IVARS TAURINS CURATES HIDDEN CANTATA GEMS FOR A RARE MUSICAL PORTRAIT
Toronto, ON (February 26, 2026) — This March 12–15, Tafelmusik turns the spotlight toward the brilliance of J.S. Bach with A Bach Celebration, curated by Ivars Taurins. Director of Tafelmusik´s Chamber Choir, Taurins immersed himself in Bach’s full oeuvre of more than 200 cantatas, listening, exploring, and hand-selecting rarely performed movements that deserve to be heard.
The result is a program of aural contrasts revealing the breadth of Bach’s composing. Selections range from the triumphant trumpet-and-timpani brilliance of Cantata 11, the “Ascension Oratorio”, to the quiet intensity of “Die Seele ruht” from Cantata 127.
“When you explore Bach’s cantatas, you discover an inexhaustible well of invention,” says Ivars Taurins. “I wanted to create a program that feels like walking through a gallery of Bach’s imagination. Unexpected, revelatory, and deeply moving.”
Joining Tafelmusik’s orchestra and choir are two vocal soloists celebrated for their Bach interpretations. Québecoise soprano Myriam Leblanc returns following acclaimed appearances in Handel’s Messiah and Choral Splendours. Grammy Award-winning tenor James Reese reprises his collaboration with Tafelmusik after his 2023 debut, bringing expressive depth to Bach’s intricate recitatives and arias.
Presented in the intimate Jeanne Lamon Hall at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, the performance positions Bach’s music up close and centre stage.
“Ivars has hand-picked stunning selections from Bach’s cantatas, and curated a program that explores a remarkable range of human emotion,” says Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Director of Tafelmusik. “We invite you to join us in a powerful journey into one of the greatest musical minds, in the intimate setting and beautiful acoustic of Jeanne Lamon Hall.” “Running approximately 120 minutes, A Bach Celebration offers listeners a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of Bach’s sacred music beyond his familiar masterpieces.
Program Details
A Bach Celebration
Myriam Leblanc, soprano
James Reese, tenor
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Choir
Directed by Ivars Taurins
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
427 Bloor Street West, Toronto
March 12, 2026 7:30 pm
March 13, 2026 8:00 pm
March 14, 2026 8:00 pm
March 15, 2026 3:00 pm
Running Time: 120 minutes
Style of Music: Baroque vocal and choral
Tickets available at tafelmusik.org
About Tafelmusik
Brandon Chui, Dominic Teresi & Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Directors
Glenn Hodgins, Executive Director
Every now and then a group of musicians comes along and changes the way we think about music. For over four decades, Tafelmusik has been synonymous worldwide with dynamic, engaging, and soulful performances informed by scholarship, passion and artistic excellence.
Performing on instruments and in styles appropriate to the era, Tafelmusik has performed in more than 350 cities in 32 countries. Its extensive discography on the Sony, CBC Records, Analekta and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered ten JUNOs and numerous international recording prizes. From a vibrant home season in Toronto, to international tours, award-winning recordings, innovative collaborations, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences.. www.tafelmusik.org
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges the support of BMO, Presenting Sponsor of the 2025/26 concert season, as well as support from the Azrieli Foundation and Power Corporation of Canada. We are also grateful to our government partners the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Arts Foundation. Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute is generously supported by Lynn & James Haight, The Azrieli Foundation, and the McLean Foundation.
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