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The Bel Canto Singers of Fredericton welcome the Foothills Brass Quintet of Alberta and a choir of local singers in a concert titled In Celebration.

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Time to celebrate: The Bel Canto Singers will perform tonight at St. Paul’s United Church. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Highlights of the evening include selections from the powerful Israel in Egypt by George Frideric Handel and music by Heinrich Schultz along with favourites by J. S. Bach, James Erb and Aaron Copland.

This will be the last appearance of the Bel Canto Singers' long-time conductor, Dr. Timothy G. Cooper, in front of the choir and this gala evening will celebrate his more than 20 years with the Bel Canto Singers.

They are pulling out all the stops. The mood of the music ranges from intimate selections for the Bel Canto Singers alone to the grand and glorious for two choirs, brass quintet, organ and soprano solo, all chosen to take full advantage of the beautiful and resonant St. Paul's United Church.

Highlights of the evening include selections from the powerful Israel in Egypt by George Frideric Handel and music by Heinrich Schultz along with favourites by J. S. Bach, James Erb and Aaron Copland.

Israel in Egypt is seldom heard due to its demanding orchestration, calling for two choirs and brass instruments, but it contains the qualities of harmony and beauty that led Beethoven to call Handel "the greatest composer who ever lived."

With guest appearances by many musical friends of Bel Canto, including New Brunswick soprano soloist Sally Dibblee and renowned music expert, organist and choral conductor Dr. Willis Noble.

Foothills Brass is a quintet of versatile and exceptional musicians from all corners of North America. Founded in 1981 in Calgary, this Canadian group is dedicated to exceptional artistic presentation, meaningful educational activities, and innovative leadership in the artistic community.

They are making a special effort during their time in the Maritimes to perform with the Bel Canto Singers.

Among the quintet is Rosalee Morrison of Moncton who plays the french horn.

She began her horn studies at Mount Allison University, with many summers spent at the Banff Centre for the Arts.

She has played professionally with orchestras in Halifax, Winnipeg and Calgary, and has toured with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

She loves the brass quintet repertoire because of its versatility in musical styles, and the challenging interplay between solo and ensemble skills.

The show gets underway at 7:30 p.m.