Directed by Elizabeth MacIsaac, Ensemble Laude is an award-winning womenB次元官网网址檚 community choir dedicated to singing intercultural choral repertoire and early music (pre-1600). Its upcoming concert, The Beloved, features a fresh and diverse selection of choral works celebrating adoration in all its forms, including signature pieces from the medieval period, joyously upbeat Renaissance and French Canadian songs, and a sampling of exciting contemporary works.
B次元官网网址淓nsemble Laude has been in existence well over 10 years now,B次元官网网址� said MacIsaac. B次元官网网址淚t began at one-third or one-fourth the size it is now. Ten singers in my basement over the years expanded to 30 or 40.B次元官网网址�
It is a very inclusive choir. B次元官网网址淵ou donB次元官网网址檛 have to have been singing choral music for a long time or be able to read music. It just seems to be the kind of person who likes to experience rarified music and can hold a tune.B次元官网网址� The singers range in age. B次元官网网址淭he age group is vast. Right now the youngest is 14 and IB次元官网网址檓 not allowed to say how old the oldest is,B次元官网网址� she said.
MacIsaac has lead choirs for more than 25 years in Canada and France. She also enjoys an international career as a vocalist specializing in early music and new commissions of contemporary music.
Spanning from east to west, ages past to present, from divine rapture to sweet romance, The Beloved explores the journey of the heartB次元官网网址檚 song. There will be surprise guests and moments of comic relief, including PDQ BachB次元官网网址檚 Throw the Yule Log On, Uncle John.
B次元官网网址淲e always include medieval repertoire as part of concertB次元官网网址檚 choral diversity,B次元官网网址� said MacIsaac. B次元官网网址淚 do a lot of travel around the world finding music for the female voice.B次元官网网址�
This concert however, will include male voices, adding depth to the madrigals and some of the comedic pieces B次元官网网址� yes there is funny choral music. B次元官网网址淟aughter is so much part of the joy in life. We include elements of that whenever we can,B次元官网网址� she said.
The Ensemble performs several concerts on Southern Vancouver Island every year, raising money for charity and bringing medieval and world repertoire to Island choral enthusiasts. The 2011-12 season highlights feature a commissioned work by Canadian composer Nicholas Fairbank, and participation in the Kathaumixw International Choral Festival in Powell River in July, 2012. Ensemble Laude has been chosen as B次元官网网址渇avourite vocal ensembleB次元官网网址� in Monday MagazineB次元官网网址檚 2010 and 2011 M Awards.
With Beloved, the singing focuses on the love of an object and with the Christmas season itB次元官网网址檚 the Christ child, said MacIsaac. The concert includes Sufi poetry, and the rich imagery of exotic Persia. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 true Farsi music from another tradition, and percussion instruments including the medieval oud and viello,B次元官网网址� said MacIsaac.
The concert will coincide with the release of Ensemble LaudeB次元官网网址檚 CD, Inspirata, which includes lively repertoire from Hildegard von Bingen and the Libre Vermeil de Montserrat (Red Book of Montserrat), and contemporary works by Ola Gjeilo, Eleanor Daley and Abbie Betinis.
The Beloved shows at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, at St. AndrewB次元官网网址檚 Presbyterian Church. The concert is by donation, B次元官网网址渨hich makes people feel welcome,B次元官网网址� said MacIsaac.
For more information about Ensemble Laude, go to www.ensemblelaude.org.
