Ensemble Caprice presents
Haendel’s Messiah

An enduring masterpiece that has touched souls for almost three centuries

November 23, 2024

Ensemble Caprice continues its annual holiday tradition by presenting Handel’s Messiah, a timeless work that has stirred hearts worldwide for nearly three centuries. This concert, which has become an unmissable event of the season, will take place on Sunday, December 22 at the Maison symphonique in Montreal.

Composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, Handel’s Messiah is an iconic oratorio that has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly three centuries. This masterpiece premiered in Dublin and is considered one of the greatest works in the oratorio genre.

Magical melodies promise to sweep the audience into an extraordinary musical voyage.

Handel composed this work in just 24 days, demonstrating remarkable concentration and inspiration. The text, developed by Charles Jennens and inspired by biblical scriptures, is divided into three parts written for choir, vocal soloists, and orchestra.

Under the direction of conductor Matthias Maute, Ensemble Caprice, in collaboration with Ensemble ArtChoral and Festival Classica, will bring this monumental work to life. The enchanting melodies promise to take the audience on a memorable musical journey.

A true testament to Handel’s genius, Messiah has become one of the most famous and beloved oratorios in the Western classical music repertoire. This Baroque masterpiece is praised for its profound spiritual resonance, complex musical composition, and enduring ability to move and uplift audiences across generations.

An Exceptional Cast

The evening will showcase a quartet of remarkable soloists, whose virtuoso performances, combined with the choir’s power and the orchestra’s finesse, will bring to life the most striking passages of this monumental work. The audience will have the privilege of hearing renowned soloists: Marianne Lambert (soprano), Rose Nagar-Tremblay (contralto), Emmanuel Hasler (tenor), and Geoffroy Salvas (baritone).

This annual concert is more than a simple musical event; it’s a celebration of timeless beauty and the holiday spirit, offering music lovers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of this iconic work. Ensemble Caprice thanks CIBC, the main sponsor of the concert.

About Ensemble Caprice

Gagnant de deux Prix JUNO et reconnu par le New York Times comme “force progressive dans le monde musical”, l’Ensemble Caprice est reconnu pour ses programmes créatifs et novateurs et ses interprétations dynamiques et convaincantes. Fondé par le flûtiste, compositeur et chef d’orchestre Matthias Maute, l’Ensemble Caprice est devenu, au cours des décennies, un incontournable du monde de la musique classique. L’Ensemble Caprice a sillonné les quatre coins du globe et donné des concerts dans quatre continents et des dizaines de pays, dont au prestigieux Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music à Londres.

About Ensemble ArtChoral

Ensemble ArtChoral, a professional choir with over 40 years of history in Quebec’s choral tradition, is dedicated to presenting exceptional choral music both locally and internationally. Awarded the OPUS PRIZE for Musical Event of the Year in 2020, the choir has made Maison symphonique its concert series home in Montreal. Additionally, it holds a residency from 2023 to 2027 at Festival Classica and Nouvel Opéra Métropolitain, further solidifying its role in the cultural landscape. Under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute, a two-time Juno Award winner, Ensemble ArtChoral continues to enrich the choral music scene with innovative performances and community initiatives.

About GFN Productions

GFN Productions is a Quebec-based music producer and promoter, presenting over 75 concerts each year across Canada. The company has worked with a wide variety of artists but specializes in producing large-scale symphonic concerts and orchestral recordings. GFN’s projects include collaborations with several international stars, such as Andrea Bocelli, Ute Lemper, and Patrick Watson. In recent years, GFN Productions has become the largest promoter of live film concerts in Canada.