The Bach Elgar Choir was first established in 1905 as the Elgar Choir. In 1910, the choir
attained international recognition by giving the North American premiere performance of
Verdi's Requiem with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Then, in 1932, a new choir, the Bach
Choir was formed in Hamilton.
During World War II, however, both choirs had to temporarily suspend operations because of
the lack of men, most of whom were serving in the armed forces. Following the war, the
choirs resumed activity, but again due to a shortage of choristers, they amalgamated as the
Bach Elgar Choir and have performed for Hamilton and Canadian audiences ever since.
During the 1969-1970 season, the Bach Elgar Singers, a 36-voice chamber ensemble was
formed. For several years, the Bach Elgar Singers performed throughout Southern Ontario in
their own concert series.
The Bach Elgar Choir is now the premiere symphonic, oratorio chorus in the Hamilton
Region and is the second oldest choral organization in Canada. Our repertoire spans an
eclectic mix of music, which ranges from classics to Broadway, Pops, and Gilbert and
Sullivan. We have represented our city at the visit of Prince Charles to Hamilton in 1996, and
in 1997 were the CBC National Choir on Canada Day in Ottawa for HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
We have been regularly featured on programmes of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
and for a number of years sang with them in the Ontario Place Forum to huge appreciative
audiences. Our outreach to the community includes partnership with the Hamilton Spectator
for Summer Camps for Kids and with the McMaster Children's Hospital.
Several years ago, we produced a video in cooperation with the City of Hamilton entitled
"Voice of the City" and appeared in a number of live performances of this City of Hamilton
showpiece for the city's guests and VIPs.
The Bach Elgar Choir sponsored and supported the Hamilton Children's Choir and the Vox
Nouveau during their formative years. Graduates from both choirs have joined the ranks of
the Bach Elgar Choir over the years.
In our 2004 - 2005 Season, the Bach Elgar Choir celebrated its 100th year of choral singing
with a performance of Verdi's Requiem and J. S. Bach's masterpiece, St. Matthew Passion.
Howard Dyck is well-known as a conductor and a
radio broadcaster. His conducting career has taken him to ten countries
on three continents. He has appeared as guest conductor with many
choirs and orchestras across Canada and abroad.
He
has toured in Europe with his choir including a return invitation to
perform in the Salzburg Cathedral during the 2000 Salzburg Festival.
His operatic experience includes performances at the Stratford Festival
and Winnipeg. In addition, he has conducted many concerts of opera,
operetta and Broadway musical excerpts.
Howard Dyck has conducted his choirs in a number of fine recordings and
CBC broadcasts. Recognized for his work as a conductor and broadcaster,
Howard Dyck is listed in Canadian Who's Who. In 1996, he was awarded
honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees by the University of Waterloo and
Wilfrid Laurier University. That same year he received the Ontario
Choral Federation's Distinguished Service Award. In 2000, he was
appointed to the Order of Canada, and in 2002 he was awarded the
Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
An experienced music pedagogue, he is often invited to appear as
clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. He is also well-known
across Canada as a music broadcaster. CBC listeners will recognize him
as the Program Host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and the host of
the Sunday morning programme Choral Concert.
The Bach Elgar Choir is delighted to welcome Howard and looks forward
with great anticipation to our upcoming season under his baton.
Alexander Cann new Conductor of Hamilton Bach Elgar Choir
The Bach Elgar Choir announces with great pleasure the
appointment of Alexander Cann as our new Artistic Director and
Conductor. Mr. Cann will assume his position in September, 2010.
Alex Cann is a young and energetic musician, experienced as a conductor
and accompanist, having performed the latter for the last year with the
Bach Elgar Choir. He also serves as accompanist for the Oakville
Masterworks Choir. He is currently Music Director of the Grace
and St. George's Anglican Church of Ilderton, Ontario, and is past
director of Maple Grove United Church of, Oakville. He served as
Associate Director of Tapestry New Opera Works, where he worked with
one of our former conductors, Wayne Strongman, C.M.
Mr. Cann believes in text-oriented interpretation of the music from
which we discover the composer's intention and then convey this to the
audience. He stands out in his ability to communicate his passion
and understanding of music. Alex believes that conductors who
truly live in the text are able to honestly reach their audiences, a
goal for the Bach Elgar Choir as we continue to provide excellent and
inspiring performances for the greater Hamilton community.
Founded in 1905, the 80 voice Bach Elgar Choir has
become an integral part of the greater Hamilton musical scene, annually
presenting a four concert season to our audience, often with orchestral
accompaniment. The Choir is composed of accomplished amateur singers
from Hamilton and neighbouring cities of Burlington, Oakville and
Niagara Falls. The choir’s mission statement expresses the desire
to achieve a high level of artistic quality while presenting the major
choral repertoire of past eras and while also exploring contemporary
music.
A graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Alex continued his
studies at McGill University in Montreal where he graduated with
distinction with a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Choral
conducting, studying with Julian Wachner. While a student
in the program he conducted all the school's major ensembles. Mr. Cann
founded and directed the female youth choir Simply Sweet in Montreal
which is now entering its seventh season. The choir was a
semi-finalist in the 2006 CBC national choral competition.
Alex acted as Apprentice Conductor for the McMaster University Choir
under Philip Sarabura while he was studying at McMaster. Alex is
a tenor and has sung in a number of choirs including the McMaster
University Choir, the McGill University Chamber Choir, The Purcell
Singers (London, England), the London Pro Musica (London, Ontario) and
the Grand Philharmonic Choir of Kitchener.
Alex has worked with Howard Dyck both as accompanist and chorister and
has studied Howard’s conducting and rehearsal techniques
carefully. We believe that he is a worthy successor to Howard.
The Bach Elgar Choir is delighted with this
appointment and looks forward with great anticipation to our upcoming
106th season under the baton of Alexander Cann.
