EarlyMusicNews.Org

"The Bach Consort performs the music of J.S. Bach, exploring the riches of his more than 200 secular and religious cantatas. Formed in 1992 by bass player Timothy Dawson and baritone Gordon McLeod, The Bach Consort includes a core of members from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Tafelmusik, as well as some of Canada's most sought-after singers and instrumentalists. Soprano Monica Whicher, baritone Russell Braun, alto Elizabeth Turnbull; tenors Michael Shade and Benjamin Butterfield; baritones Brett Polegato and Kevin MacMillan---have appeared with the Canadian Opera Company, with most Canadian Orchestras, and with major opera companies in North America and Europe.

These artists have lent the gift of Bach's music, performing for community groups such as Camphill Village Ontario and L'Arche--- communities for adults with disabilities---and Settlement House Music School. As well, the ensemble has helped in the fundraising activities of Out of the Cold and Share the Warmth. Their concerts provided these organizations with a musical forum from which they reached out to the public. To that end, the group has recorded two compact discs in aid of charity: The Bach Consort at Camphill and The Bach Consort at L'Arche. In designing its programme, The Bach Consort chooses music to highlight the performers in a variety of solo and ensemble works. This follows the Baroque tradition of creating an obbligato or instrumental solo, which interweaves with the vocal line. The ensemble often performs without a conductor, reaching a musical consensus during rehearsals prior to their concerts. Once this artistic agreement has been forged, The Bach Consort is ready to share the depth and joy of Bach's music with its generous audience.

Timothy Dawson, Founder
Timothy is a member of the string bass section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He began his studies in Edmonton with Peter Marck, who is now Co-Principal Bass of the Israel Philharmonic. Timothy continued his education at the University of Toronto with Tom Monahan (then Principal Bass of the TSO). He graduated in the Spring of 1979 and started with the TSO thereafter. Since joining the orchestra, Tim has been actively involved in organizing concerts. Two groups have grown out of this love of chamber music; The Bach Consort and BASStiality." Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Category: Academies/Academia/Early Music Study/Institutions

Added on: Feb 20, 2009 | Hits: 640