Canada has always been associated with outstanding musical acts. Alanis Morrisette, Sarah McLachlan, and The Barenaked Ladies all hail from our wonderful neighbor to the north. On the classical circuit, Les Violons du Roy is a small but popular Canadian ensemble, known for its expressive interpretations of chamber orchestra music. This Thursday night, it will join American countertenor David Daniels for an evening of popular Baroque pieces.

Founded in 1984 by artistic director Bernard Labadie, the fifteen members of Les Violons du Roy have taken on a variety of chamber music projects. Borrowing their name from the celebrated string orchestra of the court of French kings, the musicians aim for accurate historical interpretations of Baroque and Classical music. Though they play on modern instruments, they are highly influenced by performance practice of the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Their enormous recognition, both from critics and audiences alike, is perhaps testament to their deft ability at handling the classics. In Canada, Les Violons du Roy is at the pinnacle of the music scene in Quebec City. Since 1988, the ensemble has performed over ninety times in France, Spain, Germany and the United States. One of its most successful tours was that of Handel"s "Messiah," performed in Toronto and Montreal in 1997-99. The group"s contract with Dorian recordings has also yielded four JUNO nominations.

The highlights of Thursday"s performance are sure to be Vivaldi"s "Nisi Dominus, RV 68," and J.S. Bach"s "Cantata: Ich habe genug, BWV 82." These selections will be accompanied by David Daniels, who is quickly becoming one of the most highly-praised opera singers in the world. Daniels, who completed his graduate work at the University"s School of Music, is known for the warmth of his voice, superior tone, and magnetic stage presence.

Named as Musical America"s 1999 Vocalist of the Year, Daniels" tour with Les Violons du Roy is only a small part of his busy 2000-01 season. While known for his interpretations of Handel"s works, particularly his song recital singing with University faculty pianist Martin Katz, he is excited to be performing his first Bach cantata. "It"s really thrilling," Daniels said.

Already quite accomplished early in his career, Daniels has high hopes for the future of his singing and the countertenor repertoire. "I want to make the choice of when to stop singing, not for my voice to make the choice for me, and to continue what I"m doing," Daniels said. "New music written for the countertenor is really important for the voice type to continue to evolve and change so it doesn"t become a fad, but something that lasts."