The Festival International Bach Montréal marks its 20th anniversary with an opening concert that pairs two towering composers of the 18th century: Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Handel. The evening unfolds as a triptych of landmark baroque works under the baton of guest conductor John Butt.
The programme opens with Bach's Magnificat, showcasing the full brilliance of sacred choral writing, followed by Handel's Water Music, a suite evoking the splendour of the English royal court. The concert concludes with Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, celebrated for its vibrant energy and the virtuosic interplay of its string ensemble.
John Butt, director of the Dunedin Consort, leads the Orchestre International Bach Montréal. The vocal soloists are Myriam Le Blanc (soprano I), Elisabeth Boudreault (soprano II), Marie-Andrée Mathieu (alto), Petr Nekoranec (tenor), and Jonathon Adams (bass). Choir member-soloists include Len Torrie, Charlotte Corwin, Stéphanie Pothier, Joé Lampron-Dandonneau, and William Kraushaar.
The concert takes place on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 19:30 at the Maison symphonique in Montreal. Tickets are available through the Festival Bach ticketing portal.
Lineup
John Butt
John Butt is the music director of the Dunedin Consort and serves as conductor for the Orchestre International Bach Montréal at this festival performance.
Orchestre International Bach Montréal
The Orchestre International Bach Montréal is the festival orchestra of the Festival International Bach Montréal, performing Baroque repertoire for the festival's 20th anniversary season.
Myriam Le Blanc
Catch Myriam Le Blanc at the 2026 Opening Concert of the Orchestre International Bach Montréal, a highlight for classical music lovers visiting the city. Immerse yourself in Baroque tradition and Montréal's vibrant cultural scene, where live performance brings Bach's timeless artistry vividly to life.
Elisabeth Boudreault
Elisabeth Boudreault brings her artistry to the 2026 Opening Concert of the Orchestre International Bach Montréal. Visitors can enjoy an evening devoted to Bach and Handel, two Baroque masters, in a performance that offers a memorable introduction to Montréal's vibrant classical music scene.
Marie-Andrée Mathieu
Marie-Andrée Mathieu is a Montréal-based artist featured at the Orchestre International Bach Montréal's 2026 Opening Concert, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy Baroque masterworks in a refined concert setting, a rewarding stop for classical music lovers exploring the city's vibrant cultural scene.
Petr Nekoranec
Petr Nekoranec is a Czech tenor performing the role of Jason in this production of Charpentier's Médée.
Jonathon Adams
Jonathon Adams brings his artistry to the 2026 Opening Concert of the Orchestre International Bach Montréal, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Baroque music, performed live in Montréal's vibrant cultural scene, making it a memorable evening for classical music lovers.
Len Torrie
I don't have verified details about Len Torrie, so I can only describe the context: this artist is linked to the Orchestre International Bach Montréal's 2026 Opening Concert, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy Baroque music in Montréal's vibrant cultural scene. Check the official listings for performance details.
Charlotte Corwin
Charlotte Corwin is a creative artist featured in the 2026 Opening Concert of the Orchestre International Bach Montréal, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy Baroque masterworks performed live, making this an inviting highlight for classical music lovers exploring Montréal's cultural scene.
Stéphanie Pothier
Stéphanie Pothier is a creative artist featured in the Orchestre International Bach Montréal's 2026 Opening Concert, an evening devoted to Bach and Handel. Visitors can enjoy Baroque masterworks in a Montréal concert setting, a fine way to experience the city's classical music scene.
Joé Lampron-Dandonneau
Joé Lampron-Dandonneau is a Québec-based musician featured in the Orchestre International Bach Montréal's 2026 Opening Concert, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy Baroque masterworks in a Montréal setting, making it a rewarding stop for classical music lovers exploring the city's cultural scene.
William Kraushaar
William Kraushaar is a creative artist connected to the 2026 Opening Concert of the Orchestre International Bach Montréal, a Bach and Handel program. Visitors can enjoy baroque masterworks in Montréal's vibrant classical music scene, a fine choice for lovers of live orchestral performance.
Location