In December, the Ottawa Bach Choir, still less than two years old, became the first Canadian ensemble to sing at the annual Christmas concert of the Orquesta del Nuevo Mundo in Mexico City.

According to the Orquesta conductor, Johannes Ulrich, compared to other choirs, the members of the Ottawa Bach Choir who sang Handel’s Messiah at the Palacio de Bellas Artes were “the best prepared and most professional”.

The Ottawa Bach Choir in the Torre Mayor Building,
Mexico City

Directed by Dr. Lisette Canton, the Ottawa Bach Choir received high praise from the Mexican audience. This significant international vocal achievement was matched by the Choir’s stamina during a 20-hour day. After a 6:00 a.m. flight out of Ottawa, the choir arrived at the Sheraton Centro Historico Hotel at 3:30 p.m.

Immediately following hotel check-in, the singers were shuttled to the opening ceremonies and concert commemorating the brand new 55-floor Torre Mayor Tower built by the Canadian firm Reichman International. The Canadian Ambassador and his wife were among the 500 of Mexico City’s most illustrious residents who attended the high-rise opening.

Then, the choir members rehearsed with the Orquesta until past 11:00 p.m.

During their stay in Mexico City, the choir members enjoyed several dinners with the Maestro and soloists, including Montreal-based tenor Michiel Schrey, and alto Daniel LeBlanc. They also had time for a little shopping as well as some sightseeing; the pyramids at Teoticuahan were one of the highlights.

The Ottawa Bach Choir members look forward to returning to Mexico City in the future. In the meantime, they will prepare for the rest of their 2004 season: a concert of French choral music to be performed in Ottawa and Montreal in March; a concert of Baroque cantatas in May; and the recording of a CD in June.

Kathy Dobbin is a member of the Ottawa Bach Choir.