Classics: Elmer Iseler Singers

CLASSICS

Friday, February 13, 2009

Glenn Gould Studio - Toronto (7:00 P.M.)

The Elmer Iseler Singers continue their 30^th anniversary celebrations with a splendid concert entitled CLASSICS. Lydia Adams, who also celebrates her 10^th anniversary as Artistic Director and Conductor, has designed a programme which highlights the ensemble’Äôs ’Äúpure mastery and virtuosity’Äù through J. S. Bach’Äôs rousing Motet BWV 230, Lobet den Herrn and Lutheran Mass #4. The evening also includes the serene Responsorium in Memoriam Annon Lee Silver by British composer John Tavener and Arvo Pˆ§rt’Äôs beautiful Berliner Messe. The EIS share the stage with a hand-picked chamber orchestra led by concertmaster Jacques Israelievitch, with the participation of organist Christopher Dawes at Toronto’Äôs Glenn Gould Studio on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.

Lobet den Herrn (Sing to the Lord a New Song) is one J. S. Bach’Äôs famous and beloved six motets. The text comes from the Bible (Psalm 117). His Lutheran Mass #4 (Mass BWV 236 in G major) is one of four Lutheran Masses, which were the standard type of Mass composition to be performed in the Lutheran worship service in Leipzig on high feasts of the church year. Celebrated composer John Tavener (born in 1944), who has been closely linked with religious music, is much admired throughout the world. His best-known (or at least most widely heard) piece is the 'Alleluia' sung at the close of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Responsorium in Memoriam Annon Lee Silver, composed in 1971, is one of Tavener’Äôs most profound memorial works. Born in 1935 in Estonia, Arvo Pˆ§rt is recognized worldwide as one of today’Äôs most significant composers. He has written a succession of magnificent sacred choral works. The Berliner Messe (or Berlin Mass) uses Pˆ§rt's tintinnabuli technique (from the Latin, little bells), while at the same time following in form standard mass settings.

This concert will be recorded for future broadcast on 94.1 F.M. CBC Radio Two, Choral Concert, hosted by Peter Togni.

’ÄúThe Iseler Singers demonstrated at the top of the show just why they are one of the world's great chamber choirs. They sing with a single intent. Their tone is luminous, thrillingly tuned, blended into bloom like the colour of a hybrid rose.’Äù - Stephen Pedersen (Chronicle Herald)

CLASSICS

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams ’Äì conductor

With Orchestra - Jacques Israelievitch, Concert Master; Christopher Dawes, Organist

Friday, February 13, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Glenn Gould Studio ’Äì 250 Front Street West, Toronto

For tickets (Reg. $40/ Sen. $35/ Students $10) please call 416-217-0537

Group rates available.

http://www.elmeriselersingers.com/