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The Ottawa Bach Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Ottawa, Canada. Founded in 2002 by Lisette Canton, the choir has become one of the most respected and sought-after choral groups in the country. Lisette Canton, a well-known conductor and music educator, had a vision of creating a choir that would specialize in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other great composers of the Baroque era. She assembled a group of talented singers from the Ottawa area and began rehearsing in the fall of 2002. The choir's first public performance was in December of that year, when they presented a program of Bach's Christmas music at St. Joseph's Church in Ottawa. The concert was a great success, and the choir quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and passionate performances. Over the years, the Ottawa Bach Choir has performed a wide range of choral music, from the Renaissance to the present day. However, their focus on the music of Bach and his contemporaries remains at the core of their repertoire. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 2005. This monumental work is considered one of the greatest choral compositions of all time, and the choir's performance was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. In 2007, the choir was invited to perform at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa as part of the NAC Presents series. This was a major milestone for the choir, as it gave them the opportunity to perform in one of Canada's most prestigious concert halls and to reach a wider audience. In 2010, the choir released their first CD, entitled "Bach Magnificat". The recording features Bach's Magnificat in D Major, as well as works by Handel and Vivaldi. The CD was well-received by critics and helped to raise the choir's profile even further. In 2012, the choir celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special concert at Dominion-Chalmers United Church in Ottawa. The program included works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart, as well as a new commission by Canadian composer Timothy Corlis. In recent years, the Ottawa Bach Choir has continued to perform at a high level and to receive critical acclaim. In 2017, they were awarded the Healey Willan Grand Prize for their performance of Bach's St. John Passion at the National Arts Centre. This prestigious award is given annually to the best performance of a major choral work by a Canadian ensemble. The choir has also been active in promoting choral music education and outreach. They have collaborated with local schools and community groups to provide workshops and performances, and have established a scholarship program for young singers. Overall, the Ottawa Bach Choir has established itself as one of Canada's premier choral ensembles, known for their exceptional musicianship, passionate performances, and commitment to promoting choral music. With Lisette Canton at the helm, the choir continues to grow and thrive, delighting audiences and inspiring new generations of singers and music lovers.

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