Ottawa (August 1, 2007) — Just as the Gregorian Chants of Spain's Santo Domingo de Silos monastery hit the charts in the 1990s, could Early Music become the next antidote to what is becoming a very stressed world? That is the question Festivalgoers will be answering as they take in the last few days of Chamberfest '07.

Baroque music, shaped by the needs of the clergy who used its emotional and theatrical qualities to make worship more attractive, may now be seeing a resurgence. You just have to look at the packed churches at this year's Festival to see that.

While the definition of Early Music is generally regarded as dating from 1750 (when Bach died), this does not diminish its relevance to today's audiences. Youthful musicians from groups like the Theatre of Early Music are always looking at ways to reinterpret manuscripts for modern audiences, or to making them more contemporary by adding prose and dance to Early Music programmes.

As one festivalgoer said last night, "If Bach were alive he would say: 'this is great'." Indeed, music is timeless. So the purity of sound - the soul - that is found in Early Music is as relevant today as it was when Handel wrote Messiah. Indeed, Handel was known for adapting this much-loved work to meet the needs of the available singers or orchestra - and even new audiences.

Early Music highlights over the coming days include:

• Matthew Wadsworth, blind since birth, has carved out a stellar career since switching to lute from classical guitar and memorizing an entirely new repertoire. At Chamberfest he plays the music of Giovanni Kapsberger (c1580-c1651), Alessandro Piccinini (1566-1638), and Robert de Visée (c1655-1732) on August 2.
• An all Bach and Handel programme with Nancy Argenta, Adrian Butterfield (violin) and Matthew Halls (harpsichord and organ) with Theatre of Early Music. Both Bach and Handel were deeply religious, and this is reflected in these perfectly formed compositions. (5 pm. August 2: Christ Church Cathedral)
• Handel Arias with Nancy Argenta, hailed as the supreme Handel soprano of our time. She is joined by Daniel Taylor (countertenor), Charles Daniels (tenor), Peter McGilllivray (baritone) and Theatre of Early Music in Overture to Messiah. (5 pm. August 3. Christ Church Cathedral)
• Purcell Odes with Nancy Argenta, and the Theatre of Early Music. This is possibly the last time Festivalgoers will see this Titan of opera after countertenor James Bowman's recent announcement of his retirement from international engagements. (2 pm. August 4. Dominion-Chalmers United Church)

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For Chamberfest programme, venue and ticketing information see: www.chamberfest.com

Frances Phillips, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 241; Mob. (613) 852-7848; or email media@chamberfest.com