The Elmer Iseler Singers are looking forward to returning to Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto on Friday, December 9th at 7:30 pm to share the rich textures of the solos and the glorious choruses of Handel’s resplendent Messiah, with special guest choir – The VIVA Chamber Singers of Toronto, and award winning soloists: Meredith Hall – Soprano; Andrea Ludwig – Mezzo Soprano; Owen McCausland – Tenor; and Jorell Williams – Bass.
VIVA Chamber Singers
After two years of online mentorship and training with the VIVA Chamber Singers, we are so excited to come together in person.
The VIVA Chamber Singers (an SATB chamber choir) is comprised of experienced and highly-skilled singers who are young professionals, post-secondary students, and senior high school students.
VIVA was founded in 2000 by Carol Woodward Ratzlaff in response to widespread cuts to public school arts programs. As a lifelong vocal music educator, she believes that every person should have access to a singing experience. With this in mind, VIVA is committed to putting chorister voice at the forefront of their organization through the core values of choral performance artistry, choral creation and vocal music education, inclusive choral practices, choral leadership and mentoring, and community connections.
Meredith Hall – Soprano
Canadian soprano Meredith Hall last performed Handel’s Messiah with the Elmer Iseler Singer in 2018 and we can’t be more delighted to have her back on stage with us!
“As always, Canadian soprano Hall used her shimmering voice as a vessel for eloquent storytelling. She caressed words, in several languages, as she communicated the essence of the texts.” — The Plain Dealer, Donald Rosenberg [Apollo’s Fire Celtic Christmas]
Andrea Ludwig – Mezzo Soprano
Juno-nominated mezzo soprano Andrea Ludwig is an artist of tremendous depth, musicality and scope. She has been an integral part of the Elmer Iseler Singer for many years, you won’t want to miss her!
“Ludwig, with her warm voice and unpretentious musicality, neither over dramatic nor inexpressive, but intuitive and brimming with her complete mastery of meaning, born of a profound understanding of the text, overwhelmed us with astonishment.” – Stephen Pedersen, Halifax Chronicle
Owen McCausland – Tenor
Canadian tenor Owen McCausland is increasingly in demand for engagements with both opera companies and symphonies across North America. As an alumnus of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio – He is sure to delight!
“His tone is wonderfully broad for a tenor and he shaped the phrasing with clever restraint.” – Lev Brotishenko, Montreal Gazette
Jorell Williams – Bass
Jorell Williams has been hailed by Opera News as having “a solid vocal core and easy, natural production” and the New York Times for being “magnificent” and “rich toned”. He is an advocate for artist rights and is a newly appointed artistic council advisor for On-Site Opera and the new music board for the Brooklyn Art Song Society, using his experience to consult with arts organizations on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
Last year he performed Handel’s Messiah with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and we are so excited to have him with us this year!
NEW: Tickets are now available online for purchase, click the button below.
Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 7:30 pm EDT
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
1585 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T 1Z9
For more information visit our click here for our event webpage.
The Elmer Iseler Singers respectfully request that all audience members wear masks.
Tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here or call 416-217-0537