CELEBRATE EASTER 2017: THIRTEEN STRINGS’ BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION CONCERT ON #GOODFRIDAY

CELEBRATE EASTER WITH THIRTEEN STRINGS BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION CONCERT ON GOOD FRIDAY

Growing up in the Philippines exposes you to a different kind of Easter ‘celebration.’ Part of it was definitely not enjoying a THIRTEEN STRINGS BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION Concierto. As Catholics, we know the Passion of Christ all too well and in fact, ardently observe the entire Easter Season however, it’s more of a time of remembrance and reflection. We celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ rises from the dead BUT that’s the extent of the celebration. We don’t do the Easter Bunny, the egg hunt or other boisterous fun Easter activities. Holy Week is more of a sombre period and part of the Lenten season. Traditionally, the Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which this year falls on April 9th. The period lasts until Holy Saturday, April 15th, which is the Saturday before Easter Sunday, April 16. The Holy week, as we observe it, includes Good Wednesday, Maundy Thursday (or the Holy Thursday) and Good Friday.

This year, we’ll be commemorating the Easter season with Thirteen Strings Orchestra’s Bach’s St. Matthew Passion Concert on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 7:30 pm at Dominion-Chalmers United Church (355 Cooper Street, Ottawa). Definitely an iconic piece, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion should be a stunning and thoughtful way to commemorate the Easter season particularly as the concert is set on April 14, which happens to be Good Friday. Stunning as Ottawa’s premiere professional chamber orchestra,  with Artistic Director Kevin Mallon (previously featured here in Twenty York Street from his work with the Ottawa Opera Lyra) at the helm, returns to pay homage to this time of year with its rendering of this iconic choral work – widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of classical sacred music. Thoughtful as Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is said to be both soothing and inspiring to audiences everywhere. 

STELLAR LINE-UP FOR THIRTEEN STRINGS BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION ON GOOD FRIDAY

With an amazing line up of special guests, which include American-Canadian tenor Zach Finkelstein as the Evangelist. Zach has quickly established himself as a leading tenor soloist in North America and abroad, from New York’s Lincoln Center to London’s Sadler’s Wells to the National Arts Center in Beijing, China. (Read more about at Arts File: Thirteen Strings: Tenor offers thanks for the memory when singing Bach Passion at http://artsfile.ca/bach-mass/.)

Adding to the stellar cast is Mezzo soprano Marjorie Maltais, who first gained attention as a finalist at the Canadian Opera Company’s 2015 Centre Stage Competition for her dynamic stage presence and the “fireworks of her remarkable coloratura”. The Ottawa Choral Society presented its NEW DISCOVERIES SHOWCASE RECITAL naming Marjorie Maltais First Prizewinner. She was selected last fall by the 2016 New Discoveries Jury headed by legendary tenor Ben Heppner. The OCS New Discoveries Auditions is a program designed to discover promising young concert artists and assist in the development of their careers.  We are proud to have Marjorie as one of the guest artists in the Thirteen Strings’ presentation of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.

THIRTEEN STRINGS BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION ON GOOD FRIDAY – AN ANNUAL TRADITION

For tenor, Quebec tenor Jacques-Olivier Chartier is known for his beautiful sound and elegant singing in a wide variety of vocal styles. He has earned critical acclaim for the “poise and pathos” of his interpretive skills. As a winner of Tafelmusik’s inaugural Vocal Competition in 2016, Jacques – Olivier has also studied in Switzerland and England. This formidable background has helped him  hone the “poise and pathos” of his interpretive skills. There is no doubt Jacques-Olivier can move an audience to tears. 

For the role of the soprano, a Juno award winner in the classical album category, Hélène will make her debut at Lincoln Center singing Mozart’s C Minor Mass in New York City next season. A privileged to have her in Ottawa before Hélène heads for the Big Apple.

Finally, British Canadian Baritone Alexander Dobson has been praised for his musical and dramatic artistry on both opera and concert stages showing versatility with both classical and contemporary repertoire. As one of the solo singers, Alexander invites stellar comments about his musical and dramatic artistry showcased in an extensive repertoire of opera and concert works. However, in this performance his looks are being noticed as well.  Not only one person has commented that Alexander bears a striking resemblance to familiar images of Jesus Christ.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THIRTEEN STRINGS BACH’S ST. MATTHEW PASSION IN PERSON, BY PHONE OR ONLINE

Tickets are available at the door, on line at www.thirteenstrings.ca, at Books on Beechwood, at Compact Music outlets and at Leading Note, and/or call 613-738-7888 and visit www.thirteenstrings.ca. 

This concert is a fitting way to commemorate the significant traditions of Easter weekend. For more information email info@thirteenstrings.ca. Have a HAPPY EASTER CELEBRATION to you all!

LET’S BE FRIENDS: FOLLOW @20YS IN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST AND THE GREATEST

N.B. Passion of the Christ photo courtesy of Google.com. To get more beauty, fashion and style inspirations, updates on great shopping and travel tips, follow @20YS on Twitter & @20YS on Instagram today. For behind the scenes from our long weekend adventures in Montreal, follow @20YS on Twitter  and Instagram!