DANIEL LICHTI BASS-BARITONE
Daniel Lichti’s extreme straightforwardness as a singer should in no way be seen as a shortcoming. His warm, smoothly produced and sympathetic baritone is an attractive natural instrument, and one which the artist puts intelligently at the service of the music he sings.
Urjo Kareda – Classical Music Magazine
Acclaimed as one of Canada’s finest concert and oratorio singers, Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti continues to perform worldwide. Since beginning his career at the 1974 Stratford Festival, he has bowed with the Canadian Opera Company, at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, L’Opéra de Montréal, Opéra de Québec, Opera Atelier, Edmonton Opera and Opera Hamilton. Mr. Lichti has been a frequent performer with Toronto’s Opera in Concert, sings regularly at several North American Choral Festivals, and his concerts have been heard on the CBC, BBC, and NPR networks. From 1998 – 2017 he served as Associate Professor and Coordinator of Voice for the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.\
Highlights of past seasons include a Proms Concert at Royal Albert Hall in a premiere performance of Libby Larsen’s I It Am (a co-commission by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and the BBC), the world premiere of Ruth Fazal’s deeply moving Oratorio Terezin in Toronto, performances with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem of Bach’s Mass in B minor at King’s College, the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Usher Hall in Edinburgh, at St. Albans Organ Festival, the Hercules Saal in Munich as well as at the Kennedy Center and at Carnegie
Hall in celebration of the Centenary of its first North American performance. Concerts and an acclaimed video recording with Bach specialist Helmuth Rilling and the Bach Akademie of Stuttgart, as well as concerts with the Bach Aria Group and the Washington Bach Consort are also among his credits.
Mr. Lichti has been a frequent guest artist at major North American Bach Festivals, notably The Bach Festival in Bethlehem, PA, the Carmel Bach Festival, Baldwin-Wallace Festival in Berea, Ohio, Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival and the Oregon Bach Festival. In 2012 he appeared with the Tilford Bach Society in England for their Diamond Jubilee. He has performed in concert with the Symphony Orchestras of San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Vancouver, Cleveland, Edmonton, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Kitchener-Waterloo and Newark; with Boston’s Handel & Haydn Society, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Canadian Chambre Ensemble, Theatre of Early Music, Philharmonia Baroque of San Francisco, Les Violons du Roy and Tafelmusik.
A popular recitalist and acclaimed Lieder singer, Mr. Lichti has sung Schubert’s Winterreise at Washington’s National Gallery, for Festival Canada and for the International Chamber Music Festival in Ottawa, for national broadcast on the CBC, at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in Virginia, for Temple Square Concerts in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Valletta, Malta, in Israel, Paris, and Lyon, France; in Vienna; Hagen, Germany; Victoria, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Quebec City and most recently, St. Petersburg, Russia. His recording of this song cycle with colleague Leslie De’Ath was released by ANALEKTA. A new arrangement of the song cycle, with string quartet, has led to 2019 performances with the Penderecki String Quartet at Wilfrid Laurier University’s annual Quartetfest, at the Elora Festival, and in Toronto.
Known as a lively and highly engaging teacher, Mr.Lichti is often invited to conduct Master Classes. He has been a guest teacher in Valletta, Malta, at Rollins College in Winterpark, Florida, at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, the 2012 Summer Academy of Chamber Music in Osnabrück, the 2013 Institute for European Studies in Vienna, and, in 2014, at Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio as well as at Tapei’s National University of the Arts and the Music Department of Tunghai University in Taiwan. From 2013 to 2019 he was a member of the Faculty at the Académie Internationale de musique de Lyon, and in 2022 he will perform and teach at the Académie Internationale de Musique de Paris, and at Musiktage am Rhein in Neuwied – Engers am Rhein.
Discography: Fans of the many recitals given by Mr. Lichti — together with mezzo soprano Catherine Robbin and pianist Leslie De’Ath — were delighted with their 2010 release of Hugo Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch on ANALEKTA. Earlier recordings by Mr. Lichti
include Songs of Hugo Wolf, nominated for a Juno Award, two recordings of Bach Cantatas and the Mass in B minor with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem (all on the Dorian label), Sony’s The Gift of Messiah, and two CDs of Lieder by Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms with pianist Janina Fialkowska on the Opening Day label. A Centaur Records recording of baroque gems, The Soulful Bach & Telemann, features Mr. Lichti with the American early music ensemble “Olde Friends”. Other recordings with the Ottawa Bach Choir, and a 2009 ANALEKTA release with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem have added to his extensive discography.
Mr. Lichti was featured as one of a panel of four judges and coaches for the second season of the successful Bathroom Divas reality TV series that aired on BRAVO-TV, winning a Gemini Award for Best Human Interest Series. In August 2017 he served on the jury of the International Mozart Competition Berlin.
Recent (pre-Covid) performance highlights include Bach Cantatas with Theatre of Early Music in Toronto, a repeat performance of Zachary Wadsworth’s The Temple along with Bach’s Magnificat with Spiritus Ensemble in Kitchener, the Bass arias in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the Grand Philharmonic Choir and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony under Mark Vuorinen, the world premiere of Ruth Fazal’s Jerusalem with the North Bay Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thomas Jones, the Fauré Requiem at the Notre Dame Basilica in Lyon under Bernard Tétu, and the role of Bartolo in concert performances of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa under Alexander Shelley. A 2020 concert tour of Ruth Fazal’s new oratorio, Ezekiel – Out of Exile to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa has been postponed until pandemic restrictions are lifted.. Mr. Lichti, singing the Voice of God, recorded the oratorio in Bratislava in September 2017. In March 2022, he will return to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to perform with the Bach Choir and Orchestra, and his long-time friend, Artistic Director, Greg Funfgeld.
“From the opening introductory declamation by Elijah, bass-baritone Daniel Lichti in the title role ‘put it all out there’. His voice boomed; he had come ready to make his Elijah one to be remembered. For Lichti to step in at the last moment and perform with such authority was extraordinary.”
David Richards,Toronto Concert Reviews, November 7, 2016
“Winterreise was originally written for a tenor voice but is now part of the baritone repertoire and Lichti did not disappoint. His delivery was powerful and flawless. During the softer, sadder moments he had control beyond reproach and sang with impassioned eloquence. There was a youthful embrace of the song that swept the listener into the life of the protagonist. It
was emotional and warm. For the more forceful verses such as “Die Wetterfahne,” Lichti’s voice had a level of ferocity and energy that was nevertheless beautiful and mesmerizing.”
Catherine Musgrove, Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph, September 21, 2016
The title role of Elijah will be performed by bass-baritone Daniel Lichti, a singer whose depth seems limitless. “This is one of Daniel’s signature roles,” said Vuorinen. “He just keeps getting better and better.”
Interview of Mark Vuorinen, Music Director of the Grand Philharmonic Choir, Kitchener, ON, on the launch of the 2015-16 concert season.
Valerie Hill, The Record, April 21, 2015
“Daniel Lichti possède un tel degré d’intimité avec le Winterreise de Schubert que son interprétation s’impose avec une force et une évidence impressionnantes! La maîtrise absolue du texte, de chacune de ses palpitations, le long et respectueux polissage de chaque note, de chaque phrasé, nous entraine comme rarement, sans effet ni pathos inutiles, au cœur même de ce bouleversant chef d’œuvre.”
Xavier Jacquelin, Chargé de l’Action Culturelle et des Relations Internationales
CONSERVATOIRE A RAYONNEMENT REGIONAL DE LYON 2013
“It’s difficult to recall a B-W Bach Festival with more potent or stylish soloists…..As Jesus, bass-baritone Daniel Lichti summoned enormous warmth and majesty as he conveyed the prophet’s mindset during the events leading to death.”
Donald Rosenberg, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, April 15, 2012
“Both Robbin and Lichti along with pianist Leslie De’Ath add a certain elevation to sentiments of romantic exploration in the same way that Wolf transforms the simplicity of the lyric to a more classical standard of high art. The singers, well known for their expertise in this repertoire, imbue the performance with superb tonal quality, warmth and grace.”
Dianne Wells reviews the recording of Hugo Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch (ANALEKTA) for The Wholenote, February 2011
“Lichti, with his warm, gentle vibrato and smooth, soft grain, is in fantastic voice and sings these songs as if he has known them all of his life. Each one is full of musical and dramatic nuance. In “Was für ein Lied”, for example, after singing “What song can I sing that would be worthy of you?” he pleads in hushed tones, “Where can I found one?” It is one of many wonderful moments.”
From the review of Italienisches Liederbuch by Hugo Wolf recorded for ANALEKTA by Neil Crory, in Opera Canada, Winter 2010
“Local favourite bass-baritone Daniel Lichti filled the great hall with stentorian vocal prowess, first as Priest, and later as the Angel of Agony. His parts, while much shorter than the other soloists, played a substantial role, heightening the drama and providing a contrasting male timbre. Lichti sang with conviction and authority, a burnished, solid tone, wonderfully deep and resonating.”
Stephen Preece, for The Record, January 18, 2010
“ Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti has a voice that seems coated with pure silk. He sang with gusto and restraint as the material demanded.”
Fairy Queen, Toronto Masque Theatre at the 2009 Elora Festival
-Brian Hay
“Bach was in good humour when he wrote the bass aria in the fifth movement. A small ensemble featuring a buoyant bassoon and organ accompanies one of the finest oratorio singers around, Canadian Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti.”
Julie Amacher, Minnesota Public Radio, December 23, 2009
Review of new CD by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem for ANALEKTA
“Bach was in good humour when he wrote the bass aria in the fifth movement. A small ensemble featuring a buoyant bassoon and organ accompanies one of the finest oratorio singers around, Canadian Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti.”
Julie Amacher, Minnesota Public Radio, December 23, 2009
Review of new CD by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem for ANALEKTA
“She (Lisette Canton, Ottawa Bach Choir) has gathered a truly exceptional team of soloists—among the best I’ve ever heard. I’ve thrilled to the work of countertenor Daniel Taylor and tenor Benjamin Butterfield in fine recordings from Sony, Koch, and Dorian—they are just as impressive here. Soprano Agnes Zsigovics owns a limpid, emotionally naked instrument; her exquisite “Den Tod” duet with Taylor in the first cantata just about reduced me to tears. Bass Daniel Lichti’s resonant singing is just as affecting. Just wait until you hear his rendition of “Hier ist das Rechte Osterlamm” (same cantata).
American Record Guide, July/August 2009 review of
“Jesu, meine Freude” CD, by Ottawa Bach Choir & Baroque Orchestra/Lisette Canton
“Mr. Lichti’s voice is ideally suited to the interpretation of lieder and he uses it to its maximum effect. What impressed me, apart from the rich resonance of his timbre was his total control and full understanding of each variation in mood.”
KZT, The Times of Malta, November 2009
“While not cloying with sentimentality, the performance by Daniel Lichti and pianist Michael Laus brought out the concentrated, desolate emotional climate and the gloomy mood of the work. A spell was cast on the audience at the beginning of the performance and maintained throughout more than an hour of music.”
Cecilia Xuereb, The Sunday Times, Malta, November 19,2009
“One of the strengths of this new version is how well Lichti captures the mental instability and frustration of the dejected lover. It’s always moving and sometimes gripping in its intensity…this is a sincere labor of love, full of life, intelligence and attention to text.”
Rick Philipps, December 2008 Opera Canada review of Winterreise recording for ANALEKTA
“As Winterreise is surely one of the most remarkable achievements in the art of song … Lichti’s lush and expressive bass baritone is supremely suited to its realization.”
David Olds, DISCoveries Editor, The Wholenote, December 2008
“Lichti delivered a very human portrait of this troubled, broody and vengeful figure, his robust voice increasingly commanding, his sense of character as clear as his diction.”
Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star, November 6, 2003
“Baritone Daniel Lichti echoed with his oak-solid masculine presence.”
American Record Guide, July/August 2009 review of “Jesu, meine Freude” CD, by Ottawa Bach Choir & Baroque Orchestra/Lisette Canton
“Bach was in good humour when he wrote the bass aria in the fifth movement. A small ensemble featuring a buoyant bassoon and organ accompanies one of the finest oratorio singers around, Canadian Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti.”
Julie Amacher, Minnesota Public Radio, December 23, 2009
Review of new CD by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem for ANALEKTA
“Bass-baritone Daniel Lichti has a voice that seems coated with pure silk. He sang with gusto and restraint as the material demanded.”
Stephen Preece, The Record
“…the linear clarity of baritone Daniel Lichti (who earlier in the “Confutatis” was at his resonant, vehement best) to open the “Lacrymosa” was most moving.”
Toronto Star, July 26, 2005
“I can’t say enough about the music-making on this disc. It’s technically brilliant playing and singing offered with love and humility. Lichti is in great form…the whole recording is a delicate and graceful gift from a group of thoughtful souls.”
Larry Beckwith, Wholenote DISCoveries , May 1, 2004 review of The Soulful Bach and Telemann, Centaur Records
“Lichti, singing more eloquently than I have ever heard him, filled his Elijah with conviction, passion and tenderness, pathos and power. His great aria It is enough was heartbreaking.”
Ken Winter, The Globe and Mail, November 7, 2003
Repertoire
Bach, J. S.
Magnificat
Christmas Oratorio
Easter Oratorio
Mass in B minor
Johannes Passion, Arias and Christus
Matthäus Passion, Arias and Christus
Solo Cantatas BWV Nos. 56, 82, 158, 203
Extensive list of other Cantatas, too numerous to post
Beethoven
Symphony No. 9
Christus am Ölberge
Berlioz
L’Enfance du Christ
Roméo et Julliete
Bloch
Sacred Service
Brahms
Ein Deutsches Requiem
Vier Ernste Gesänge (orchestrated by Malcolm Sargent)
Britten
War Requiem
Bruckner
Te Deum
Burckhard
Die Versuchung Jesus, op. 44
Duruflé
Requiem
Elgar
Dream of Gerontius
The Apostles
Fauré
Requiem
Fazal, Ruth
Oratorio Terezin
Handel
Israel in Egypt
Messiah
Samson
Saul
Solomon
Haydn
Die Schöpfung
Nelson Messe
Nicolai Messe
Jahreszeiten
Ibert
Chansons de Don Quichotte
Mahler
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen
Kindertotenlieder
Symphony No. 8
Rueckert Lieder
Mendelssohn
Elijah
Die Erste Walpurgisnacht
St. Paul
Mozart
Coronation Mass
Grand Mass in C minor
Requiem
Rossini
Stabat Mater
Schubert
Masses in A major, C major, G major,
Stabat Mater
Stravinsky
Oedipus Rex
Vaughan Williams
Dona Nobis Pacem
Fantasia on Christmas Carols
Five Mystical Songs
Songs of Travel
Verdi
Requiem
Zachary Wadsworth
The Temple
Press Kit
Gallery
Sound Gallery
Upcoming Concerts
June 16, 2019, 3 p.m., concert with “Guys Who Sing” at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Ontario.
July 30, 2019, 8 p.m., Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, at Basilique de Fourvière, conducted by Bernard Tétu, Festival de l’Académie Internationale d’été de musique de Lyon 2019.
July 31, 2019, 8:30 p.m., Grand Salon de l’Hôtel de Ville, Lyon, in recital with members of the Faculty of the Académie Internationale d’été de musique de Lyon.
Representation for Asia and Europe:
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