.png)
The Winnipeg Baroque Festival continues to offer exceptional concerts for music lovers, and this Saturday, April 12th, at 7:30 pm, Canzona will take the stage at the Desautels Concert Hall for their highly anticipated performance, Bed, Bath and Beyond. The concert promises a diverse program that spans Baroque and contemporary music, showcasing the talents of Winnipeg’s outstanding choral ensemble.
A Glimpse into Canzona's Past and Future with Elroy Friesen
Elroy Friesen, Artistic Director of Canzona isa Manitoba native with a long history with the ensemble. He took over the reins of Canzona in 2023 after Kathleen Allen’s departure. Friesen's relationship with the choir began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba, where he sang as a baritone with Canzona. After teaching high school and pursuing his master’s degree, Friesen returned to guest conduct and eventually led the choir in a more permanent capacity.
"Many of the singers are still the same," Friesen remarked, highlighting the deep bonds within the group. "There's a good history there and some really good longtime friends in the group as well."
Exploring the "Beyond" in Bed, Bath and Beyond
The concert's program features music from a wide array of composers, blending the past and the present. Friesen expressed particular excitement about the contemporary works, especially those by local composer Andrew Belfour. Canzona will perform Bizaan and Four Directions, pieces that reflects Belfour’s upbringing as a boy soprano in the Anglican church, weaving together his personal history and musical background.
Friesen shared, "Andrew brings so much intention and joy to choral music, and he brings his stories and personal experience. It’s just a stunning point of reflection."
Additionally, the concert will feature a piece by Charlotte Harding, Glow, which draws inspiration from Bach's Saint Matthew Passion.
The "Bach" Portion of the Program
Of course, no Baroque concert would be complete without the timeless works of J.S. Bach. Canzona will perform Bach's Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich (O Lord, I Long) BWV 150), one of the composer’s early cantatas. Friesen described it as a "stunning" work, one of his favorites by Bach. The choir will also perform Bach’s Motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing unto the Lord a new song), BWV 225, a piece written for double choir that challenges singers with its intricate structure.
Friesen revealed that the motet was likely composed to train boy choirs in Leipzig, noting the difficulty of the piece: "You can’t stop thinking or counting for one second. It’s a real challenge."
A Musical Journey Beyond Bach
The second half of the concert will delve into the “Beyond” of Bed, Bath and Beyond, with a variety of pieces that push the boundaries of choral music. Friesen explained the choice of lullabies as part of the program, including a stunning arrangement of Billy Joel’s Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) by Manitoba composer Brock McEwen, as well as Tiny Dream Poems, a new work by Nicholas Ryan Kelly.
The performance will also feature The Coming of the Teddy Bears by Canadian composer Sid Robinovich,a nostalgic piece that Friesen said he had not conducted since 2006. "It’s a sweet, sweet poetry about a little Calvin and Hobbes character," Friesen remarked.
Blending Baroque and Contemporary for a Unique Experience
Friesen’s hope for the concert is to bridge the gap between Baroque purists and those drawn to contemporary music. "I hope the Baroque diehards are happy with the Baroque, but I also hope that the people who love Billy Joel and Whittaker, or maybe the new music, are also drawn into the Baroque."
Ultimately, Friesen hopes the concert will inspire "creative thinking" and spark "imagination" through the melding of different musical eras.
Join Canzona for an Unforgettable Night of Music
Bed, Bath and Beyond will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 7:30 PM at the Desautels Concert Hall. For tickets and more details, visit Canzona’s official website. This promises to be a concert that not only celebrates Baroque traditions but also explores the beauty of music from beyond the Baroque era.
