Browsing: Vancouver

Vancouver articles, news, reviews

Legendary Japanese conductor Kazuyoshi Akiyama has passed away at the age of 84. A cornerstone of Vancouver’s classical music scene, Akiyama led the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for over 13 years. Under his leadership from 1972 to 1985, the VSO transitioned from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to the Orpheum, marking a new era of growth, increased ticket sales, and a revitalized sound.  Early Life and Career Born in Japan in 1941, he launched into the world of classical music in 1964 when he made his debut with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. His immediate success earned him the roles of both Music…

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The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra brought Tinseltown glitz and glamour to the Orpheum stage this weekend with Hollywood Rocks, a carefully curated collection of iconic songs from your favourite movies and TV shows. The orchestra was led by Maestro Stuart Chafetz, with Broadway stars Julie Reiber and Bryce Ryness lending their incredible voices.  From the moment Chafetz set foot on stage, the tone for the evening was set: lighthearted, energetic, and, above all else, fun. “Tonight’s show is guaranteed to bring back memories, put a smile on your face, and, hopefully, create some new memories” he prefaced, encouraging the audience to…

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Amidst the bustle of the holiday season, Chor Leoni ushered audience members into the serene atmosphere of St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church for their annual Christmas concert on Dec 19. The space was lit with reds, blues, and purples while golden lanterns hung from the ceiling. The beauty of the church was highlighted under this unique lighting, creating an almost fantasy effect within the large arches. Lighting designer Keagan Elrick had set the stage for the magical evening welcoming Chor Leoni’s largest-ever opening night audience. The first song of the evening was “The Long Night” arranged by founding member, Artistic Director,…

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Vancouver, BC – On November 27, 2024, renowned Canadian soprano Suzie LeBlanc has been awarded France’s prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalière de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet, during a private ceremony in Vancouver. Ms LeBlanc is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to the world of music her deep ties with France and dedication to fostering cultural and linguistic connections between the two countries. Born in Acadia, Suzie LeBlanc’s roots are deeply embedded in the French-speaking world, and her connection to France is part of…

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In March 2025, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) led by Maestro Otto Tausk will embark on a bold national tour, celebrating the creativity of British Columbia musicians and composers alongside world-renowned soloists. This will mark the orchestra’s first visit to Eastern Canada since 2018, and over 100 musicians will be making the journey. “Touring is essential for any world class orchestra,” says VSO Music Director Otto Tausk. “Vancouver can be very proud of presenting one of Canada’s finest orchestras and we can’t wait to share our music outside of our hometown. Besides bringing some of the absolute highlights of the…

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On Tour Barbara Hannigan & Bertrand Chamayou Photo: Luciano Romano Barbara Hannigan & Bertrand Chamayou In celebration of their recent “Messaien” album release, Juno and Grammy Award-winning soprano Barbara Hannigan and pianist Bertrand Chamayou will tour Canada and the U.S. in November and December. The concert opens with Messaien’s Chants de terre et de ciel, rich with complex rhythms and vibrant, vocal colours. In addition, Hannigan and Chamayou will perform Scriabin’s Poème-nocturne, and Vers la flamme alongside John Zorn’s Jumalattaret —a sign cycle using text from Finnish epic poetry. The tour stops in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Ottawa along…

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Life came full circle when acclaimed Acadian soprano Suzie LeBlanc took over the helm of Early Music Vancouver as its newly appointed Artistic and Executive Director in January 2021, returning to the province where she first launched her illustrious, 35-year international career.  “Coming here felt not only like a return to the organization that gave me one of my first professional engagements outside of Montreal, but also an incredible opportunity because so much of the concert season was at a standstill due to the pandemic,” says Order of Canada member LeBlanc, of her bold leap from La Belle Province to…

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New Brunswick Fredericton Frostival Festival Fredericton, January 23 to February 9 www.frostival.ca Montréal Expozine Montréal, November 23 to 24 www.expozine.ca Lumino Montréal, November 28 to March 9 www.quartierdesspectacles.com Festival Noël dans le parc Montréal, December 6 to 31 www.noeldansleparc.com Salon des métiers d’art Montréal, December 12 to 22 www.metiersdart.ca Fête des Neiges de Montréal Montréal, December 26 to March 5 www.parcjeandrapeau.com Igloofest Montréal, January 16 to February 8 www.igloofest.ca Festival classique hivernal Laval, January 31 to February 2 www.osl.ca/festival-classique-hivernal For its 4th edition, the Orchestre symphonique de Laval invites you to its Winter Classical Festival, a three-day musical marathon to…

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MONTRÉAL BOURGIE HALL www.sallebourgie.ca Located in the heart of downtown, Bourgie Hall of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a must for Baroque music lovers. Nestled in a former heritage church, it provides exceptional acoustics as well as a splendid and intimate setting displaying some twenty Tiffany stained glass windows. In 2024-2025, Bourgie Hall is pleased to welcome the French ensembles Les Talens Lyrique and Près de votre oreille, as well as the renowned Quebec orchestra Les Violons du Roy. Vocal music will also be in the spotlight with prestigious British ensembles such as the Tallis Scholars, Stile Antico,…

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West Early Music Vancouver Dec. 22, Vancouver Under the direction of Alexander Weimann, Early Music Vancouver will present a pairing of “Festive Cantatas” featuring Gloria in excelsis Deo cantata by J.S. Bach and Missa Nativitatis Domini by Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka. www.earlymusic.bc.ca Vancouver Chamber Choir Dec. 12, 13, Vancouver Peace and tranquility is the theme of the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s holiday concert entitled “Christmas by Candlelight.” Under the direction of Kari Turunen, the choir will present a large selection of holiday classics and new works, including Laura Hawley’s Mary called it an angel and the world première of Chris…

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