EVENTS
City Opera Vancouver presents Voices from the African Diaspora
City Opera Vancouver (COV) shines a spotlight on the profound contributions of Black composers to the world of classical music in Voices from the African Diaspora, November 28, 2024, at the Annex (833 Seymour) at 7:30pm. Featuring celebrated Canadian mezzo-soprano Catherine Daniel and COV Artistic Director Gordon Gerrard at the piano, the recital celebrates the richness, resilience, and artistry of Black composers, taking audiences on a musical journey through the works of composers whose voices echo the vibrant and diverse living legacy of African heritage and culture. The evening will include a stunning selection of pieces by Maria Thompson Corley, Carmen Brouard, Rosephayne Powell, Édourard J. Woolley, and Lena J. McLin, whose compositions weave together deep cultural roots, powerful narratives, and unique perspectives. Tickets and information: cityoperavancouver.com
(The Annex, 833 Seymour, Nov. 28)
Elektra presents The Light of Hope Returning
Elektra's "The Light of Hope Returning" features a folk-inspired oratorio, merging gospel, jazz, and bluegrass to celebrate winter and Christmas. Enhanced by Kevork Mourad's original video art, it's an immersive holiday must-see.
(Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave, Vancouver, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m & Dec. 1, 4:00 p.m)
Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble: Holidays
HOLIDAYS
Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Not just Christmas you understand. This show will cover lots of territory regardless of origins, philosophy, ethnicity or creed.
ABOUT PACIFIC SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE
The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble is a 45 piece band made up of highly skilled musicians in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, BC. PSWE aspires to present the best performances of modern wind band music through our regular four concert season. Formed in 1981 by Maurice Backun, and currently conducted by Music Director David Branter, PSWE is based in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia. The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble boasts many of the area’s finest wind and percussion musicians. The group consists of professional musicians, dedicated music educators, and outstanding amateur players. From its inception, PSWE has worked with composers, conductors and soloists to perform new and unusual works, in addition to classics of the wind ensemble repertoire. PSWE has become internationally known for its musical excellence.
TICKETS: ADULTS $30 | SENIORS/STUDENTS: $20 | Under 12: $12
Contact our Box Office for more information and ways to save!
BOX OFFICE: 604.927.6555 | Open Monday – Saturday, 12 – 5PM
This is a co-presentation organized by Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m)
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACH CHOIR
Start the holiday season on a high note with the Vancouver Bach Choir’s cherished annual tradition. Christmas with the Bach Choir invites families to a heartwarming afternoon brimming with carols and festive cheer. Enjoy a sing-along with holiday classics and seasonal favorites, with accompaniment from the choir, pianists, and other performers.
(The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, Dec. 8)
Arts Whistler Live! presents: O Come All Ye Soulful
Back by popular demand! Join two award-winning powerhouses—vocalist Dawn Pemberton and bassist/bandleader Jodi Proznick—along with an all-star band for a joyful, soulful twist on your favourite holiday classics.
Get ready to sing your hearts out to timeless tunes made famous by legends like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, John Legend, Donny Hathaway, Otis Redding, Darlene Love, Vince Guaraldi, and more!
Don’t miss this holiday celebration with Western Canadian Music Award winners Dawn Pemberton (vocals), Jodi Proznick (bass), and trumpet player Chris Davis (Sharon Jones, Jon Batiste, John Legend). It’s a soulful, festive experience you won’t want to miss!
(Maury Young Arts Centre, Whistler, Dec. 12)
Universal Gospel Choir presents Soul for the Season
Universal Gospel Choir (UGC) is excited to announce Soul for the Season, the first concert of its historic 40th anniversary season! To celebrate this milestone season, UGC welcomes special guest Warren Dean Flandez, the Juno nominated and multi award-winning Canadian gospel and R&B artist, known for his powerful stage presence and soul-stirring voice. Together they will create an unforgettable concert experience that celebrates four decades of musical excellence. Expect to be moved by a mix of traditional gospel music, soulful holiday classics, and stirring performances that speak to the heart of the season.
(Canadian Memorial United Church, Vancouver, Dec. 13, 8:00 p.m & Dec. 14, 3:00 p.m & 7:00 p.m)
Rehearsal Hall Sessions: Matthew Presidente's Rainbow Tree
MATTHEW PRESIDENTE’S RAINBOW TREE
The celebrated Vancouver pianist/singer/songwriter brings his colourful new musical performance – Rainbow Tree – to Evergreen Cultural Centre this holiday season. A seasoned, queer-themed musician, Matthew shares his songs and stories in an uplifting musical journey that navigates the complexities of identity, love, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from iconic musicians such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and David Bowie, the show features songs from Matthew’s new album ‘Chosen Sun’, put into the context of queer history to tell a wonderful story of queer empowerment.
With catchy songs and poignant moments of introspection, “Rainbow Tree” explores themes of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. Featuring musical guests who represent different aspects of the queer experience, “Rainbow Tree” is a joyful celebration of diversity. Don’t miss this special musical performance that will be sure to touch the hearts of audiences, leaving them feeling inspired and uplifted.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Vancouver’s piano man, Matthew Presidente is a bold rock/pop songwriter. Whether performing solo or with his full band, the high energy piano-based performer connects with the crowd through passionate performances.
Referred to as “one of — if not — the best singer/songwriters our LGBT scene has” by Xtra Magazine (Vancouver), Matty left his career to pursue music full-time in 2022 – he released 5 singles, toured BC, and recently received a Creative BC Career Development grant. In 2023 alone, he performed over 100 shows, including notable venues The Fox, The Chapel, The Shipyards and The Hollywood. He has been enthusiastically recognized on Pride stages across the province. He co-wrote/performed a musical, ‘Pretty Package Piano Bar’, for Kelowna Fringe with drag artists Toddy and Ella Lamaroux as well as a touring production supported by Heritage BC titled ‘Unicorns Reawakened’.
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE:
Adults & Seniors: $25 | Students: $16
BOX OFFICE: 604.927.6555 | Open Monday – Saturday, 12 – 5PM
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, Dec. 14, 8:00 p.m)
The Nadeau Ensemble: A Prairie Christmas
THE NADEAU ENSEMBLE: A PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS
Vancouver Harpist Janelle Nadeau has earned fans across the country with her magnetic solo performances, which draw from a diverse repertoire of classical, Celtic, original, and contemporary tunes. Warm and funny, Janelle is just as engaging a presence between songs as she is performing them. For A Prairie Christmas, she will be joined by other members of The Nadeau Ensemble for a lovely and memorable evening of holiday-themed music.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Whether she’s performing at a soft-seater concert hall or at an intimate solo show at a palliative care home, Vancouver harpist Janelle Nadeau has built a career on versatility.
Janelle has earned fans across the country with her magnetic solo performances, which draw from a diverse repertoire of classical, Celtic, original, and contemporary tunes. Warm and funny, Janelle is just as engaging a presence between songs as she is performing them.
Lending her innovative approach to the harp to a variety of orchestras, ensembles and organizations, Janelle keeps a rigorous performance schedule. In addition to her current role as acting principle harpist with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, she regularly performs with Vancouver’s Turning Point Ensemble.
She has taken the stage with everyone from Diana Krall and Kanye West to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She has toured with the Manitoba Arts Network, Home Routes, Celebrity Cruises, and the National Youth Symphony of Canada, and has performed at the World Harp Congress as well as the American Harp Society Conference. And you will still find her on Vancouver’s smaller stages — she continues to play regular weekly gigs all over the city. Her musicianship has been recognized on the competitive circuit as well. She has won both first and second place in the Winnipeg Women’s Musical Club Competition, and was a regional finalist in CBC’s annual Searchlight competition (B.C. division). Upon her graduation from the prestigious Harp Performance Program at the University of British Columbia in 2008, Janelle spent a decade touring across Western Canada with the acclaimed Celtic, medieval, and classical music group Winter Harp, whose performances have become Christmastime tradition for many.
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE:
Adult $41 | Senior: $37 | Student: $16
BOX OFFICE: 604.927.6555 | Open Monday – Saturday, 12 – 5PM
Save big on our Variety & Music Series performances with a Sampler Pack Subscription!
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m)
Holiday Singalong
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with PHT's Holiday Singalong!
Come gather around for a festive singalong of holiday favourites! Bring your family, friends, and loved ones all together for an unforgettable night of music and merriment. We’ll bring the song sheets, you bring your voices, and together we’ll make some holiday cheer. A casual and warm embrace of the songs of the season.
(Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, Dec. 17 - 21)
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Chor Leoni ushers in the holiday season with its annual treasured tradition, Christmas with Chor Leoni, December 19 at 7:30pm, December 20 at 5pm & 8pm, and December 21 at 2pm, 5pm & 8pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United (1022 Nelson St). Nestled in the warmth and beauty of one of Vancouver’s most striking historic venues, audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season through Chor Leoni’s beloved signature program of cherished melodies, modern carols, and reimagined folk classics - including O Come Emmanuel, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard On High, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Ron Sexsmith’s Maybe This Christmas, and many more. Chor Leoni will be joined by musical guests Tina Chang and Karen-Lee Morlang on piano, Cameron Wilson on violin, Laurence Mollerup on bass, and Keith Sinclair on guitar. For tickets and information, visit chorleoni.org
(St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, 1022 Nelson Street, Dec. 19 - 21)
WINTER HARP
Saturday, December 21 at 3:00PM
Sunday, December 22 at 3:00PM
Approx. 120 minutes plus 15 minute intermission.
For over 30 years, one of the most beloved holiday concerts, Winter Harp, has taken audiences on a journey deep into the heart of Christmas and deep into the heart of Winter. Glorious music and song combine with festive stories in a medieval setting to wrap you snugly in the Christmas spirit.
(The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Dec. 21 - 22)
QuiRING In The New Year
QUIRING IN THE NEW YEAR
The Quiring Chamber Players
An annual (and usually sold-out) tradition at Evergreen, Quiring Chamber Players (Reg Quiring & Rosemary O’Connor) bring together special guest musicians for a new Chamber Music concert each year to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Complete with sparkling wine and dessert with the audience, it is a magical evening of music.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Host Reg Quiring has performed as principal violist of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Quebec Symphony and Vancouver Symphony. He often performs as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician in concert and on CBC radio. As a chamber musician, Reg has performed in the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival, Vancouver New Music Ensemble, Standing Wave Ensemble, Vetta Chamber Players, Turning Point Ensemble and Quiring Chamber Players. Reg and his wife, Rosemary O’Connor, are the Davidsbündler Duo and as such have recorded a CD of works for viola and piano and given concerts in many parts of British Columbia. He and his sister, Angela Goddard, founded and co-direct the Quiring Chamber Music Camp for young musicians, now in its 18th year. Reg has served on the music faculty at UBC and the Vancouver Academy of Music, and currently teaches at the Quiring Chamber Music School in Coquitlam. Reg studied violin with Lise Elson and viola with Donald McInnes at the University of Southern California, and studied viola at the University of British Columbia with Gerald Stanick. Reg is the Artistic Director of the Coquitlam Youth orchestra at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Pianist Rosemary O’Connor is an avid chamber musician who collaborates regularly with members of the VSO and Opera orchestras and co-produces at the Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Chamber Music Series. In this capacity she has performed with guest artists such as Ian Swensen, Anita Krause, Dale Barlthrop , Francois Houle, Andy Dawes, Catherine French, and members of the St. Lawrence Quartet. Rosemary has performed solo and chamber music concerts in the US, Canada, and Europe. Other concerts include Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, Music at the Vinyards in Napa Valley, Pender Harbor, Chintimini Chamber Music Festival in Oregon, Sundays at 4 from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Rosemary currently teaches at the VSO School of Music and at her home studio in Coquitlam. For the past eight years she has been the Director of the Quiring Chamber Music Camp which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE:
Adult $51 | Senior: $44 | Student: $16
BOX OFFICE: 604.927.6555 | Open Monday – Saturday, 12 – 5PM
Save big on our Variety & Music Series performances with a Sampler Pack Subscription!
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m)
International Guitar Night
For its 25th annual tour, Brian Gore has assembled a lineup of 3 exciting new guitarists making their debuts to join one of IGN’s all-time favourites. LULO REINHARDT (Germany) is well known to IGN audiences. The grand-nephew of legendary Django Reinhardt, Lulo plays Latin Swing music. ALEXANDRA WHITTINGHAM (Britain) is a dynamic classical guitarist with a repertoire ranging from the classics to contemporary composers. NIWEL TSUMBU (Democratic Republic of The Congo) has kept his unique Congolese percussive style alive over the past twenty five years living in Ireland. SÖNKE MEINEN (Germany) is a leading Contemporary Fingerstyle guitarist, mixing the incredible dexterity of his high-speed compositions with sensitive ballads.
(Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, Feb. 1, 2025)
Countermeasure
Smooth harmonies. Joyful performances. Infectious energy. A next-level a cappella experience. Countermeasure features 13 of Canada’s top vocal talents performing innovative arrangements of pop favourites, jazz standards and original compositions in a dramatic show that entertains audiences around the world.
(The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, Mar. 15, 2025, 8:00 p.m)
