Past Events

Vanitas Vanitatum

“Farewell laughter, farewell singing, farewell delights of the world!” wrote Luigi Rossi. In the 17th century, Roman composers were surrounded by the remains of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, so it’s no surprise that their texts explore the passing of Time and the ephemeral nature of physical beauty and pleasure. These rich and intense musical settings are passionate, dramatic arguments for the value of enjoying life’s fleeting pleasures. Music by Carissimi, Rossi, Marazzoli, and more.

Matin, Midi, Soir: Early Haydn Symphonies

Our Festival this year includes the first instance of an exciting new initiative. We’ve created a Mentorship Orchestra Project, in which students of exceptional ability receive free tuition and housing, and one-on-one coaching from some of the most prominent instrumentalists in their field. 

The culmination: after five days of intensive work on Haydn’s early symphonies – “Le Matin,” “Le Midi,” and “Le Soir” – these up-and-coming artists will perform with the faculty and other renowned professional artists in this extraordinary Festival concert.

Sequentia: Fragments for the End of Time

From the time of Christianity’s introduction into Europe until the end of the first millennium, apocalyptic images of the End of Days and the Last Judgement were widespread. Pagan and Christian sources share many characteristics: the terrifying words of female oracles, the massing of armies from below and above, the breakdown of material reality, and the final destruction of the world by fire.

A Moment in Time: Weiss meets Bach

Two venerated composers, two eminent soloists, and two distinguished instruments. This shared recital explores the blurring of the lines between lute and harpsichord repertoire in the eighteenth century, when lutenists imitated harpsichord music – and vice versa. Our exploration begins in Italy, continues to France, and finishes in Germany with a tête-à-tête between two compositional masters: Sylvius Leopold Weiss and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Rameau Cantatas and Pièces de Clavecin

Hot on the heels of a performance by a grand master of early music, we bring you a concert featuring a rising star. Renowned soprano Ellen Hargis curates this recital of Rameau cantatas and instrumental works, performing the famous Orphée cantata and lending her guidance and expertise in this elegant music to young mezzo-soprano Sylvia Szadovszki. Recently seen as Nancy in Vancouver Opera’s Albert Herring, Sylvia joins Ellen and a team of skilled performers of early music in her first appearance with Early Music Vancouver.