Season: 2026-2027

Pre-concert Talk at 2:15pm He’s that rare kind of musician who could play a cardboard box and make it sing. — The Guardian (Timothy Ridout) We’re thrilled to close out our season with these two bright lights! Timothy Ridout made a huge impression on the VRS audience at his Canadian debut in 2023. The former…

Pre-concert Talk at 2:15pm A pianist of magisterial elegance, power, and insight. — New York Times We have watched with pride the soaring career of Leif Ove Andsnes in the years since he made his Canadian debut on our series at the tender age of 22. These days he has ascended into the pantheon of…

Pre-concert Talk at 6:45pm The dynamic Dutch brothers return after their spellbinding, sold-out VRS debut in 2020. With their energetic, almost symbiotic playing, Lucas and Arthur Jussen are among the most sought-after piano duos of our time. Taught by the great Maria João Pires, their refinement of sound and gripping interpretations are praised vigorously by…

Pre-concert Talk at 2:15pm Unbearably moving — The Times (Benjamin Appl) After his stunning appearances in our 3-concert Schubert Affair in the 2025-26 Season, baritone Benjamin Appl returns to the VRS. This time he will partner with another VRS alum, accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, a genre-defying and boundary-crossing artist who has redefined what her instrument can…

Pre-concert Talk at 2:15pm We just can’t seem to get enough of this Uzbek piano wonder, who has been a VRS favourite ever since he made his electrifying debut on our stage in 2012. Celebrated for his “magic touch” (The Times), Behzod’s phenomenal technique, flair, and energetic performances have earned him legions of fans. From…

Pre-Concert Talk at 2:15pm Our relationship with Paul Lewis is quite special. He has performed on the VRS stage more frequently than any other performer, going back to the early days of the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival. Paul has given memorable performances of the complete cycles of Beethoven and Schubert Piano Sonatas and he returns…

Pre-Concert Talk at 2:15pm Our relationship with Paul Lewis is quite special. He has performed on the VRS stage more frequently than any other performer, going back to the early days of the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival. Paul has given memorable performances of the complete cycles of Beethoven and Schubert Piano Sonatas and he returns…

Nikolaj Busk, piano & accordionRune Tonsgaard Sørensen, violinAle Carr, cittern They’re world class. Now the world needs to hear them. — Sing Out Dreamers’ Circus has become one of the most acclaimed and adventurous acoustic bands to emerge from Scandinavia. The talented trio includes a face that will be familiar to VRS audiences – violinist…

Post-performance Talk Back His playing is simply extraordinary. — The Atlanta Journal Constitution (Juho Pohjonen) These two award-winning soloists have demanding international careers, playing to packed houses and captivating audiences around the world. In recent years they have found the time to partner for chamber music appearances at renowned festivals and in select cities around the…

CANADIAN DEBUT Post-performance Talk Back Her glistening beauty of tone is a constant pleasure. — Gramophone Daring virtuosity and a gloriously free spirit are among the attributes with which 19-year-old Chloe Chua has won critical plaudits and audience ovations. The Singaporean violinist began playing at just 4 years of age, and captured international attention when…