Ottawa (July 27, 2007) — Towards the second week of Chamberfest the Early Music concerts that are so popular with Ottawa audiences begin in earnest. Internationally acclaimed musicians and vocalists who devote their lives to ensuring Early Music remains a living art form will fill the City’s churches until the final concert on August 4.

It has been said that Early Music cannot fully define itself. And there lies its fascination. Musicians are drawn to the genre, either by recreating ‘historical performances’ or reinterpreting old manuscripts. On July 28, for instance, Matthew Halls will play Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations on a harpsichord, instead of the piano Glenn Gould made so familiar.

While the definition of Early Music is generally regarded as composed before the mid-1700s, this does not mean it is not relevant to today. At Chamberfest, audiences will hear compositions dating back to the Renaissance (around 1600), and the Baroque era which is said to have ended with the death of J.S. Bach (1750). But Bach’s music and that of his contemporaries lives on, as festivalgoers will see in next week’s line-up.

Early Music highlights over the coming days include:

• Bach’s Influence: Celebrated choreographer James Kudelka premieres his dance interpretation of Passacaglia’s violin solo, with Laurence Lemieux and the Theatre of Early Music ensemble. (July 28)
• Charles Daniels: Purcell and Other English Songs. With a repertoire that spans the 9^th century to the present day, British born Daniels is considered one of the finest Baroque tenors in the world. Hear him in concert with Myron Lutzke (cello), Sylvain Bergeron (lute) and Matthew Halls (harpsichord) on July 29.
• London Handel Players present their trademark series of profiles on great Baroque composers: J.S. Bach (July 31), Jean-Marie Leclair (August 3), and George Frideric Handel (August 3).
• Laurence Cummings, a leading exponent of historical performance and a founding member of the London Handel Players, will play Couperin (1668-1733), Handel and Henry Purcell (1659-1695): August 1.
• 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 will play the music of Giovanni Kapsberger (c1580-c1651), Alessandro Piccinini (1566-1638), and Robert de Visée (c1655-1732) on August 2.

As Chamberfest draws to a close, Nancy Argenta will be on stage. Hailed as the supreme Handel soprano of our time, she will define what Handel, Bach and Purcell mean to modern chamber music. Argenta will variously be joined by the Theatre of Early Music (TEM) ensemble (August 2 and 3); countertenors James Bowman and Daniel Taylor, Charles Daniels (tenor), Peter McGilllivray (baritone) and TEM. (August 4).

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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