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YUJA WANG

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This prodigiously talented young musician’s life is a whirlwind of appearances at all the major concert halls of the world with the most prestigious orchestras and conductors. We welcome Musical America’s 2016 Musician of the Year back to the VRS after an absence of 10 years.

GALUPPI: Sonata No. 5 in C major, i. Andante
BACH: Toccata in C minor, BWV 911
BRAHMS: Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 116, No. 2
CHOPIN: Mazurka, Op. 67, No. 4
BRAHMS: Intermezzo in E Minor, Op. 119, No. 2
CHOPIN: Mazurka, Op. 30, No. 4
BRAHMS: Intermezzo in C-sharp minor, Op. 117, No. 3
CHOPIN: Mazurka, Op. 68, No. 3
BRAHMS: Romance in F major, Op. 118, No. 5
SCRIABIN: Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp major, Op. 30
RAVEL: Miroirs No. 3, “Une Barque sur l’océan”
BERG: Sonata, Op. 1
MOMPOU: Impressions íntimes No. 8, “Secreto”
SCRIABIN: Sonata No. 5, Op. 53

“I’m thrilled to congratulate the Vancouver Recital Society on the celebration of their 40thAnniversary Season. Like so many of my colleagues, I am fortunate to have shared my music making with the great Vancouver audiences. Bravo VRS. Here’s looking to 40 more!” — Yuja Wang

 

VRS Subscribers enjoy priority access and save up to 20% on single tickets.

By May 17 –Save 20%                      After May 17 –Save 15%

A       $70                                                      $75
B       $60                                                      $64
C       $44                                                      $47
D       $34                                                      $36
E       $21                                                      $23

 

 

Concert sponsor:

 

 

 

 

Supported by:

 

The Chan Endowment Fund
at the University of British Columbia

 

 

There is limited Ru35 inventory for Yuja Wang’s concert and, as a result, Ru35 tickets are limited to one per order. For the best available seats, call our Box Office at 604-602-0363.

 

 

DORIC STRING QUARTET

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Not since the days of the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival have we had the privilege of bringing artists together for the first time to make music together. These musicians are well known to and loved by VRS audiences, and we look forward to the energy and synergy this will bring to their performance.

SIBELIUS: Quartet in D minor, “Voces Intimae”, Op. 56
HAMELIN: Piano Quintet
DVOŘÁK: Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81

 

“Playing for the Vancouver Recital Society all these years has been a pleasure that has just gotten better and better, time after time! I just love the series, what Leila Getz has done with it, and the eagerness of her audiences to experience anything it has to offer. I especially like the fact that these concerts showcase seasoned artists as well as promising newcomers. The series is one of the jewels of the city’s musical life, and may it last for at least another 40 years!” — Marc-André Hamelin

“It is always a delight to perform for the VRS – it was one of our most important debut concerts and to feel the support of such an important and venerable series was a massive boost to us at an early stage in our career. They seem to have gotten something very right – a series that feels both iconic and glamorous, yet the audience retains an intimacy and warmth that is so wonderfully supportive! Many happy returns!” — Doric String Quartet

 

Learn more about each afternoon’s recital program at our pre-concert talks. Each talk takes place at 2.15pm in Salon A.

 

Concert Sponsor: Anonymous

Supported by:

Z.E.N. TRIO

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Z.E.N. is an acronym of the first name initials of these three talented young artists. Pianist Zhang Zuo (also known as “Zee Zee”) and cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan have both made appearances on our Next Generation Series. They were introduced to violinist Esther Yoo through the BBC’s New Generation Artists Scheme in 2015, and found that they loved performing together as a trio. ‘Zen’ also represents the philosophy with which they approach chamber music making — the forgoing of the self for total togetherness.

SCHUBERT: Notturno in E-flat major, Op. 148
SHOSTAKOVICH: Piano Trio No. 2
BRAHMS: Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8


“I love playing for the VRS. Such warm audiences, great venue, great host — I’m always looking forward to going back!” — Zhang Zuo

“All three of us are greatly looking forward to performing at the VRS.” — Esther Yoo & Narek Hakhnazaryan

 

Learn more about each afternoon’s recital program at our pre-concert talks. Each talk takes place at 2.15pm in Salon A. 

 

Concert Sponsor: The Board of Directors of the Vancouver Recital Society

Supported by:

LUDOVICA RANA

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Italian pianist Beatrice Rana made a memorable debut on our series in 2013, just two years after taking home First Prize at the Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM) at the tender age of 18. Since then, her career has gone from strength to strength. We’re delighted to welcome Beatrice back, this time with her talented younger sister Ludovica on the cello. The sisters have put together a program which they have called “1886”.

BRAHMS:  Sonata for Cello and Piano in F minor, Op. 99
BUSONI: Kleine Suite, Op. 23 BV 215
FRANCK: Sonata in A for Violin and Piano, 1886 arr. for Cello and Piano

“Mille auguri to the Vancouver Recital Society on your 40th anniversary season! I am so honoured to belong to the family of artists who already played for the society and can’t wait to celebrate such an anniversary by returning for another concert. Best wishes and long life to the VRS!” — Beatrice Rana

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: Quesnel Foundation

Supported by:

 

PABLO FERRÁNDEZ

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Brother and sister Pablo and Sara Ferrández were born into a musical family in Madrid. Both are award-winning artists known for their musicality and charisma, and both are forging their own paths in the music world. We’re thrilled that they’ve found time in their respective hectic touring schedules to perform together on our stage.

Canadian debut!

BEETHOVEN: Sonatina for Viola and Cello in C
BEETHOVEN: Duo for Viola and Cello in E flat
J.S. BACH: Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BWV 1010 for Viola
J.S. BACH: Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007 for Cello
J.S. BACH: Inventions for Cello and Viola

“We are very honoured to make our Canadian debut together on this series which discovers young artists at the beginning of their careers.” — Pablo & Sara Ferrández

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: Leon & Leila Getz

Supported by:

 

SCHUMANN QUARTET

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This quartet is very much a family affair, with three German brothers, Mark, Eric, and Ken Schumann, playing alongside Estonian-born violist Liisa Randalu. Those who experience the quartet in performance often remark on the strong connection between its members. The quartet has garnered rave reviews from critics and received the 2016 Newcomer Award at the BBC Music Magazine Awards in London for their recording “Mozart Ives Verdi”. The ensemble’s openness and curiosity may be partly the result of the formative influence exerted on them by teachers such as Eberhard Feltz, the Alban Berg Quartet, or partners such as Menahem Pressler.

Vancouver debut!

MOZART: Quartet in D major, K. 499 “Hoffmeister”
SHOSTAKOVICH: Quartet No. 9 in E-flat major, Op. 117
MENDELSSOHN: Quartet in E minor, Op. 44, No. 2

“It is a great pleasure for us to congratulate the Vancouver Recital Society on its 40th Anniversary. We feel honoured to be part of this important season for the Society and are very much looking forward to sharing our music with the people of Vancouver on March 1st 2020, which will be also our Vancouver debut. Can’t wait to come and play! Many warm greetings from Germany and see you all at the concert!” — Schumann Quartet

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: Lynn Kagan

Supported by:

 

LUCAS AND ARTHUR JUSSEN

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Despite their tender ages (26 and 22 respectively), Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen have been part of the international concert world for years, winning praise from critics and audiences alike. If you were in the audience for their stunning debut with the VSO last season, you’ll understand why there’s such a ‘buzz’ about this duo. A not-to-be missed performance!

BACH/KURTÁG: Selections from the chorale preludes
MENDELSSOHN: Andante & Allegro Brillante, Op. 92 in A major
SCHUBERT: Fantasie in F minor, D. 940
LEO SMIT: Divertimento
RAVEL: “Ma Mère l’Oye”, cinq pièces enfantines
FAZIL SAY: “Night”


“Since we made our debut in Vancouver with the VSO, we are really looking forward to returning to Vancouver. It’s an honour and big pleasure that we can play for the Vancouver Recital Society. Many great pianists have played for the VRS, pianists who we look up to, so we are excited to be part of it.” — Lucas and Arthur Jussen

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: Ann Harding

Supported by:

 

GEORGE AND ANDREW LI

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When Leila discovered the enormously talented (then) 16 year-old George at the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York in 2010, his even younger brother Andrew was in the audience. In chatting with the Li family, it became apparent that Andrew was following in his brother’s footsteps. And here we are, 10 years later, with an internationally acclaimed young pianist and a brother who’s set for a similar career path.

This lovely program is a mix of one piano four hands, piano solo, and two pianos. It offers a unique opportunity to see the artists’ hands… no matter where in the hall your seat is located!

MOZART: Sonata in D major, K. 381 piano four hands
RACHMANINOV: Fantaisie Tableaux for two pianos, Op. 5
LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 (George Li)
DEBUSSY: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune for two pianos
LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 (Andrew Li)
RAVEL: La Valse for 2 pianos

“It is both a thrill and privilege to appear in the Vancouver Recital Society’s 40th Season. The series has been an integral part of my career; it was Leila who heard me play at the YCA auditions when I was 16 and took the risk of inviting me to play in her prestigious series. I’ve also developed strong bonds and relationships with the audience here in Vancouver. Returning with my brother feels like a homecoming of sorts, and I’m very excited to be a part of this very special season.” — George Li

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: The John C. Kerr Family Foundation

Supported by:

 

NIKKI & TIMMY CHOOI

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We can’t think of a more wonderful way to open our 40th Season than by bringing these three illustrious musicians back to our stage. Since the beginning of their careers, Nikki, Timmy, and Angela have been frequent visitors to the VRS and all have a deep connection to our organization. And speaking of “dreams come true”… in the early stages of putting this concert together, Leila had a dream that Marc-André Hamelin wrote a piece especially for the occasion. Enjoy its debut performance!

DEBUSSY: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1917)
SHOSTAKOVICH: 5 Pieces for Two Violins and Piano
HAMELIN: “Reverie” for Two Violins and Piano
CHAMINADE: Theme and Variations, Op. 89 for Piano
FRANCK: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano

“Congratulations, Leila, for your dedication to the Vancouver Recital Society over the past four decades. You have been such an important force in bringing the best artists from around the world for the people in Vancouver. You have also helped cultivate new generations of talent along the way, from within Canada and abroad, introducing them to some of their first professional opportunities to the public. I am grateful to have met you early on in my career (as a teenager, in fact!) and that you have been a supportive voice throughout my many different adventures. I am ecstatic to return to the VRS, this time with my brother, Timothy, and the great pianist, Angela Cheng, to launch its 40th Anniversary Season. It will be a very special event for all of us!” — Nikki Chooi

“Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary, Leila and the VRS!!! I’m so thrilled that you have reached this important and impressive landmark, especially in today’s somewhat troubled times of our classical music world! It just proves that, under the leadership of someone who is passionate, inspiring and devoted, great music can flourish!! I guess what we need to do is to clone you, Leila, and place you everywhere in the world so that there is a bright and promising future for beautiful music. I’m so excited and honoured to not only be a part of your 40th Anniversary season, but to open your season! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait to come play for you!! Congratulations again!!!”
— Angela Cheng

 

Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.

 

Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller

Concert Sponsor: The Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation

Supported by:

MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN

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Since her first appearance for the VRS in 2003, Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has become a major star in the opera and vocal firmament. Although she began her career predominantly committed to the art of the song recital, she now effortlessly embraces the broadest array of performance platforms, musical styles, and genres. For this performance, Measha and Justus will be joined by Vancouver ensemble The Black Dog String Quartet.

“The Vancouver Recital Society, and of course my dear Leila, hold such a special place in my heart – not only do they provide the platform for Vancouver audiences to hear some of the world’s greatest performers but, perhaps even more importantly, they are just as committed to supporting new, young talent and giving such artists an incredible opportunity. Leila is truly one of the world’s visionaries – in her aim to create something so wonderful, she has never lost sight of what matters and the care that she takes and the level of personal dedication is extraordinary. The world needs more organisations like the Vancouver Recital Society and I am both thrilled and honoured to be returning in this 40th Anniversary Season.” — Measha Brueggergosman

PURCELL | BRITTEN | STRAUSS | MONTSALVATGE | A SELECTION OF SPIRITUALS

VRS Subscribers enjoy priority access and save up to 20% on single tickets.

By May 17 –Save 20%            After May 17 –Save 15%

A       $64                                                     $68
B       $52                                                     $55
C       $44                                                     $47
D       $36                                                     $38
E       $20                                                     $21

 

Concert Sponsor:

 

 

 

In Association With:

 


The Chan Endowment Fund
at the University of British Columbia

 

Media Sponsor:

 

 

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