Ensemble vocal Arioso

Ensemble vocal Arioso

Ensemble vocal Arioso. Quartet of men's voices created in Montreal in March 1980 on the occasion of a lunch-time concert at the PDA. Including tenors David Doane and Albert Huibers, baritone (and artistic director) Pierre Mollet and bass Gaston Germain, the ensemble performs with and without instrumental accompaniment. Suzanne Blondin is the regular accompanist of the group.

There were many such ensembles, often called Liedertafel, in the 19th century, but they are rather uncommon nowadays. This explains why the ensemble favours an unusual repertoire of works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Poulenc, among other classical composers. It also programs early and contemporary pieces, including some by Canadian composers such as Claude Champagne and Jacques Faubert, who has written two psalms for the ensemble. In addition to secular works, Arioso also performs sacred music, and songs from the Canadian folklore. In Quebec, it has appeared at the Festival international de Lanaudière, in Quebec City, Sutton and Boucherville. It has been heard on CBC radio and an LP of Schubert Lieder (SNE 534) was released in 1987.