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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

PRE-CONCERT TALK AT 6:45PM

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 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“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 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“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 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“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.  

Friday, May 17, 2024 at 7.30pm
Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958
Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959
Piano Sonata No. 21 B-flat major, D. 960 

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

“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: 

CANADIAN DEBUT!

Since his debut with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Proms in 2017, Turkish cellist Jamal Aliyev has become one of the most sought-after cellists of his generation. He is championed by one of Turkey’s most outstanding and celebrated musicians, pianist/composer Fazil Say, who is touring with Jamal to shine a spotlight on his young protégé. A debut not to be missed!

SCHUBERT: Sonata in A minor for Arpeggione and Piano arranged for Cello and Piano, D. 821
FAZIL SAY: Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 41
CÉSAR FRANCK: Sonata for Cello and Piano in A major (1886)

“His musicality is a very rare and pure talent from birth.” — Mstislav Rostropovich

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

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

Series Sponsor:

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

Concert sponsor: Alexandra Volkoff

Additional Support:

GOING FOR GOLD!

Originally slated for our 40^th Anniversary Season, we’ve waited years (and then some!) for Sir András to perform ‘the Goldbergs’ on our stage. Originally written for harpsichord, the Goldberg Variations were first published in 1741 and are named after Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who may have been the first performer of the work.

Going for Gold is a benefit concert; Sir András’s performance will help the VRS set the stage for its next big milestone… our 50th Anniversary Season in 2030. VRS patrons are individually sponsoring variations and we are deeply grateful for all the wonderful support!

J.S. BACH: Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971
J.S. BACH: Overture in French Style in B minor, BWV 831
J.S. BACH: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

“There is nothing more reliable in the world of classical music today than pianist András Schiff playing Bach.” — New York Times

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

READ THE PROGRAM NOTES FOR THIS PERFORMANCE

SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE PLAYHOUSE ON OCTOBER 18

Goldberg Sponsors (listed by variation number):

Aria: Leon & Leila Getz; 1. Mary Jane Mitchell 2. David Harvey & Cecilia Bernabe 3. D. Wendy Lee 4. Helga Murray in memory of Doug Murray 5. Ally Hart 6. the late Christine Dryvynsyde 7. Rob Baker & Holly Sykes 8. Nancy Wu 9. Peter Cass 10. Maryke Gilmore 11. David McMurtry 12. Richard & Barbara Bergstrom 13. Mark Allison & Stephanie Holmquist 14. Anthony & Kim George 15. Stephen Gauer 16. Stephen Schachter & Nancy Stern 17. Kim Floeck 18. Linda A. Wong 19. Susan & Robert Lim 20. Anonymous 21. Gloria Wong & Cameron McGill 22. Karen Shuster 23. Wilfrid & Sally Mennell 24. Bill & Risa Levine 25. Myron Story & Larry Clausen 26. Christine L. Shiner 27. Michael & Brenda O’Keefe 28. Christopher Kin Ming Wong & Yee Cheng Leong 29. Ric & Lynda Spratley 30.Tsuyoshi, Tomoko & Toshiko Shibano Aria (return): Martha Lou Henley

Supported by: