Vancouver's Classical Music Scene Shines During the Holiday Season

The holiday season in Metro Vancouver is a time of joy and celebration, and the classical music performances are no exception, showcasing an impressive diversity from traditional to inventive presentations. As December rolls in, the sounds of choral music typically take center stage, but there's a plethora of musical experiences to explore for enthusiasts of all tastes.

A Symphony of Festive Notes

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra starts the season with a flourish of Christmas-themed concerts, mixing beloved carols, seasonal favorites, and engaging narratives by the charming Christopher Gaze. These concerts are spread throughout various locations in the Lower Mainland from December 6th to 16th.

Cinematic Scores and Classical Charms

For movie buffs, a series of films accompanied by live orchestral music promises a magical experience at the Orpheum. Audiences can enjoy 'Home Alone' with its classic John Williams score, the enchanting British animation 'The Snowman' featuring Howard Blake's composition, and the holiday favorite 'Elf', scored by John Debney. These events are scheduled for mid-December, providing a memorable blend of visual and auditory delights.

Baroque to Modern: A Musical Mélange

Those with a penchant for the baroque can revel in Vivaldi’s 'The Four Seasons', performed by select members of the VSO and led by concertmaster Nicholas Wright at the Chan Centre. Meanwhile, the younger generation represented by the Vancouver Academy Orchestra, is putting on a performance centered around Dr. Seuss’s 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', complemented by another interpretation of Vivaldi’s timeless concertos.

Intimate Recitals and Celebratory Solstices

Music on Main invites audiences to indulge in their annual 'Music for the Winter Solstice', where talent like Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa and Robyn Jacob grace the stage. To cap off the month, the Quiring Chamber Players ring in the New Year with their established tradition, offering exquisite chamber music to bid farewell to the current year and welcome the next.

Beyond the Holiday Cheer

In the midst of festive fanfare, there are performances that stand apart, offering a taste of the American musical spirit, as demonstrated by UBC Symphony Orchestra's renditions of Bernstein, Gershwin, and a revival of Ulysses Kay’s work. Music in the Morning adds flair to daytime with the Chooi brothers' violin duets, featuring a range from Bach to Prokofiev.

classical, music, holiday