Ottawa Bach Choir Welcomes Spring with “Sacred and Profane” Concert

Ottawa’s internationally acclaimed Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) closes its 2025–2026 season with a luminous spring program, Sacred and Profane, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church. The concert brings together the spiritual and the theatrical, pairing one of the 20th century’s most profound choral masterworks with vibrant contemporary settings of Shakespeare’s poetry.

At the heart of the program is Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, a deeply expressive work that blends Renaissance clarity with modern emotional intensity. Written in the 1920s but kept private by the composer for decades, the Mass has become a cornerstone of choral repertoire for its shimmering harmonies and spiritual depth—an ideal match for the OBC’s precision and warmth.

Balancing the sacred is a lively collection of pieces inspired by Shakespeare, with works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, William Mathias, John Tavener, and others. These settings explore the humour, drama, and lyricism of the Bard’s writing, offering a playful counterpoint to Martin’s meditative Mass.

“Our final concert features a juxtaposition of sacred and secular compositions that merge the past with the present,” says Dr. Lisette Canton, Founder and Artistic Director of the Ottawa Bach Choir. “Martin’s Mass for Double Choir is one of the most inspiring choral works of the 20th century, and pairing it with contemporary Shakespearean settings creates a captivating musical celebration of spring.”

The choir will be joined by Ottawa‑based organist and pianist Jennifer Loveless, whose artistry adds colour and texture to the evening’s program.

A Choir with Global Reach

Founded in 2002, the JUNO Award–winning Ottawa Bach Choir has built a reputation as one of Canada’s leading vocal ensembles. The choir has performed across Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, and China, with highlights including appearances at Bachfest Leipzig, Carnegie Hall, Meet in Beijing, Festival Música Santa Fe, and Ottawa Chamberfest.

The OBC has been invited to return to Bachfest Leipzig in June 2027, a rare honour for any North American ensemble.

When You Go

Event: Sacred and Profane
Presented by: Ottawa Bach Choir
Conductor: Dr. Lisette Canton
Guest Artist: Jennifer Loveless, piano & organ
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Lisgar Street, Ottawa
Tickets: Reserved seating: $60, Adult: $48, Senior: $40, Student: $20, Children 12 and under: Free
Purchase tickets: ottawabachchoir.ca
Information: info@ottawabachchoir.ca | 613‑270‑1015