Christine Azad - Artistic Director Emeritus

In 1974 Christine Azad moved to Calgary from her native Switzerland where she was a teacher. She obtained an ARCT in 1976. In 1988, with Susan Lyle, she co-founded the Calgary Bach Festival Society.

Her continuo harpsichord playing for the CBF Choir and Orchestra has been a very special commitment. She is the CBFS Orchestra Contractor. This job is a considerable challenge because it consists in selecting musicians who love playing baroque music and are compatible as well. With the help of the baroque bows which were donated to the Bach Orchestra, she hopes to fulfill the dream of having a proper "baroque" Prairie orchestra performing with a fine chamber choir.

Her dedication to Baroque Music has led her to play with several Chamber Music Ensembles, (Entre Amis, Castalia, Euridice Ensemble, Trio D'Accord, Concert Arts Ensemble) as well as main orchestras (Civic Orchestra, Lethbridge & Red Deer Symphonies, Kensington Sinfonia, Festival Chorus, CPO, and Alberta Ballet).

She gives workshops on Baroque Practice Performances, and likes to play the bass viola da gamba for the fun of sharing Consort music with her musical friends in a "Broken Consort". The group gives demonstration concerts in various schools and Jane Austen Societies.

She treasures sharing music, sports and many travels with her husband.