Christ Church Cathedral
A Little Night Music with Mozart
Artists: Pacific Baroque Orchestra, directed by Alexander Weimann
Pre-concert Chat: TBA
Runtime: TBA
W.A. Mozart’s KV 525, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, is arguably one of the most recognizable pieces in the history of classical music. But it is only one of countless “Serenatas” or serenades – pieces written for entertainment in the evening hours. We pair Mozart’s classic tune, freshly performed on period instruments, with a lesser-known piece from his earlier life in Salzburg: The Serenata Notturna, KV 239. This eclectic programme also includes a fanciful quintet by Boccherini about 18th century night-life in Madrid, instrumental songs by Dowland and Purcell, and an intriguing night-watch tune by Austrian composer Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, in which even the audience will participate.
Generously sponsored David McMurtry.
PROGRAMME
W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik KV 525
John Dowland (1563-1626)
Come, Heavy Sleep
Anthony Holborne (1545-1602)
The Night Watch
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644-1704)
Nachtwächter
Interval
Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)
Music Notturna
Ed Reifel
Nightly Timpani Solo
Mozart
Serenata Notturna KV 239
Pacific Baroque Orchestra
The ‘house band’ of Early Music Vancouver, The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is recognized as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles performing “early music for modern ears.” Formed in 1990, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver’s burgeoning music scene with the ongoing support of Early Music Vancouver. In 2009, PBO welcomed Alexander Weimann as Director. His imaginative programming, creativity and engaging musicianship have carved out a unique and vital place in the cultural landscape of Vancouver.
PBO regularly joins forces with internationally-celebrated Canadian guest artists, providing performance opportunities for Canadian musicians while exposing West Coast audiences to a spectacular variety of talent. The Orchestra has also toured throughout BC, the northern United States, and across Canada. Their 2019 East Coast Canadian tour with Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin culminated in a critically acclaimed album, Nuit Blanches, released by Atma Classique.
Alexander Weimann | Sponsored by Bruce Munro Wright, O.B.C., Director
The internationally renowned keyboard artist Alexander Weimann has spent his life enveloped by the therapeutic power and beauty of making music. Alex grew up in Munich. At age three he became fascinated by the intense magic of the church organ. He started piano at six, formal organ lessons at 12 and harpsichord at university (along with theatre theory, medieval Latin and jazz piano.) He is in huge demand as a director, soloist and chamber player, traveling the world with leading North American and European ensembles. He is Artistic Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver and teaches at the University of British Columbia where he directs the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme.
Alex has appeared on more than 100 recordings, including the Juno-award-winning album “Prima Donna” with Karina Gauvin and Arion Baroque orchestra. His latest album series “The Art of Improvisation” (Volume 1: A Prayer for Peace; Volume 2: Ad libitum; and Volume 3: Canavian Variations, released on Redshift, 2024) unites his passions for both baroque music and improvisation on organ, harpsichord, and piano.
