The Ensemble Telemann is a baroque orchestra and a chamber choir whose mission is to promote musical culture, in particular baroque and classical music to the public of Montérégie, including Saint-Lambert through public performances. The Ensemble Telemann brings together professional musicians and singers who specialize in repertoire ranging from the mid-17th century to the end of the 18th century. It was founded in 1992 in Saint-Lambert by Rafik Matta who is its conductor and artistic director and recipient of the 2014 Lambertois Prize for Culture.
The group performed regularly in the greater Montreal area and performed a large number of instrumental and vocal works, many of which were presented for the first time in Montreal or in North America. In addition, Saint-Lambert was also the only city in Montérégie where two large-scale works were presented for the first time, named Passion selon Saint-Jean by Jean-Sébastien Bach in 2021 and la Création by Joseph Haydn in 2022, a first in Quebec on period instruments. The Ensemble Telemann gives an average of one or two concerts a year. The ensemble has two CDs to its credit: “L’oratorio de Noël de Bach” and “Bach & Purcell” which have earned them critical acclaim.
