The following is an archive of events from our 2019-20 season. Events organized by our Centre are designated as RCCO Kingston Centre Events, while other events are listed as Events of Interest.
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
Season Kick-Off Party with Potluck and Video Friday, September 20, 2019, 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Fran and David’s House, Kingston. The RCCO Kingston Centre begins the season with a potluck dinner at Fran and Dave’s and Jeff Moellman is bringing a really interesting 51-minute video. “Opus d’amour” is a musical documentary that tells twin stories: the enduring love of a husband, Stuart Davis, for his wife, Winona; and a community’s fulfilment of a dream to bring one of the world’s largest concert pipe organs to a concert hall on the Canadian prairie. This film, underscored by an original concerto from Quebec composer Jacques Hétu, follows the Opus 50, lovingly crafted by the artisans of Orgues Létourneau, as it is installed in Edmonton’s Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Featuring the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with organ soloist Rachel Laurin. Additional organ music performed by Marnie Giesbrecht with Joachim Segger.
Event of Interest
The Moellman Family in Concert Sunday, September 29, 2019, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 137 Queen Street (at Montreal), Kingston. The Moellman Family perform works on violin and piano by Bach, Bartok, Beethoven, Clementi, Debussy, and Kreisler as part of Kingston’s Culture Days. Jeffrey Moellman is an RCCO member, and organist of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Event of Interest
Vespers for the 171st Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Mary’s Cathedral Friday, October 4, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, 279 Johnson Street (at Clergy), Kingston. Vespers will be celebrated to mark this important anniversary and will be led by the Cathedral Choir and guests, conducted by organist and director of music, Jeffrey Moellman, featuring motets by Bruckner and Paul Bouman (d. 2019). Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Event of Interest
Evensong and Concert: A Celebration of New Light and Presentation of Bay of Quinte Mohawk Flag Sunday, October 6, 2019, 4:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 137 Queen Street (at Montreal), Kingston. Archbishop Mark MacDonald of the new National Indigenous Anglican Church of Canada will dedicate a Bay of Quinte Mohawk flag to mark historic ties with Molly Brant, who is interred in St. Paul’s churchyard, and with Tyendinaga and the ongoing work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at a celebratory Evensong and Concert. David Cameron will conduct St. George’s Cathedral Concert Singers and Chamber Orchestra, and the event will feature a new organ piece by himself, played by colleague Aurora Dokken, and a concert of Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” Cameron and Dokken are members of the RCCO, as is the Reverend Kris Michaelson, Rector of St. Paul’s and Chaplain of the RCCO Kingston Centre, who will officiate at the service.
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
David Simon in Concert Saturday, October 26, 2019, 4 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. Organist David Simon of St. James Cathedral, Toronto, will play a public concert on St. George’s organ. The program will include the complete “Symphonie romane” by the French composer Charles-Marie Widor. Admission is $20 ($10 students) at the door. David Simon has played recitals and accompanied choir tours across North America, Europe, the U.K., and Russia, and has given premieres with the Toronto and New Haven Symphony Orchestras. In 2019 he won first prize in the Royal Canadian College of Organists national competition and in 2018 won first prize and audience prize in the University of Michigan organ improvisation competition. Additional information is available on page 10 of our September 2019 newsletter, a link to which may be found on our Newsletter page.
Event of Interest
Vespers for the Solemnity of All Saints Friday, November 1, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, 279 Johnson Street (at Clergy), Kingston. Vespers will be celebrated, led by the Cathedral Choir and guests, conducted by organist and director of music, Jeffrey Moellman.
Event of Interest
Advent Candlelight Procession with Carols Sunday, November 24, 2019, 5 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. As well as leading the congregational singing in this service, the Cathedral Adult, Youth, and Children’s Choirs will sing music by Palestrina, John Carter, Franz Biebl, John Stainer, and Peter Aston. The service symbolizes the journey from Advent to Christmas, from the Old Testament to the New, from darkness to light. Beginning in darkness, candles are gradually lit as the choir travels through the sanctuary, singing in different locations, until the building is filled with light and music.
Event of Interest
An Advent Celebration Sunday, November 24, 2019, and Sunday, December 1, 2019, 3 p.m.
The two St. Paul’s Anglican Churches, Sydenham and Kingston. Kingston Young Artists presents one hour of music for the whole family, featuring the Academy Chamber Orchestra and Youth Choir, Jeffrey Moellman, conductor and organist. Admission is by free-will offering. A reception follows. The November 24 concert takes place in Sydenham and the December 1 concert is in Kingston. For more information, contact Jeffrey Moellman by email or phone at 613-985-2224.
Event of Interest
Caelis Academy Ensemble of Ottawa Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 6 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. This visiting ensemble will perform selections from Handel’s “Messiah” under the direction of Matthew Larkin. Admission costs $30 ($20 students) at the door, with proceeds going to the Cathedral Heritage Preservation Trust, which has been established to preserve the Cathedral building as one of the most significant heritage sites in Kingston. For more information, call 613-548-4617 or visit www.stgeorgescathedral.ca or www.facebook.com/StGeorgeConcerts.
Event of Interest
Advent Lessons and Carols Saturday, November 30, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, 279 Johnson Street (at Clergy), Kingston. This celebration will be led by the Cathedral Choir and guests, conducted by organist and director of music, Jeffrey Moellman, and will feature favourite Advent hymns, with motets by Goudimel, Hancock, Mendelssohn, Ord, Vaughan Williams, Willan, and more.
Event of Interest
Frances Harkness, Douglas Handforth, and Jennifer Tindale in Concert Thursday, December 5, 2019, 12:15-12:50 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. St. George’s Advent Concerts take place at 12:15 p.m. on Thursdays from November 28 to December 19, and feature a piano trio on December 5 including Douglas Handforth on violin, Jennifer Tindale on cello, and RCCO member Fran Harkness on piano. Admission is free, with a voluntary offering collected. For more information, call 613-548-4617 or visit www.stgeorgescathedral.ca or www.facebook.com/StGeorgeConcerts.
Event of Interest
Christmas Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 15, 2019, 4 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. As well as leading the congregation in singing favourite Christmas carols during this service, the Cathedral Christmas Choir, Youth Choir, and Children’s Choir will sing a selection of Christmas anthems. Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season!
Event of Interest
St. Mary’s Cathedral Epiphany Christmas Carol-Sing! Sunday, January 5, 2020, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, 279 Johnson Street (at Clergy), Kingston. Help fill the Cathedral with your favourite carols of the Christmas season, led by Jeffrey Moellman, the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir and organ. Bring your friends and your best voice – carolling without the cold! Festive seasonal refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus, Council #728. Canned good donations will be accepted for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, and monetary donations will be accepted to benefit the restoration of the organ of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Tax receipts are available for any donations over $25. For more information, contact Jeffrey Moellman, Director of Music and Organist of St. Mary’s Cathedral, at 613-546-5521 x7 or by email, or visit http://www.facebook.com/StMarysCathedral.
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
Twelfth Night Party Sunday, January 5, 2020, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Party room at Carol and Gord Ramer’s home, Kingston. The Twelfth Night Party will again be held on a Sunday afternoon this year, as this was a great success last year. All members, friends, and guests are welcome. Bring a snack to share – an appetizer or dessert, and a drink for yourself if you like. Coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic punch will be provided. All are invited to contribute something entertaining, be it a story, song, quiz, or anything else. There is a piano.
Event of Interest
Spirit and Soul: Daniel Taylor, Cantabile Choirs, and The Theatre of Early Music Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street (at William), Kingston. Internationally renowned Canadian countertenor Daniel Taylor will conduct the Cantabile teens and adult choristers in a concert entitled Spirit and Soul featuring sacred repertoire from the Renaissance and Baroque. In addition, Mr. Taylor will bring to the Kingston stage his own professional ensemble, the choir of The Theatre of Early Music. Highlights of the program include motets by Monteverdi, Purcell, Tallis, Gibbons, and Byrd, anthems by Handel, plus “Magnificat” and “The Deer’s Cry” (St. Patrick’s Breastplate) by contemporary luminary Arvo Pärt. Daniel Taylor is considered one of the leading exponents of early music and is currently Head of Historical Performance at the University of Toronto. He has appeared on the world’s most prestigious concert stages and appears on over 100 recordings of early music, especially those of J.S. Bach. He is one of the most sought-after countertenors in the world. The Theatre of Early Music has performed throughout Canada, France, England, China, Brazil, and Argentina with such luminaries as Dame Emma Kirkby, Suzie Leblanc, and Nancy Argenta. Tickets for Spirit and Soul are available from www.cantabilechoirs.ca, Novel Idea, and Arden’s Music. Mark Sirett, Artistic Director of Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, is a member of the RCCO.
Event of Interest
Pipe Dreams Saturday, March 14, 2020, 3:30 p.m.
The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King Street West, Kingston. This screening and all screenings of this year’s Kingston Canadian Film Festival have been cancelled as of March 12 due to precautions related to COVID-19.
Event of Interest
Stamitz’s Viola Concerto, a Bach Cantata, and Anthems Saturday, March 14, 2020, 7:30 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. Due to precautions related to COVID-19, this event has been cancelled. It was to feature RCCO member David Cameron, conducting the Cathedral Concert Singers and the Cathedral Chamber Orchestra, and concertmaster Douglas Handforth and vocal soloists in a program including Karl Stamitz’s Viola Concerto in D, Bach’s Cantata Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid (BWV 3), anthems by Goss, Stanford, Bainton, and Rutter, and other music. Proceeds were intended for St. George’s Heritage Preservation Trust, supporting the Cathedral’s historic buildings and maintaining their 191-year-old presence at the corner of King and Johnson Streets.
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
Great Bach Marathon and Community of Organists Concert Saturday, March 21, 2020, 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street (at William), Kingston. This event has been cancelled due to precautions related to COVID-19. For more information, contact Fran Harkness.
Event of Interest
Live Online Concert by Michael Capon Thursday, March 26, 2020, 12:15-12:50 p.m.
Livestreamed via YouTube from St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston. Tune in online for a live half-hour organ recital by RCCO member Michael Capon. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdMPrVE9-k0. On the program are: Fantasia and Fugue in c minor (BWV 537) by J.S. Bach; Preludio and Adagio Molto from Sonata No. 3 by Alexandre Guilmant; and Carillon de Westminster by Louis Vierne. Donations are gratefully received through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/28978/ or by e-mail transfer to mcalcutt@stgeorgescathedral.ca. The Cathedral’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxvQiyTAMb4Dg-JsgstO9g.
Event of Interest
Live Online Concert by Michael Capon: Works by Pachelbel, Bach, and the Recitalist Thursday, April 2, 2020, 12:15-12:50 p.m.
Livestreamed via YouTube from St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston. Tune in online for a live half-hour organ recital by St. George’s organist, Michael Capon. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXRoEsn6uuw. This link can also be found via St. George’s website at http://www.stgeorgescathedral.ca. On the program are: Toccata in e minor by Johann Pachelbel; Prelude and Toccata (2017) by Michael Capon, “I Waited Patiently” and “A Song of Praise”; and Prelude and Fugue in E-flat (BWV 552) by J.S. Bach. Donations are gratefully received through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/28978/ or by e-mail transfer to mcalcutt@stgeorgescathedral.ca. The Cathedral’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxvQiyTAMb4Dg-JsgstO9g.
Event of Interest
Live Online Concert by Michael Capon: Works by Hindemith, Mendelssohn, and Bach Thursday, April 9, 2020, 12:15-12:50 p.m.
Livestreamed via YouTube from St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston. Tune in online for a live half-hour organ recital by St. George’s organist, Michael Capon. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mPMrdeK5pw. This link can also be found via St. George’s website at http://www.stgeorgescathedral.ca. On the program are: Movements 1 and 2 of Sonata 2 by Paul Hindemith, “Lebhaft (Lively)” and “Ruhig bewegt (Restful, with motion)”; Sonata No. 2 by Felix Mendelssohn; and Schmücke dich (Deck yourself, my soul, with gladness) (BWV 654) by J.S. Bach. Donations are gratefully received through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/28978/ or by e-mail transfer to mcalcutt@stgeorgescathedral.ca. The Cathedral’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxvQiyTAMb4Dg-JsgstO9g.
Event of Interest
Live Online Concert by Michael Capon: Works by Cameron, Lefébure-Wély, and Bach Thursday, April 23, 2020, 12:15-12:50 p.m.
Livestreamed via YouTube from St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston. Tune in online for a live half-hour organ recital by St. George’s organist, Michael Capon. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLvCRt6Mfh8. This link can also be found via St. George’s website at http://www.stgeorgescathedral.ca. On the program are: Prelude and Fugue in D (BMV532) by J.S. Bach; “Cromorne en taille” and “The Lord’s Dance” by Canadian composer and Kingston RCCO member David Cameron; and works by Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély. Donations are gratefully received through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/28978/ or by e-mail transfer to mcalcutt@stgeorgescathedral.ca. The Cathedral’s YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxvQiyTAMb4Dg-JsgstO9g.
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
Frédéric Champion in Concert Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 7:30 p.m.
St George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. A highlight of the Centre’s 2019-20 season was to be the concert by French organist Frédéric Champion, co-presented by the Canadian International Organ Competition. The concert has been cancelled due to precautions related to COVID-19; we hope to reschedule it in the future. Frédéric Champion has won many prizes and awards for performing organ music from the 16th through the 21st century, including First Prize at the Canadian International Organ Competition, the Minoru Yoshida Tokyo-Musashino Competition, the International Competition Gottfried Silbermann, and the Xavier Darasse International Competition. He has performed regularly as a soloist and with orchestras and choirs in Europe, Asia, and North America. Champion has also composed pieces for the organ, as well as for organ and percussion or choir, transcribed symphonic pieces for the organ, and cultivated the art of improvisation. Since October 2008, when Champion won 1st Prize and Audience Prize at the Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC), a prestigious new competition in Montreal that plays an important role in recognizing and promoting the value of organ music, Frédéric Champion has acted as its first ambassador and his performances are regularly aired on both Radio-Canada and CBC, official broadcasters of CIOC events. His CD of French music (on ATMA Classique) received rave reviews in The American Organist and in Choir and Organ (UK) which declares: “Champion is one of the finest young organists you’ll ever hear!”
RCCO Kingston Centre Event
Hymn Festival Sunday, May 24, 2020, 3 p.m.
St. George’s Cathedral, 270 King Street East (at Johnson), Kingston. This event has been cancelled due to concerns related to COVID-19. For more information, contact Michael Capon or Jennifer Roche-Brown.