Ottawa music lovers have a not-to-miss evening on their calendars this weekend: the Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) closes out its 2025–2026 season with a gorgeous and boldly titled program, Sacred and Profane, taking the stage at Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
The Concept: Two Worlds, One Stage
The OBC has always had a talent for programming that surprises — and this season finale is no exception. Sacred and Profane sets up a deliberate dialogue between the reverent and the theatrical, pairing one of the 20th century's most celebrated choral masterworks with vibrant, contemporary settings that push the genre into fresh territory.
Think of it as an evening where Gregorian solemnity meets theatrical flair — and somehow, it all sounds magnificent.
Why the Ottawa Bach Choir Is a Big Deal
The OBC isn't just a local choir — it's an internationally acclaimed ensemble with a reputation built over decades of rigorous, expressive performances. Under artistic leadership that has earned the group recognition well beyond Ottawa's borders, the choir has become a cornerstone of the city's classical music scene.
For longtime patrons, this season finale is a fitting farewell to another year of extraordinary music-making. For newcomers, it's as good an entry point as any — choral music at this level has a way of turning first-timers into regulars.
Knox Presbyterian: The Perfect Venue
Knox Presbyterian Church, nestled in the heart of Ottawa, is one of those venues that earns its keep simply by existing. The acoustics are warm, the architecture is beautiful, and the intimacy of the space means you're never far from the music. It's the kind of room where choral harmonics don't just fill the air — they find you.
If you've never heard a full choir perform in a heritage church setting, this is your weekend to fix that.
What to Expect
The program pairs sacred choral tradition with more theatrically charged contemporary works — an evening designed to move between contemplation and energy, stillness and drama. The OBC's singers bring both technical precision and genuine expressiveness to this kind of repertoire, which means even complex choral textures land with emotional clarity.
Doors open ahead of the 7:30 p.m. start. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in — Knox fills up, and the atmosphere before a concert like this is part of the experience.
Tickets and Details
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa
- Tickets: Available through the Ottawa Bach Choir website
Whether you're a season subscriber saying goodbye to a great year or someone looking for a culturally rich night out in Ottawa this spring, Sacred and Profane delivers exactly the kind of evening this city does so well — world-class music in a beautiful space, just minutes from your door.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
