the choir’s commitment to accessibility and youth engagement. For those seeking a night of inspiration, history, and world-class performance, Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day promises to be a highlight of Ottawa’s fall arts season.

To purchase tickets, visit HANDEL: ODE FOR ST. CECILIA’S DAY – Ottawa Bach Choir.

For more information, visit ottawabachchoir.ca or contact info@ottawabachchoir.ca.

Photos: Courtesy OBC