The Bach Consort performs the music of J.S. Bach, exploring the riches of his
more than 200 secular and religious cantatas. Formed in 1992 by bass player
Timothy Dawson and baritone Gordon McLeod, The Bach Consort
includes a core of members from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and
Tafelmusik, as well as some of Canada's most sought-after singers and
instrumentalists. Soprano Monica Whicher, baritone Russell Braun, alto
Elizabeth Turnbull; tenors Michael Shade and Benjamin Butterfield; baritones
Brett Polegato and Kevin MacMillan---have appeared with the Canadian Opera
Company, with most Canadian Orchestras, and with major opera companies in
North America and Europe.
These artists have lent the gift of Bach's music, performing for
community groups such as Camphill Village Ontario and L'Arche---
communities for adults with disabilities---and Settlement House Music
School. As well, the ensemble has helped in the fundraising activities
of Out of the Cold and Share the Warmth. Their concerts provided
these organizations with a musical forum from which they reached out
to the public. To that end, the group has recorded two compact discs in
aid of charity: The Bach Consort at Camphill and The Bach Consort at L'Arche.
In designing its programme, The Bach Consort chooses music to highlight the
performers in a variety of solo and ensemble works. This follows the Baroque
tradition of creating an obbligato or instrumental solo, which
interweaves with the vocal line. The ensemble often performs without a
conductor, reaching a musical consensus during rehearsals prior to their
concerts. Once this artistic agreement has been forged, The Bach Consort is
ready to share the depth and joy of Bach's music with its generous audience.
Timothy Dawson, Founder
Timothy is a member of the string bass section of the Toronto Symphony
Orchestra. He began his studies in Edmonton with Peter Marck, who is now Co-
Principal Bass of the Israel Philharmonic. Timothy continued his education at
the University of Toronto with Tom Monahan (then Principal Bass of the
TSO). He graduated in the Spring of 1979 and started with the TSO
thereafter. Since joining the orchestra, Tim has been actively involved in
organizing concerts. Two groups have grown out of this love of chamber
music; The Bach Consort and BASStiality.
