About the Concert
The first Winnipeg Baroque Festival concert in the brand-new Desautels Concert Hall belongs to founding ensemble Canzona! At Bed, Bach & Beyond, you'll hear a program that blends Bach masterpieces, contemporary works inspired by Baroque composers, and lullabies both old and new. From Bach to Billy Joel, we’ll explore the spaces where tradition and innovation meet.
About Canzona
Rooted in a love of Baroque music, Canzona's mission is to transform audiences through exceptional choral performance. Founded in 1989 by conductor Henry Engbrecht, Canzona has become one of Manitoba’s premiere choral ensembles. After six years being led by Kathleen Allan (2016-2023), the choir transitioned to the leadership of Elroy Friesen during its 35th anniversary year. The choir continues to delve into the Baroque masterworks while staying committed to introducing Manitoba audiences to lesser-known composers and providing context for the works of the past in the contemporary world. Canzona’s mandate is to bring exceptional choral music to Manitoba audiences and to provide high-level professional opportunities for Manitoba singers.
Canzona’s CD recordings have reached audiences around the world, and the major success of the three-volume German Hymns project brought Canzona’s music to the homes of thousands of North American families. The choir has collaborated with leading organizations such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Ensemble Caprice, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Groundswell, Dead of Winter, and MusickBarock.