It is with special pleasure that I announce the schedule for our 28th Season!

Many patrons have enquired as to when the concert series might stage a performance of Handel's great masterwork, Messiah.  Well, the wait is over!

We did not want to take this on lightly, given the beloved status of this great opus of the western canon.  We knew that this would be a once-in-a-generation event for Canterbury, and did not want to proceed until all the pieces were in place for a great performance.

Our collaboration with the Metropolis Symphony continues to grow richer and deeper.  These fine players perform with the highly-regarded Apollo Chorus, whose annual performances of Messiah in Chicago draw sold-out crowds and rave reviews - in particular for the superb and stylish orchestral playing.

And, under the leadership of Rob Campbell, our own choral group the Canterbrury Singers goes from strength to strength.  His performance of Handel's Coronation Anthem Let thy hand be strengthened last season convinced me that this was the year to take on Messiah.  We will be joined by terrific soloists from the Chicago area - some of them familiar to Canterbury audiences, some new.

But, that is getting ahead of things.  First, to kick things off, we will be treated to a rare double-harpsichord concert.  And what could be better than having the duo headed by international keyboard star David Schrader, friend and Canterbury audience favorite?

This season will see two events at Philander Hall, well suited for recitals with its intimate acoustic and classic 1920 Steinway.  Baritone Anthony Quaranta (featured in the 2010 and 2011 Spring Galas) will perform in November, and in January we will hear the thrilling sounds of Voix de la Femme, a new female trio, singing an eclectic program from opera to Sondheim.

We will hear the wonderful pipe organ at St. Luke's put to good use in two concerts, first as the accompaniment as Cor Cantiamo sings Morten Lauridsen's masterpiece, Lux aeterna, and then on its own in a virtuoso solo recital in March.

And, as always, the secret ingredient that makes it all work is... you, our wonderful audience!

SEE YOU AT THE CONCERTS!

TIM BOLES
Artistic Director