Arcady is thrilled to announce that it will be performing Handel’s Messiah in Cambridge this holiday season for the first time in several years. This Baroque-style performance will take place on Saturday, December 7th at 7:30pm at the beautiful Grace Bible Church in downtown Galt. Don’t miss your chance to see Arcady’s professional chorus of soloists and chamber ensemble once more bring to life this holiday tradition in Cambridge. Known for his dynamic, energetic interpretation of this triumphant work, Ronald Beckett will direct his ensemble in a uniquely jubilant performance. Don’t miss your chance to hear the ensemble that specializes in Messiah. Audience members will want to secure their seats early as Arcady’s Messiah is usually a sold-out event. Tickets at $40 (general admission), $20 (under 18) are available online at arcady.ca, through email at info@arcady.ca, in person at Monigram Coffee Roasters, Valley Feeds, or by calling 519-428-3185. For more information, please visit arcady.ca.
December 7, 2024 - 7:30 pm
Grace Bible Church
2 Grand Ave. South, Cambridge ON
Featuring
Ronald Beckett
Artistic director & conductor
Ronald Beckett has had numerous compositions performed by ensembles throughout Ontario. He has written three operas that constitute a trilogy: Ruth, John, and I Am…. that have been given fully staged performances by Arcady and Queens Student Opera. Ruth, due largely to its length (72 minutes) and facility of staging, has received some twenty performances since its premiere in 1996. Ron’s catalogue of compositions includes a number of additional large-scale works for orchestra or orchestra and chorus and an abundance of chamber music and pieces for piano and organ. Since 2008, he has written a great number of songs and music for youth, specifically for the Arcady Youth Singers.
Ron is the founding director of Arcady, an organization established in order to encourage outstanding young musicians by providing them a bridge between their student and professional performing careers. Most of Arcady’s work is in two areas: period performances of early music repertoire and the works of Ronald Beckett. The ensemble offers 20 to 30 programs ranging from small ensemble to full choral-orchestral performances in Ontario each year. Arcady has released three CD recordings on the Crescendo label: A Baroque Messiah (1999), Welcome Yule! (2001), and Ruth (2007). Welcome Yule! is a collection of original Christmas compositions and Beckett arrangements. Ron also arranged and conducted Ruby Productions’ CD entitled Peace on Earth (2000). In 2002, Phoenix Records released the CD A Beckett Miscellany – a sampling of Ron’s instrumental music performed by The Essex Winds and Arcady.
A Summa Cum Laude graduate from McMaster University in History and Theory, Ronald Beckett is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (Piano Performance), and also holds a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Western Ontario. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music and community, he was inducted into the McMaster Alumni Gallery in 2004.
Ron is a member of SOCAN, the Canadian League of Composers and the Canadian Music Centre. His works are frequently heard on classical radio in North America and Europe.
Visit Ron’s website for more information: www.ronaldbeckettmusic.com
Christmas with Arcady is generously supported by
