News & Events
Ensemble Laude Announces the Concert, The Beloved
Victoria, B.C., November 1, 2011
The Beloved, 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 18, 2011 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Admission by donation.
Directed by Elizabeth MacIsaac, Ensemble Laude is an award-‐winning women’s community choir dedicated to singing intercultural choral repertoire and early music (pre-‐1600). 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 thrilling contemporary works. Spanning east to west, ages past to present, from divine rapture to sweet romance, The Beloved explores the journey of the heart's song. There will be surprise guests and moments of even more surprising comic relief, including PDQ Bach’s “Throw the Yule Log On, Uncle John.” Admission is by donation, as the Ensemble strongly believes in making art and culture accessible to the community.
The concert will coincide with the public release of Ensemble Laude’s CD, Inspirata, which includes lively repertoire from Hildegard von Bingen and the Libre Vermeil (Red Book), and contemporary works by Ola Gjeilo, Eleanor Daley, and Abbie Betinis.
The Ensemble performs several concerts on Southern Vancouver Island each year, raising funds for many charities and bringing the glories of medieval and world repertoire to Island choral enthusiasts. 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 twice as “favourite vocal ensemble” in Monday Magazine's 2010 and 2011 annual M Awards.
Ensemble Laude director Elizabeth MacIsaac has directed choirs for over 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.