• My Account
  • Cart
  • About
    • Who is Early Music Vancouver
    • What is Early Music?
    • OUR INSTRUMENT COLLECTION
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Annual General Meeting 2025
    • 2024/25 Annual Report
  • Pacific Baroque Orchestra
    • About
    • August 7 | Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
    • December 20 | Festive Cantatas
    • October 17 | A Little Night Music with Mozart 
    • March 25, 2027 | Handel’s La Resurrezione
  • EVENTS
    • Summer Festival 2026: The Power of Music
    • EMV’s 2026-2027 Main Season
    • Digital Concert Hall
    • Free Events
    • Past Events
  • Learn
    • PROGRAMMES
    • Artist Interviews
    • Instrument Videos
  • Support Us
    • Donate Now
    • Corporate Opportunities
    • Volunteer
    • Host an EMV Musician
  • Ticketing Info
    • BOX OFFICE
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Venues
  • Press Centre
    • Media Releases
    • EMV PRESS KIT
    • EMV in the News
Early Music Vancouver
  • My Account
  • Cart
  • Donate
  • Buy Tickets
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Get our newsletter
Toggle Menu
  • About
    • Who is Early Music Vancouver
    • What is Early Music?
    • OUR INSTRUMENT COLLECTION
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Annual General Meeting 2025
    • 2024/25 Annual Report
  • Pacific Baroque Orchestra
    • About
    • August 7 | Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
    • December 20 | Festive Cantatas
    • October 17 | A Little Night Music with Mozart 
    • March 25, 2027 | Handel’s La Resurrezione
  • EVENTS
    • Summer Festival 2026: The Power of Music
    • EMV’s 2026-2027 Main Season
    • Digital Concert Hall
    • Free Events
    • Past Events
  • Learn
    • PROGRAMMES
    • Artist Interviews
    • Instrument Videos
  • Support Us
    • Donate Now
    • Corporate Opportunities
    • Volunteer
    • Host an EMV Musician
  • Ticketing Info
    • BOX OFFICE
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Venues
  • Press Centre
    • Media Releases
    • EMV PRESS KIT
    • EMV in the News
Home  >  Tickets  >  EMV’s 2024-2025 Main Season

EMV’s 2024-2025 Main Season

The 2024-2025 season shines the light on centuries of early music from the astonishing ancient tale of Gregorius to a new arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations by Alexander Weimann, ending with Senegalese music by kora master Ablaye Cissoko. Our second edition of the LUMEN festival embraces the theme of love with the Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 followed by Bach’s wedding cantatas and a celebration of love with Renaissance music from Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

I can’t wait to share this odyssey of music concerts with you in person!

Suzie LeBlanc, C.M., Artistic/Executive Director

To learn more about prices, our new ticketing systems and how to purchase, click here.

With the generous support of Global BC.


Goldberg Variations
Early Music Vancouver

Goldberg Variations

Goldberg Variations Artists: The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (Chloe Meyers & Majka Demcak, violins; Joanna Hood, viola; Elinor Frey, cello; Soile Stratkauskas, flute; Matthew Jennejohn & Lot Demeyer, oboes; Ellis Reyes,…

Friday, September 20, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver
View Details
Goldberg Variations – Victoria
Early Music Vancouver

Goldberg Variations – Victoria

Goldberg Variations – Victoria Artists: The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (Chloe Meyers & Majka Demcak, violins; Joanna Hood, viola; Elinor Frey, cello; Soile Stratkauskas, flute; Matthew Jennejohn & Lot Demeyer oboes;…

Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 3 p.m.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Victoria
View Details
DanteNova: Music from Dante’s Commedia
Early Music Vancouver

DanteNova: Music from Dante’s Commedia

DanteNova: Music from Dante’s Commedia GENERAL ADMISSION PEWS STILL AVAILABLE Works by: Machaut, Landini, Ciconia, & more Artists: La Fonte Musica directed by Michele Pasotti with Bill Richardson, narration Pre-Concert…

Friday, October 25, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver
View Details
Form & Formless: Bahauddin Dagar in Concert
Early Music Vancouver, The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, & The Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver

Form & Formless: Bahauddin Dagar in Concert

Form & Formless: Bahauddin Dagar in Concert TICKETS NOW ON SALE Artist: Bahauddin Dagar, rudra veena Bahauddin Dagar, world master of the rudra veena, an ancient classical musical instrument of…

Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Telus Studio Theatre
View Details
Iestyn Davies & Fretwork: Lamento
Early Music Vancouver

Iestyn Davies & Fretwork: Lamento

Iestyn Davies & Fretwork: Lamento Works by: J.C. Bach, Buxtehude, Schein, Schütz, & Sances Artists: Iestyn Davies, countertenor & Fretwork viol consort directed by Richard Boothby Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with…

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver
View Details
Blessed Echoes: Elizabethan Lute Songs
Early Music Vancouver

Blessed Echoes: Elizabethan Lute Songs

Blessed Echoes: Elizabethan Lute Songs Works by: Dowland, Jones, Ferrabosco, & Cavendish Artists: Ensemble “Près de votre oreille” directed by Robin Pharo Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with Robin Pharo hosted by David…

Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Christ Chuch Cathedral, Vancouver
View Details
Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Victoria
Early Music Vancouver

Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Victoria

Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Victoria Works by: J.S. Bach & J.D. Zelenka Artists: Hélène Brunet & Suzie LeBlanc, sopranos; Cecilia Duarte, alto; James Reese, tenor; William Kraushaar, bass;…

Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 3 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria
View Details
Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Vancouver
Early Music Vancouver

Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Vancouver

Festive Cantatas: Bach & Zelenka – Vancouver Works by: J.S. Bach & J.D. Zelenka Artists: Hélène Brunet & Suzie LeBlanc, sopranos; Cecilia Duarte, alto; James Reese, tenor; William Kraushaar, bass;…

Sunday, December 22, 2024 | 3 p.m.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
View Details
Gregorius – The Holy Sinner with Sequentia
Early Music Vancouver

Gregorius – The Holy Sinner with Sequentia

Gregorius – The Holy Sinner with Sequentia Artists: Sequentia – Benjamin Bagby, voice and harp; Jasmina Črnčič, voice and harp, and leiken, voice Post-Concert Chat: with Sequentia hosted by Suzie…

Friday, January 17, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver Playhouse
View Details
VOCES8: Draw on Sweet Night
Early Music Vancouver

VOCES8: Draw on Sweet Night

VOCES8: Draw on Sweet Night General Admission Choral Loft Seats Available – click Dress Level > Choral Loft. Note that this section is stair access only. Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with members…

Friday, February 14, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
View Details
Dorothee Mields & the PBO: Bach Ties the Knot
Early Music Vancouver

Dorothee Mields & the PBO: Bach Ties the Knot

Dorothee Mields & the PBO: Bach Ties the Knot Works by: J.S. Bach Artists: Dorothee Mields, soprano & the Pacific Baroque Orchestra directed by Alexander Weimann Pre-Concert Chat: 2:30pm with…

Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 3 p.m.
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
View Details
El Parnasso: La Música de Estevan Daça
Early Music Vancouver

El Parnasso: La Música de Estevan Daça

El Parnasso: La Música de Estevan Daça Works by: Estevan Daça, Francisco Guerrero, Thomas Crecquillon, and more Artists: Perrine Devillers, soprano & Ariel Abramovich, vihuela Pre-Concert Chat: 2:30pm hosted by…

Sunday, February 16, 2025 | 3pm
Pacific Spirit United Church
View Details
Quicksilver: The Early Moderns
Early Music Vancouver

Quicksilver: The Early Moderns

Quicksilver: The Early Moderns Works by: Castello, Buxtehude, Schmeltzer, and more Artists: Quicksilver Baroque Ensemble: Robert Mealy & Julie Andrijeski, violins & directors; Dominic Teresi, dulcian; David Morris, viola da…

Friday, March 21, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
View Details
Dmitry Ablogin in Concert
Early Music Vancouver & Vancouver Chopin Society

Dmitry Ablogin in Concert

Dmitry Ablogin in Concert Works by: Beethoven, Hummel, Mendelssohn, & Field Artist: Dmitry Ablogin, fortepiano Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with Dmitry Ablogin hosted by Patrick May, President of the Vancouver Chopin…

Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver Playhouse
View Details
Doulce Mémoire: Now, Let Us Dance!
Early Music Vancouver

Doulce Mémoire: Now, Let Us Dance!

Doulce Mémoire: Now, Let Us Dance! The Art of Dance in the Fifteenth & Sixteenth Centuries Artists: Hubert Hazebroucq, dance; Ensemble Doulce Mémoire directed by Denis Raisin Dadre Runtime: Approximately…

Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver Playhouse
View Details
Stefano Maiorana: Secret Pages for Theorbo
Early Music Vancouver & Vancouver New Music

Stefano Maiorana: Secret Pages for Theorbo

Stefano Maiorana: Secret Pages for Theorbo Works by: Kapsberger & Ambrosini Artists: Stefano Maiorana, theorbo Pre-Concert Chat: 7:15pm with Stefano Maiorana hosted by Giorgio Magnanesi, Artistic Director of Vancouver New…

Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Pacific Spirit United Church
View Details
Estuary: Ablaye Cissoko & Constantinople
Early Music Vancouver

Estuary: Ablaye Cissoko & Constantinople

Estuary: Ablaye Cissoko & Constantinople Artists: Ablaye Cissoko, voice & kora; Kiya Tabassian, voice & setar; Patrick Graham, percussion Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with Ablaye Cissoko and Kiya Tabassian hosted by…

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver
View Details

1254 W 7TH AVE
VANCOUVER, BC, V6H 1B6

(604) 732-1610
staff@earlymusic.bc.ca

  • About EMV
    • What is Early Music?
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • Board of Directors
    • Venues
  • Education & Community
    • BC Scholarship Programme – 2026/2027
    • OUR INSTRUMENT COLLECTION
  • Press Centre
  • Join Our Mailing List
Facebook URLTwitter URLYoutube URLInstagram URL

Copyright © 2026 EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER | EMV | PHOTOS BY JESS MACALEESE, MARK MUSHET AND JAN GATES.
CONTACT EMV FOR INDIVIDUAL CREDITS. | site by DFS Digital Fusion Studios web designAND MEDIUM RARE Medium Rare Interactive

Een Romantische Johannes Passion

Historical Performance has been steadily looking toward the nineteenth-century as a source of inspiration, and Orchestra Lagrandt wants to lead the charge into Romantic orchestral performance practice. As an orchestra of ambitious musicians in their twenties from 25 different nations, we aspire to represent the voice of the new generation in Historical Performance.

Een Romantische Johannes Passion is an ongoing project to reimagine the Johannes Passion of J. S. Bach in a late nineteenth century style. The first Passion revivals in the Netherlands took place in Rotterdam in 1870, featuring large symphonic orchestrations, and a radically different musical language than that of the HP and modern classical worlds. In our initial performance with the Tangram Chamber Choir, we pushed the boundaries of what Romantic Bach might have sounded like: exploring changes in orchestration, stoic tempi, rubato, phrasing, nineteenth- century bowing practices, and even portamento. We plan to establish this project as an annual tradition every Easter season, reworking the arrangement each time in the spirit of Romantic spontaneity.


One of the wonderful things about the Historical Performance movement is that we are able to use forgotten practices, this time hailing from the nineteenth century, to present such a beloved and well known-work in a new light.

The world is familiar with stories of clever forgers whose life’s mission is to cunningly reproduce the light and shadows of historical masterworks, from Vermeer’s brushstrokes to Da Vinci’s proportional precision… but what if these crimes of craftsmanship were to extend beyond the visual arts? What if the pieces we know to be by Palestrina, Monteverdi or even Johann Sebastian Bach were in fact stylistic copies, artfully composed by a secret circle of music forgers and passed off as the work of the greats? What if those music forgers are at work as we speak? 

This premise inspires our original program The Music Forgery Workshop. Our early music comedy imagines the lives of such a circle of musical criminals, offering a fresh and lively presentation of historical compositions, not as museum artifacts but as living works in progress. The workshop itself is set up on the stage and its members carry forth the plot in music and words. A narrator in the role of a suspicious inspector lends the performance a theatrical flow. The listener is invited into a satire on high society’s art commerce, while the performers make fun of themselves for having devoted their lives to the niche subject of historical music performance. 

Violinist Elizabeth Sommers combines her skills and experience in traditional music with expertise in the performance and improvisation of medieval and Renaissance repertoires. Multi-instrumentalist Eliot X. Dios (keyboards, bagpipes and flutes) works wholeheartedly to employ storytelling techniques developed through the history of literature and cinema in his early music concerts. Composer Gunnar Haraldsson (violin, guitar) seeks to translate the forms and intentions of early composition for a modern audience. Halldór B. Arnarson (keyboards, voice) has devoted his career to bringing musical craftsmanship from the era of counterpoint to the attention of the public and comedy to the early music scene. Singer and storyteller Ásta S. Arnardóttir brings the storyline to the public with personal immediacy, and through her character work defines the different veins of the show, sometimes hilarious and sometimes serious. 

The story is narrated by the character of the Inspector, acted out by the members of the MFW, and told in rhyming Icelandic verse in one musical pillar of the show, a madrigal composed by our very own 

Halldór in the style of Monteverdi. The show has an entertaining educational dimension. The audience is exposed to a broad sweep of historical and musical information in a condensed form, necessary to understand the musical humour, while dramatic rhythm and scenographic effects prevent overwhelm. We also place particular emphasis on theatrical illusion and synchronisation. One example appears in the opening scene, in which the inspector is seen watching television. On stage, this becomes a complex exercise in coordination: each time the inspector presses a button on the remote control, the musicians instantly switch pieces, creating the impression of rapidly changing television channels. 

This opening scene establishes the tone of the entire show, comical and satirical in its storytelling and diverse in its musical language. It not only introduces the wide range of musical styles that appear throughout the performance, but also functions as the plot’s inciting incident, as the inspector hears a news report about the discovery of a previously unknown concerto by Vivaldi. 

Another important scene takes place when one forger is alone on stage in low light, perusing books on medieval music, while the musicians perform and sing offstage, sounding his audiation as he reads. This intimate moment evokes the sleepless nights spent studying facsimiles and learning historical compositional techniques, by which the forger acquires the inspiration and the expertise necessary to his art, and reveals a hidden side of musical performance: the immense amount of study and preparation that precedes the moment on stage. This setting also creates space for visual and musical comedy, as seen in the trailer video, where a 14th-century melody is played backwards because Halldór is unknowingly reading the facsimile upside-down, only realising the mistake when the music begins to sound absurd. 

Fun and friendship are at the heart of the whole project, though the link between music and crime is an important historical consideration. Classical music was often used as the demonstration of a monarch’s power, music teaching as a cover up for secret affairs, and pieces were published under another’s name for profit. Such examples of “inappropriate practices” carry an exciting and attractive element for the audience which the MFW seeks to exploit. Under this light-hearted surface lies a more serious layer of questions concerning our present-day existence, such as excessive materialism in high society and the threat posed on human craftsmanship and skill by the rise of artificial intelligence. 

Please Note:

The main applicant and creative/intellectual driver of the project must be 30 or under (on May 15th).

The average age of all musicians must not be older than 32, and the maximum age of supporting musicians must be no more than 35 (on May 15th.)