Symphony Nova Scotia presents Bach to Bach: A Choral Celebration

Symphony Nova Scotia presents Bach to Bach: A Choral Celebration

Halifax, NS ’Ä́ Conductor Jeff Joudrey and the Halifax Camerata Singers combine with Symphony Nova Scotia and soloists Shannon Mercer (soprano), Christianne Rushton (mezzo soprano), Ryan Billington (tenor), Peter Groom (bass), and Richard Simoneau (trumpet) to bring you the timeless choral works of J.S. Bach on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew's Church.

The program of music exclusively by Bach includes Cantata no. 4, Mass in G Major, and Cantata no. 51, "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen."

"I can't wait to share this incredible music with our baroque audience!" says chorus master Jeff Joudrey.

"The great Cantata no. 4 for Easter Sunday with its solos, duets, and fantastic choruses is a perfect contrast to Cantata no. 51 "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen" (Praise God in every Nation), written for soprano soloist and trumpet. The Lutheran Mass in G major will round out the program perfectly."

Don't miss this opportunity to experience music that has stood the test of time, performed by world-class singers and musicians from across our region.

Get your tickets now! General admission seats to Symphony Nova Scotia concerts at St. Andrew's United Church are $47.50 (HST included), or you can pick up a subscription and save up to 30%. Student and group discounts are also available. Call 494.3820 or 1.800.874.1669, or visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca.

About Jeff Joudrey

Conductor Jeff Joudrey is highly regarded for his vision, musical leadership, and standards of excellence in choral music. Founder of the First Baptist Girls' Choir (1983) and Halifax Camerata Singers (1986), his leadership has provided challenging and rewarding choral opportunities for many Nova Scotia singers. In addition to being Director of Music at First Baptist Church, Jeff is Chorus Master of the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus and is in demand as a guest conductor, choral clinician, teacher, and adjudicator.

About the Halifax Camerata Singers

The Halifax Camerata Singers are an auditioned ensemble of dedicated singers from across Nova Scotia. They are the province's leading chamber choir, performing an extensive repertoire covering all periods and styles. Camerata has a reputation for performance excellence that sets a high standard, even in a province known for its rich musical tradition.

About Shannon Mercer

Shannon Mercer is taking on the opera world as one of Canada's most promising young stars. Critically acclaimed by the international press for her musical artistry, she has been hailed as "one of Canada's most promising young sopranos" and a "Leader of Tomorrow" (Maclean's). She has been particularly praised for her performances of baroque and contemporary music.

About Christianne Rushton

Recognized as a rising talent in a new generation of Canadian artists, mezzo-soprano Christianne Rushton's recent performances have included the title roles of Orpheus in Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice with Opera Nova Scotia and l'Enfant in Ravel's L'Enfant et les Sortilˆ®ges, with the Juilliard Opera Center. Christianne is currently head of the voice faculty at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia where she teaches voice, vocal pedagogy and opera history.

About Ryan Billington

Ryan Billington is an assistant professor at St. Francis Xavier University, where he teaches voice, vocal improvisation, arranging, and vocal jazz ensembles, while conducting a growing family of university choirs. He is currently building a comprehensive performance program at St. FX for vocal musicians, which includes classes in voice pedagogy, diction for contemporary singers, vocal arranging, art song literature, and conducting.

Peter Groom, baritone

Baritone Peter Groom moved to Sackville, New Brunswick in 2006 from Regina, Saskatchewan, where he was head of the Voice Department at the University of Regina Conservatory of Performing Arts. A frequent performer in oratorio and recital, Peter has performed works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Vaughan Williams and others with the Regina Symphony Orchestra and other Western Canadian ensembles.

About Richard Simoneau

Principal trumpet with Symphony Nova Scotia since 1996, Richard Simoneau has become well-known as a soloist with Symphony Nova Scotia audiences. Born in 1970 in Quebec City, he pursued his studies at the Quebec and then Montreal Conservatories, graduating in May 1994. Richard has since played with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic and the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa before moving to his current position with Symphony Nova Scotia.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Expect the Unexpected with Symphony Nova Scotia ’Ä́ from Baroque to Berlioz to bluegrass! Each year the 37-member ensemble performs for more than 40,000 audience members (including 14,000 young music lovers) in communities across Nova Scotia. Under the inspirational leadership of Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Join the orchestra in celebrating its 25th anniversary this season!

Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.