Blog Archives

POST-PERFORMANCE TALKBACK

This remarkable young British violist won the Lionel Tertis Viola Competition and, most recently, the 2023 Young Artist’s Award of the Royal Philharmonic Society. Timothy was a BBC New Generation Artist in 2019 and was the recipient of a Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship in 2020. He played for us in a recorded Virtually VRS concert which we shared during the pandemic, and which can still be viewed on our YouTube channel. We are thrilled to welcome him in person for his Canadian debut. Pianist Jonathan Ware is a renowned accompanist who is no stranger to our series — he was last here in 2022 with soprano Golda Schultz. 

BRAHMS: Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120
MENDELSSOHN: Viola Sonata in C minor, MWV Q14
CLARA SCHUMANN: Three Romances, Op. 22
FRANCK: Sonata in A major, adapted for viola and piano

“He’s that rare kind of musician who could play a cardboard box and make it sing.”  — The Guardian 

Ticket prices: A: $63 B: $48 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE 

Season sponsor:

Next Generation Artist sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller 

Concert sponsor: Colleen & Nick Filler 

Additional Support: 

POST-PERFORMANCE TALKBACK

Tony made his stunning Vancouver debut on our stage at the Playhouse in 2021. Immediately after that performance we re-engaged him. We had to act quickly because this young Canadian pianist’s career is going from strength to strength. If you missed him last time, make sure you don’t do so again. He is a truly remarkable new talent. 

BACH: ”Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf”, BWV 617 (Arr. Busoni)
LISZT: Bénédiction de Dieu dans la Solitude, S. 173, No. 3
BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein”
BERIO: Wasserklavier (from 6 Encores for piano)
BRAHMS: Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5 

“Tony is a true poet of the keyboard. Expressive and with his own distinct voice, yet elegant and poised.” — Pianist Magazine 

Ticket prices: A: $63 B: $48 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

Season sponsor:

Next Generation Artist sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller 

Concert sponsor: Victor 

Additional Support:

POST-PERFORMANCE TALKBACK

Acclaimed for her expressive abilities and vast repertoire, this Canadian-Macedonian mezzo-soprano is gaining a reputation as “one to watch”. She was a BBC New Generation Artist from 2019-2022 and won first prize at the International Vocal Competition in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Ferrier Loveday Song Prize (Kathleen Ferrier Awards), and was a prize winner at the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) International Auditions. In 2022, she became the recipient of a prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. A prolific recitalist, Ema has performed at the Pierre Boulez Saal and Konzerthaus Berlin, and at London’s Wigmore Hall. She will be accompanied by Canadian pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin, “a musician-pianist: fluent, multi-faceted and tonally seductive” (BBC Music Magazine). 

Franz Schubert

Im Frühling D. 882
Dass sie hier gewesen D. 775
Herbst D. 945
Der Unglückliche D. 713

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

The Seasons, Op. 37b

VI. June

Margaret Bonds                                                                            

Songs of the Seasons

Poème d’Automne
Winter Moon
Young Love in Spring
Summer Storm

Claude Debussy                                                                            

Images oubliées, L.87 

I. Lent

Ariettes Oubliées, L. 60

I. C’est l’extase langoureuse
II. Il pleure dans mon coeur
III. L’ombre des arbres
IV. Chevaux de Bois
V. Green (Aquarelle I)
VI. Spleen (Aquarelle II)

Nikolai Medtner

Twilight, Op. 24 No. 4
Sleeplessness, Op. 37 No. 1

Nicolas Slonimsky                                                                        

Five Advertising Songs

Utica Sheets and Pillowcases
Pillsbury Bran Muffins
Vauv Nose Powder
Children Cry for Castoria
Make This a Day of Pepsodent

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“A true rising star.” — Classic FM 

Ticket prices: A: $63 B: $48 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

Next Generation Artist sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller 

Concert sponsor: Lynn Kagan

Additional Support: 

CANADIAN DEBUT!

POST-PERFORMANCE TALKBACK

16-year-old Christian Li captured international attention in 2018 when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Menuhin Competition, winning the joint Junior 1st Prize in Geneva, where he play-conducted a movement of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Performing with the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, he also received the Audience Prize and the Composer Award. In 2020, Christian became the youngest artist to sign with Decca Classics. His debut album featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was released in August 2021 gathering five-star reviews. Catch him in his Canadian debut and you’ll be able to say “I heard him when…” 

MOZART: Sonata No. 22 in A major, K. 305
MANUEL DE FALLA: Suite Populaire Espagnole
TARTINI: Sonata in G minor “Devil’s Trill”
GRIEG: Sonata No. 3 in C minor. Op. 45
TCHAIKOVSKY: Valse Sentimentale, Op. 51, No. 6     
TCHAIKOVSKY: Valse Scherzo, Op. 34

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE 

“He brings thrilling virtuosity and myriad colours to Vivaldi’s fast movements and an exquisitely silky cantabile sound to the aria-like slow movements.” — BBC Music Magazine 

Ticket prices: A: $63 B: $48 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

Next Generation Artist sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller 

Concert sponsor: Joyce and Tony

Additional Support: 

Radical artists. Unexpected sound worlds. The Manchester Collective describes itself as “a new kind of arts organisation, built for a fresh and diverse musical world. We create intimate and intense human experiences inspired by the music that we love, for everyone.” Known for experimental programming and daring collaborations, Manchester Collective brings a combination of cutting edge contemporary music and classical masterpieces to diverse audiences. 

Sirocco is pure joy and energy – a great storm of music that celebrates the warmth and diversity of cultural traditions from across the globe. Guest directed and narrated by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, a rapidly rising star who is redefining the parameters of the cello, this program covers everything from outrageous arrangements for solo cello to beloved classics; from a set of original African music to a collection of gorgeous Danish folk songs. When this program toured across the UK and Europe, critics described it as a “deeply moving” and “once in a lifetime experience.” 

“The future has arrived” — Bachtrack 

 READ THE PROGRAM BOOKLET FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

Ticket prices: A: $88 B: $63 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

Concert sponsor: Peter & Hilde Colenbrander

Additional Support: 

The Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation 

This 22-year-old Swedish violinist is establishing himself as a sought-after artist on the international stage, with music-making that leaves both critics and audiences spellbound. “Perfect mastery. An exceptional talent,” observed Le Figaro after a performance at Verbier Festival. For his Vancouver debut, Daniel will be accompanied by Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov, a “master of all he surveys” (The Times, London), and a regular and popular visitor to the VRS stage.

BEETHOVEN: Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 “Kreutzer”
FRANCK: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano
SCHUMANN: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“Lozakovich is a serious artist and demands to be taken seriously; he already plays like one of the greats.” — Hamburger Abendblatt  

Ticket prices: A: $63 B: $48 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

Next Generation Artist sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller 

Concert sponsor: Joyce and Tony

Additional Support: 

PRE-CONCERT TALK AT 6:45PM

Jakub Józef Orliński made quite the impression when he appeared on our series in 2022. It was his Canadian recital debut and he sang to a packed and enthusiastic audience at the Playhouse. His career is now rapidly on the ascent and he is recognized as one of the most vibrant performers on the international concert scene, triumphing in both concerts and recordings, and attracting new followers to the art form (did we mention that he’s a champion breakdancer, too?). Jakub Józef will be joined by Il Pomo d’Oro, an ensemble of outstanding quality in the field of historically informed performance. 

BEYOND

MONTEVERDI: “E pur io torno qui” from L’incoronazione di Poppea
                           Voglio di vita uscir

MARINI: Passacalio from Per ogni sorte di strumento musicale, Op. 22

CACCINI: “Amarilli, mia bella” from Le nuove musiche

FRESCOBALDI: “Così mi disprezzate” from Arie musicali, Book 1

KERLL: Sonata for Two Violins in F major

STROZZI: Cantate, ariette e duetti, Op. 2: L’amante consolato

CAVALLI: “Incomprensibil nume” from Pompeo Magno

PALLAVICINO: Sinfonia from Demetrio

NETTI: “Misero core”…”Si, si, si scioglia si”…”Dolcissime catene” from La Filli

SARTORIO: “La certezza di tua fede” from Antonino e Pompeiano

NETTI: “Quanto più la donna invecchia” and “Son vecchia, patienza” from L’Adamiro

JARZĘBSKI: Tamburetta from Canzoni e concerti

MORATELLI: “Lungi dai nostri cor” from La Faretra smarrita

This concert will be performed without intermission.

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“Orlinski is the real countertenor deal, one of the best I’ve heard on the operatic (or any other) stage.” — Roger Parker, Opera 

Ticket prices: A: $88 B: $74 C: $63 D: $45 E: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

Concert sponsor: Jane Macdonald and Ann Harding 

Additional Support:

Paul Lewis Concert 2, Monday, May 13 at 7.30pm
Paul Lewis Concert 3, Wednesday, May 15 at 7.30pm
Paul Lewis Concert 4, Friday, May 17 at 7.30pm

Vancouver music lovers have been privileged to follow the career of Paul Lewis, a truly great pianist who is renowned for his Schubert performances and recordings. He burst onto the VRS scene in the early 2000’s when he played in our Chamber Music Festival. He has returned to Vancouver many times since then, both as a chamber music performer and a soloist, and has made more appearances for the VRS than any other pianist… which tells you everything you need to know about our high regard for his artistry. 

Paul has been travelling around the globe with his latest Schubert Sonata project, and we are absolutely thrilled that we will get to experience 12 of Schubert’s great Piano Sonatas in 4 concerts. Come and immerse yourself in glorious music performed by one of the world’s most revered Schubert performers.  

Concert 1: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7.30pm
Piano Sonata No. 7 in E-flat major, D. 568
Piano Sonata No. 14 in A minor, D. 784
Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major, D. 850 

“Lewis is one of the best pianists I know for delivering both explosiveness of drama and the kind of melting expressiveness which draws you in, but without losing that inner core of strength which raises Schubert from genteel picturesqueness into an artist of granite stature.” — Music Web International 

Ticket prices: A: $88 B: $63 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount 
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount 
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount 

Season sponsor:

All 4 concerts sponsored by: Elaine Adair

Additional Support: 

Vancouver music lovers have been privileged to follow the career of Paul Lewis, a truly great pianist who is renowned for his Schubert performances and recordings. He burst onto the VRS scene in the early 2000’s when he played in our Chamber Music Festival. He has returned to Vancouver many times since then, both as a chamber music performer and a soloist, and has made more appearances for the VRS than any other pianist… which tells you everything you need to know about our high regard for his artistry. 

Paul has been travelling around the globe with his latest Schubert Sonata project, and we are absolutely thrilled that we will get to experience 12 of Schubert’s great Piano Sonatas in 4 concerts. Come and immerse yourself in glorious music performed by one of the world’s most revered Schubert performers.

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 7.30pm
Piano Sonata No. 15 in C major, D. 840
Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, D. 664
Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D. 845 

“Lewis is one of the best pianists I know for delivering both explosiveness of drama and the kind of melting expressiveness which draws you in, but without losing that inner core of strength which raises Schubert from genteel picturesqueness into an artist of granite stature.” — Music Web International 

Ticket prices: A: $88 B: $63 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount

Season sponsor:

All 4 concerts sponsored by: Elaine Adair

Additional Support: 

Vancouver music lovers have been privileged to follow the career of Paul Lewis, a truly great pianist who is renowned for his Schubert performances and recordings. He burst onto the VRS scene in the early 2000’s when he played in our Chamber Music Festival. He has returned to Vancouver many times since then, both as a chamber music performer and a soloist, and has made more appearances for the VRS than any other pianist… which tells you everything you need to know about our high regard for his artistry. 

Paul has been travelling around the globe with his latest Schubert Sonata project, and we are absolutely thrilled that we will get to experience 12 of Schubert’s great Piano Sonatas in 4 concerts. Come and immerse yourself in glorious music performed by one of the world’s most revered Schubert performers.  

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 7.30pm
Piano Sonata No. 4 in A minor, D. 537
Piano Sonata No. 9 in B major, D. 575
Piano Sonata No. 18 in G major, D. 894 

“Lewis is one of the best pianists I know for delivering both explosiveness of drama and the kind of melting expressiveness which draws you in, but without losing that inner core of strength which raises Schubert from genteel picturesqueness into an artist of granite stature.” — Music Web International 

Ticket prices: A: $88 B: $63 C: $28 

BUY 3 concerts or more and receive a 15% discount
BUY 5 concerts or more and receive a 20% discount
BUY 8 concerts or more and receive a 25% discount

Season sponsor:

All 4 concerts sponsored by: Elaine Adair

Additional Support: