Bach Chorale plans Messiah show as part of new season

The Georgetown Bach Chorale's concerts offer a unique combination of choral, orchestral and solo works, giving audiences the opportunity to experience a wide range of classical music in a variety of settings and the 2006-07 season is no exception. The Chorale, having already gained a reputation for lavish receptions following house concerts, is expanding its tradition of offering classical music and fine food together. In a new partnership with the Main Street Inn, concert-goers will be able to purchase tickets that include a visit to the Inn after the concerts at the Gallery for coffee and dessert and an opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists. The season begins with a Recital for Violin and Piano at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre Gallery. Violinist Phoebe Tsang and pianist Ronald Greidanus pair up in a demanding program consisting of music by Beethoven, Fauré and Part. There will be a coffee and dessert reception to follow at the Main Street Inn. Concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets for concert alone are $20, $30 includes the reception. Christmas doesn't seem complete without attending a performance of Handel's Messiah. The Chorale will perform this quintessential Christmas work in Baroque style, complete with period instrumentation. The Baroque performance is a more intimate style of Messiah than most audiences are accustomed to. Performances will take place at Knox Church, Georgetown on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 26 at St. James Anglican Church at 3 p.m. in Caledon East. Tickets are $25. Due to popular demand the two Christmas Concerts at 157 Main St. are already sold out. These concerts are a highlight for the choir's audience during the Christmas season. There are still tickets available for The Well Tempered Etude at 157 Main St. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16 and 17. The choir's music director, Ron Greidanus, will show his mettle with a performance of 24 Études by Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin. A reception will follow the performance and tickets are $35. Tickets for house concerts are limited to 50 per evening and must be purchased in advance. Music for Good Friday has been an annual event for the Chorale since its inception. The Chorale will perform choruses from Bach's great cantatas and the St. John's Passion accompanied by a chamber orchestra and guest Avery MacLean on recorder. The concert takes place on Friday, April 6, at 8 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church at and tickets are $25. Music for Piano and Strings will take place on April 22, at 8 p.m., featuring violin, viola, cello and piano. After Mozart, Brahms and Scriabin, the audience can join the musicians for coffee and dessert at the Main Street Inn. Tickets are $20 for the concert only, $30 for the concert and reception. The Gala Concert will be a fitting end to a stellar season.The choir will sing selections by Handel and Purcell and the orchestra will perform Pachelbel's famous Canon in D. Two young students from Glen Williams, Hannah and Mariena Manierka (11 and 16) will perform Bach's Concerto for two Harpsichords and Strings in c minor. The concert takes place on Saturday, May 5, 8 p.m., at Knox Presbyterian Church, Georgetown and Sunday, May 6, 3 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church in Caledon East. Tickets are $25. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at Foodstuffs or The Freckled Lion or by calling 905-8778321. Further information is available by picking up a brochure at the Library or Civic Centre or by visiting www.georgetownbbachchorale.com. We look forward to having you join us for the Georgetown Bach Chorale's exciting eighth season.