Symphony Nova Scotia presents a Baroque Messiah with Jeanne Lamon

Symphony Nova Scotia presents a Baroque Messiah with Jeanne Lamon

Halifax, NS ’Äì Leader/violinist and Baroque specialist Jeanne Lamon joins Symphony Nova Scotia, the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus and a cast of internationally acclaimed soloists in Handel's Messiah. Audiences of all ages can enjoy back-to-back performances on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Handel's most famous creation, Messiah was composed in 1741 and is among the most popular works in Western choral literature. This masterpiece is an unforgettable experience for music lovers and a highlight of the holiday season.

"I have worked with Symphony Nova Scotia for many years now, and together we have developed a common musical language," says Lamon. "In all my years working here in Halifax, this Messiah will be the first major choral work I conduct! It's very exciting."

The performances will also feature guest soloists Suzie LeBlanc (soprano), Vicki St. Pierre (mezzo soprano), Nils Brown (tenor) and Christˆ¾pheren Nomura (bass), accompanied by the eighty-voice Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus.

"It is wonderful to be preparing the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus for conductor Jeanne Lamon," says chorus master Jeff Joudrey. "She will bring a freshness and vitality to Messiah which will inspire the singers and instrumentalists alike. The audience will be in for a real treat!"

Get your tickets now! Prices range from $32-47.50 (HST included), or you can pick up a subscription and save up to 30%. Student and group discounts are also available. Call 494.3820 or 1.800.874.1669, or visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca.

About Jeanne Lamon

Music Director of Tafelmusik since 1981, violinist Jeanne Lamon has been praised by critics in Europe and North America for her strong musical leadership. In addition to performing with and directing Tafelmusik, Jeanne regularly guest directs symphony orchestras in North America and abroad. Jeanne is passionate about teaching young professionals, which she does at the University of Toronto and at the Glenn Gould Professional School of the Royal Conservatory of Music.

About Jeff Joudrey

Chorus master Jeff Joudrey is highly regarded for his vision, musical leadership, and standards of excellence in choral music. Founder of the First Baptist Girls' Choir (1983) and Halifax Camerata Singers (1986), his leadership has provided challenging and rewarding choral opportunities for many Nova Scotia singers. In addition to being Director of Music at First Baptist Church, Jeff is in high demand as a guest conductor, choral clinician, teacher and adjudicator.

About Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus

The Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus was founded in 2001 under the leadership of conductor Jeff Joudrey to provide a highly trained symphonic chorus for performances with Symphony Nova Scotia. Chorus membership includes the Halifax Camerata Singers as the core choir and auditioned singers from around the province.

About Suzie LeBlanc

Internationally renowned soprano Suzie LeBlanc has established an extraordinary career specializing in music of the Baroque and Classical periods. She is artistic director of the newly founded Montrˆ©al Baroque Academy and also teaches baroque singing and performance practice at the Faculty of Music of the University of Montrˆ©al.

About Vicki St. Pierre

Mezzo soprano Vicki St. Pierre's warm, lush voice invitingly combines clarity of expression and beauty of tone. Highlights of her past seasons include performances with the Menno Singers, the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus, Chorus Niagara, and the Toronto Consort. St. Pierre holds a master's degree in vocal performance from the University of Western Ontario.

About Nils Brown

A distinguished solo performer in oratorio, opera, ensemble, and with symphony orchestras, tenor Nils Brown is regularly engaged by major orchestras and choral organizations in the USA, Canada and Great Britain. Critics have noted his "brilliant projection" and "truly extraordinary legato."

About Christˆ¾pheren Nomura

Baritone Christˆ¾pheren Nomura has emerged at the forefront of the new generation of American singers. Since making his New York City debut, he has performed throughout the world, hailed as one of classical music's "rising stars" by the Wall Street Journal. He holds a master's degree and artist's diploma from the New England Conservatory of Music.

About Symphony Nova Scotia

Expect the Unexpected with Symphony Nova Scotia ’Äì from Baroque to Berlioz to bluegrass! Each year the 37-member ensemble performs for more than 40,000 audience members (including 14,000 young music lovers) in communities across Nova Scotia. Under the inspirational leadership of Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Join the orchestra in celebrating its 25th anniversary this season!