FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            December 31, 2005

St. John Passion by J.S. Bach

Friday, February 3, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. at Metropolitan United Church

The Elmer Iseler Singers present J. S. Bach’s magnificent oratorio, St. John Passion on Friday, February 3, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. in the historical Metropolitan United Church in Toronto. The Elmer Iseler Singers, performing the dramatic choruses and emotional chorales, join forces with special guest artists Leslie Fagan (soprano); Christine Stelmacovich (alto); Floyd Gadd (tenor/Evangelist); Lawrence Williford (tenor); Daniel Lichti (bass/Christus) and organist Patricia Wright to convey the profound depth and serenity of this monumental work, performed with orchestra under the baton of conductor and artistic director, Lydia Adams.

Bach’s St. John Passion is one of the most moving of all the musical settings of the Passion of Christ. First performed on Good Friday 1723 in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, this majestic oratorio remains one of the most frequently performed of all religious choral works. In its solos and choruses, the St. John Passion follows the biblical text that relates the events leading to Christ’s crucifixion, His death and resurrection. Contemplative reflections in freely composed verse and highly expressive chorales intersperse the narrative to comment poignantly and powerfully on events as they unfold.

The Elmer Iseler Singers is one of Canada's foremost professional chamber choirs. The 20-voice choir has gained an enviable international reputation since its debut performance in 1979. Now conducted by Lydia Adams, the group was founded by and nurtured under the direction of the late Dr. Elmer Iseler, the "Dean of Canadian Choral Conductors." The Elmer Iseler Singers have performed throughout Canada and the United States as well as internationally. With a repertoire that spans 500 years of choral music, the ensemble is known for its beauty of tone and wide interpretive range.

J.S. Bach’s ST. JOHN PASSION
Friday, February 3, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Metropolitan United Church: 56 Queen St. East (at Bond), Toronto

For tickets ($35 & $30), please call 416-217-0537
Group Rates Also Available

http://www.elmeriselersingers.com/

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