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BEC continues its theme of a concert celebrating St. Cecilia’s Day, November 22nd. The program celebrates the life and works of Henry Purcell, with a special focus on his odes and operas. The emphasis on St. Cecilia highlights the rise of concert music as a public phenomenon, no longer confined to court or church. Through the emergence of the English Baroque and the development of opera, we glimpse a society awakening to the power of free expression in art.  Featuring selections from works spanning Purcell’s career, including Welcome to all the Pleasures, Dido and Aeneas and the Fairy Queen.

2025-26 CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES

2025-26 SEASON & PERFORMANCES

Join Hamilton’s premiere concert choir in its 120th season with performances of Handel, Henry Purcell, Carl Orff and more.

The Choral Masterworks of Henry Purcell:
A Concert for St. Cecilia’s Day

November 22, 2025, 7:30 PM

BEC continues its theme of a concert celebrating St. Cecilia’s Day, November 22nd. The program celebrates the life and works of Henry Purcell, with a special focus on his odes and operas. The emphasis on St. Cecilia highlights the rise of concert music as a public phenomenon, no longer confined to court or church. Through the emergence of the English Baroque and the development of opera, we glimpse a society awakening to the power of free expression in art.  Featuring selections from works spanning Purcell’s career, including Welcome to all the Pleasures, Dido and Aeneas and the Fairy Queen.

Central Presbyterian Church
165 Charlton Ave W.
Hamilton, ON

Handel’s Messiah

December 5 & 7, 2025, 7:30 PM & 3:00 PM

The HPO and the Bach Elgar Choir come together for Handel’s monumental work Messiah. From the soft beauty of the opening notes to the resounding joy of the Hallelujah Chorus, this performance promises to uplift and delight audiences during the festive season.

St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church
620 Rymal Road E.
Hamilton, ON

Handel’s Messiah Singalong

December 6, 2025, 3:00 PM

For the first time, your HPO and the Bach Elgar Choir come together for a sing-along of Handel’s Messiah. Come one, come all, and lend your voice to the stirring choruses of this monumental work and join the choir for one night only! From the soft beauty of the opening notes to the resounding joy of the Hallelujah Chorus, this performance promises to uplift and delight audiences and singers alike during the festive season. Whether you’re an avid singer, occasional songster or an impassioned listener, this is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!

Central Presbyterian Church
165 Charlton Ave W.
Hamilton, ON

Der Golem

April 11, 2026, 8:30 PM

The premiere of a live-performed original film score by Canadian composer Charles Demuynck, for the Bach Elgar Choir, with percussion quartet and keyboard.

Melrose United Church
86 Homewood Ave.
Hamilton, ON

Carmina Burana at The Three Choir Festival

May 30, 2026 & May 31, 2026

The Three Choir Festival in its third year, hosted by Masterworks of Oakville Chorus, with orchestra.

St. Matthew’s Catholic Church
1150 Monks Passage
Oakville, ON