EMV’s Artist-in-Residence programme started in the summer of 2021. The first artist to hold the position was Cree-Métis Two-Spirit baritone, Jonathon Adams (they/them). Followed by David Greenberg and David McGuinness in 2022. We created the programme to honour Canada’s diverse heritages while at the same time exploring the convergences between ‘world music’ and early music. The programme was initiated by Suzie LeBlanc, C.M., EMV’s Artistic and Executive Director.
During the course of their residency, the Resident Artist(s) performs in several festival concerts and engages with the broader community through interviews, mentoring and/or panel discussions and essays.
The scope of what the artist(s) can accomplish during their tenure at EMV will continue to evolve and grow with the programme. EMV is a dynamic contributor to the cultural life of the Canadian West Coast, and the Artist-in-Residence program is an important component.
CATALINA VICENS, 2023 EMV Artist-in-Residence
Born in Chile and currently residing in Italy, Calatina Vicens is recognized by the international press as “one of the most interesting musicians in the field of early music.” Her approach to historically-informed performance and musicological research has led her to become one of the most versatile and sought-after historical keyboard performers and teachers of her generation. In 2013 she founded ensemble Servir Antico, with whom she aims to shed light on the lesser-known repertoire and intellectual heritage of the Humanistic Period (13th-16th century) while using the concert stage to share with the audience the voices of these visionaries of the past, and to also using it to amplify new voices. In 2021, Ms. Vicens was named curator of the Tagliavini Collection in Italy, one of the largest historical keyboard collections in Europe, and artistic director of Museo San Colombano in Bologna. She is also harpsichord/research lecturer at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels (Belgium) and Visiting Professor of Harpsichord at Oberlin Conservatory (USA), amongst many other prestigious appointments.
Statement from Catalina Vicens on being the 2023 Artist-in-Residence
“I’m absolutely honoured and delighted to be invited to be Artist in Residence of Early Music Vancouver 2023. Over the last years, I’ve admired from afar the high level and diversity of artists of EMV, and since 2020 and under the artistic direction of Suzie LeBlanc, this has been enhanced by programming that, in its artistic scope and social awareness, reaches new standards in the international early music scene. I feel, therefore great privilege to be invited as a soloist, as director of Ensemble Servir Antico and as Music Director of the production of The Queen of Carthage.”
Catalina Vicens
Media
Listen to EMV’s 2023 Artists-in-Residence Catalina Vicens play the medieval portative organ.
Previous Artists-in-Residence
David Greenberg, violin – 2022
“Working with Early Music Vancouver as artist-in-residence for their Bach Festival 2022 was a rewarding experience. As EMV Artistic & Executive Director, Suzie LeBlanc opened many doors to new programming possibilities. The whole EMV team was a pleasure to work with, making the stressful, performance-dense festival experience go smoothly. The concerts were well attended by appreciative audiences, in lovely and varied venues. Through my interactions with the many helpful volunteers and loyal and enthusiastic EMV donors, I sensed the breadth of support and how the EMV family is a welcoming and growing community. I was also thrilled to get to collaborate again with many beloved musicians whom I haven’t gotten to play with for awhile.” – David Greenberg
David McGuinness, keyboards – 2022
“It was a particular joy to be an Artist in Residence at the Vancouver Bach Festival in 2022. It is hard to think of another festival where it would have been possible to present such a broad range of work across a variety of venues. The collaborations with visiting and local musicians instigated by the festival had been carefully curated, and all proved both artistically rewarding and very enjoyable. The facilities in terms of venues, accommodation, and support were all genuinely world-class, and showed a striking level of care and attention to detail in understanding artists’ requirements. And it was great fun!” – David McGuinness
Jonathon Adams, Cree-Métis two-spirit baritone – 2021
“I was deeply honoured and incredibly excited to be EMV’s first official artist-in-residence. As a Cree-Métis artist, I hope my time in residence will help build bridges between EMV and Vancouver’s Indigenous communities while widening horizons of possibility for the performance of historical musics.” – Jonathon Adams