About

Musique Royale is delighted to present Galileo Baroque Choir, directed by Andrew Pickett, in Bridgewater, to perform choral masterpieces from the Italian Baroque era in a concert entitled “Monteverdi in Venice.” The 18-voice chamber choir, made up of some of Halifax’s finest singers, will be joined by baroque specialists Garth MacPhee, continuo, Hilary Brown, cello/baroque guitar, and Karen Langille and Celeste Jankowski, violins. The programme will feature sacred and secular music from the magnificent cultural centre that was 17th-century Venice, with works by Gabrieli, Croce, Lotti, and of course Claudio Monteverdi, including the famous “Beatus vir” and “Lamento della Ninfa.”

Galileo Baroque Choir, founded in 2018, is Nova Scotia’s only choir dedicated to the performance of baroque music. Conductor Andrew Pickett holds an M.Mus. in voice from Western University and a graduate diploma from the Royal College of Music, studying with such notable experts in the vocal baroque as Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, and Michael Chance. He is an alumnus of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, and was recently apprentice conductor for the Nova Scotia Choral Federation. Andrew is currently on the teaching faculty of the Halifax Institute of Traditional and Early Music.

Proof of full vaccination (second dose at least 14 days ago) is mandatory to enter the venue, except for those ages 11 years and under who may enter with a fully vaccinated adult, or those who have a valid medical exemption. Vaccine proof, or proof of age for those ages 11 and under, or proof of exemption, as provided by the provincial government, must be presented and verified at the door. Physical distancing and mask wearing at the concert is required in adherence to Musique Royale’s COVID-19 Prevention Plan.