EVENTS
Burnstick
Built on emotion-stirring storytelling and unmistakable vocal harmonies accompanied by a century-old instrument, Burnstick, a JUNO-nominated husband-and-wife Folk duo, are intent on creating affecting music that inspires listeners to feel. The Manitoba-based Indigenous duo features Nadia and Jason Burnstick, esteemed independent artists who united over a decade ago to create deeply moving, cinematic Folk music using their trademark vocal pairing and Jason’s mastery of the lap slide Weissenborn guitar. Five years after their nationally acclaimed debut album, Kîyânaw, Burnstick unveils Made of Sin, their remarkable and poignant sophomore album. Nadia and Jason perform deeply resonant music that strikes a chord with audiences. With thought-provoking lyrics and engaging stories, they often leave listeners reflecting on their own experiences, feelings, and memories.
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3, Nov. 1)
Brandon Isaak & the Saints of Swing
Brandon Isaak & the Saints of Swing present an album release concert with opening act Natalie Faith. Brandon Isaak is one of Canada’s premier blues guitar players, known for combining world-class blues guitar playing and deep, thoughtful lyrics. This Yukon-born singer-songwriter performs a mixture of spiritual, humorous and catchy songs, delivered with guitar, harmonica and singing. With 37 years in the blues scene, Isaak has toured Europe 13 times and performed in eight countries across three continents. His live shows feature engaging storytelling, audience interaction and a blend of introspective, humorous and spiritual music.
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3, Nov. 13)
Both Sides Now
EnChor opens its 20th anniversary season with Both Sides Now, bringing together a cappella masterworks, contemporary Canadian music, and songs of reflection and connection. The program includes music by Duruflé, Tallis and Christine Donkin, alongside an a cappella arrangement of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. EnChor is joined by Nabi Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Tyler Baek, with pianist Stephen Smith. $30 adults | 18 & under free.
(Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, Nov. 15)
Saskia Giorgini – Piano Recital
Saskia Giorgini is an Italian pianist whose Liszt recording on Pentatone won the Diapason d’Or. Following the release of her Liszt recordings, leading critics drew comparisons between her artistry and that of legendary pianists Wilhelm Kempff and Aldo Ciccolini. For her Vancouver recital, Giorgini will perform works by Chopin and Debussy, alongside music by Mélanie Bonis and Lili Boulanger, two remarkable women composers whose works deserve to be heard more often.
(Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, Nov. 22, 3 p.m.)
Sarkissian, Yoon and Pfau: Whispers and Sparks
Chamber music often thrives in contrasts—between intimacy and exuberance, poetry and virtuosity, whispers and sparks. In this compelling collaboration, flutist Arin Sarkissian, cellist Brian Yoon, and pianist Monica Pfau bring together three distinctive works that span the early Romantic era to the jazz-infused language of the twenty-first century. Presented by the Vancouver Chamber Music Society in collaboration with Anvil Theatre.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Nov. 23, 2026, 1 PM)
Elijah Fox
Multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer Elijah Fox brings a richly textured sound that drifts between jazz, impressionism, and psychedelic soul. At the Chan Centre, Fox makes his Vancouver debut performing solo piano works, offering a listening experience that is deeply immersive, contemplative, and poetic.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd., Nov. 28, 2026, 7:30 PM)
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra
A beloved Elektra tradition returns as the choir opens its Ruby 40th Anniversary Season. For 40 years, Chez Nous has welcomed audiences with soaring voices, candlelight, and music that brings people together. Featuring Allegra SQ, luminous carol arrangements, contemporary Canadian works, and singers from Elektra’s Mira Youth Mentorship program, it offers a warm and welcoming start to the season. Repeats Sunday, November 29 at 3 pm, same venue.
(Elektra, Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, BC, Nov. 28-29, 2026)
Eagle Ex Machina
Eagle Ex Machina is an Indigenous alternative rock band based in Western Canada. Founded by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Matt Cook-Contois, the band combines a love of rock music with a traditional fiddle upbringing. Its music features an aggressive approach to songwriting, guitar and violin proficiency, and diverse influences that create a unique sonic signature. Cook-Contois began his musical journey in his traditional territory of Misipawistik Cree Nation through the Frontier Fiddling Program before relocating to Vancouver and performing with local bands. Created in 2020, Eagle Ex Machina draws on influences including Foo Fighters, City & Colour, Queens of the Stone Age and Matthew Good Band while incorporating a modern approach to Canadian fiddling.
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3, Jan. 30)
Kamasi Washington
One of this generation’s most influential jazz artists, Kamasi Washington is a composer, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his expansive sound, boundary-pushing vision and dazzling saxophone playing, Washington blends jazz with elements of hip-hop, funk, R&B and beyond. Across acclaimed works including The Epic, Heaven and Earth and his latest album, Fearless Movement, his music presents jazz on a grand scale with musical urgency. He performs live at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Dec. 2)
An EnChor Christmas
Celebrate the season with An EnChor Christmas, a relaxed, welcoming afternoon of seasonal music for the whole family. EnChor is joined by special guests Sweet Scarlet, the popular Vancouver-based a cappella ensemble, along with pianist Stephen Smith. Enjoy familiar carols, lighter repertoire, singalong favourites and plenty of festive spirit, followed by a reception. Admission is free, with donations to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank encouraged.
(Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, Dec. 12)
Grouper
As Grouper, Liz Harris creates music that exists somewhere between dream and waking—a mesmerizing blend of ambient, psychedelic, folk, and dream pop. With her hushed vocals, delicate melodies, and immersive soundscapes, she creates music that is “immersive and hypnotic—a rumbling undercurrent that surges toward your ears.” (The New Yorker) Rarely seen live, Grouper brings her celebrated catalogue to the Chan Centre for her first Vancouver performance in 18 years.(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Jan. 17)
International Guitar Night
International Guitar Night (IGN), the world’s premier touring acoustic guitar festival, is back! IGN has a deep history in Canada, having launched on the West Coast and maintained a solid presence for over two decades. This 2027 tour continues IGN’s tradition of bringing audiences the best acoustic guitarists from around the world. This year’s tour features classical and flamenco guitarist Itamar Erez, Spanish classical guitarist Victoria Ruiz de la Rubia, fretless guitar pioneer and jazz artist Cenk Erdoğan, and contemporary blues and jazz manouche master Remi Harris.
(Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2R2, Canada, Jan. 31, 2027)
Fascinating Rhythms: The Gershwin Songbook on Film & Live with The Angela Verbrugge Quartet
In this unique multimedia presentation, classic film scholar Michael van den Bos whisks you away on a fabulous flight through the glories of Gershwin featuring live song performances by jazz vocalist Angela Verbrugge and her quartet, interwoven with vintage musical clips from classic Hollywood movies projected on the big screen.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Feb. 14, 2027)
K Stobbe and P Williamson: Echoes Reimagined
Great music rarely stands still. Across centuries, composers have continually looked to the past for inspiration, reshaping familiar voices into something entirely new. In Echoes Reimagined, violinist Karl Stobbe and pianist Paul Williamson explore this enduring dialogue between tradition and reinvention. Presented by the Vancouver Chamber Music Society in collaboration with Anvil Theatre.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Mar. 1, 2027)
Lila Downs
Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning artist Lila Downs returns to the Chan Centre for the first time since 2018, bringing her distinctive blend of Mexican tradition, Indigenous heritage, jazz, cumbia, folk, boleros, and contemporary rhythms.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver, Mar. 4)
Michael Kaeshammer
Michael Kaeshammer isn’t so much a piano player as a piano whisperer, a master musician and songwriter able to coax dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument in a way few can rival. That gift powers Turn It Up, Kaeshammer’s superb 15th album, broadly described as “eclectic yet accessible jazz-based pop,” though, as with all Kaeshammer’s music, far more expansive than one simple description can possibly illustrate.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Mar. 6, 2027)
Jaemin Han & David Fung
Jaemin Han is quickly emerging as one of today’s most exciting cellists. In 2021, at just 15 years old, he became the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner at the George Enescu International Competition. Han has since made his Carnegie Hall recital debut and performed with leading orchestras worldwide, including the Orchestre de Paris, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Seoul Philharmonic. Combining remarkable technical command with expressive depth and maturity beyond his years, Han is defining the next generation of classical stars. Acclaimed for his “ravishing and simply gorgeous” playing (The Washington Post), pianist David Fung is celebrated for his exceptional elegance and expressive depth. A laureate of both the Queen Elisabeth and Arthur Rubinstein Competitions, Fung has appeared with leading ensembles including the Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony. A Steinway artist, Fung has released several albums to great acclaim, including a recent Western Canadian Music Award nomination with Trio Garibaldi.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Mar. 13, 2027, 7:30 PM)
Radiant Dawn
As winter gives way to spring, Elektra’s Radiant Dawn explores sunrise, renewal, and new beginnings. Featuring harpist Vivien Chen, Holst’s Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, first performed by Elektra 40 years ago, and the world premiere of a new commission by Suba Sankaran, the program also includes works by Shruti Rajasekar, Reena Esmail, Katerina Gimon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and others. Together, these voices celebrate awakening, connection, and the promise of a new day.
(Elektra, Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, BC, Mar. 20-21, 2027)
Academy Chamber Players: Notes from Italia
Few places have inspired composers quite like Italy. With its luminous landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich musical heritage, the country has long stirred the imagination of musicians from across Europe. In Notes from Italia, the Academy Chamber Players celebrate Italy not only as a birthplace of great music, but also as a lasting source of inspiration and memory.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Apr. 5, 2027)
Pharis & Jason Romero
Known for their vocals with eerily family-like harmonies and their incredible-sounding instruments, they bring a quality of stylish joy to the stage. Pharis’s songwriting is engaging, melodic, and lyrically quirky enough to reside in the listener’s mind long after the show is over.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Apr. 17, 2027)
Jean-Michel Blais
Juno-nominated pianist and composer Jean-Michel Blais invites listeners into a world of wonder. Praised by Billboard Canada for “making classical piano cool again,” the Montreal artist is often likened to a modern-day Erik Satie for his impressionistic, delicate soundscapes. For his fourth album mirador, Blais trades minimalism for what he calls “light and generous maximalism.” Blending choir and strings, he transforms memory into an expansive musical journey that returns to the refuge of childhood. Along the way, the Spanish caves, the Andean mountains, and the Estonian forests provide inspiration, alongside artists like Beethoven, TLC, and Arvo Pärt. The result is music that is rich, luminous, and alive with imagination.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Apr. 30, 2027, 7:30 PM)
Joy
EnChor celebrates its 20th anniversary with Joy, featuring the world premiere of a new work by composer Stephen Smith for choir, piano and instruments, setting a new poem by Ontario poet Wendy Jean MacLean. The program also features music by Bob Chilcott, Gerald Finzi and Joan Szymko, exploring joy, connection and the experience of singing together. Join EnChor for this milestone celebration, followed by a reception. $30 adults | 18 & under free.
(Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, May 2)
Angélique Kidjo
For more than four decades, Angélique Kidjo has been one of the most electrifying and influential voices in global music. Don’t miss experiencing her irresistible energy live and get ready for a night of undeniable joy.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, May 2, 2027, 7:30 PM)
Salif Keita
The “Golden Voice of Africa,” Salif Keita brings more than five decades of musical innovation to the Chan Centre, blending Mandingue traditions with jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, and other global influences.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver, May 9)
Despres, Davis, Raymond & Chan: Shades of C Minor
Some music speaks in shades of joy; this program speaks in shades of C minor. Bringing together four of Canada’s most compelling chamber musicians, this powerful collaboration explores the emotional richness and dramatic intensity of one of music’s most expressive tonal landscapes.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, May 10, 2027)
Ruby: The 40th Anniversary Concert
Ruby is the crown jewel of Elektra’s 40th Anniversary Season, celebrating the voices, artistry, and community that have shaped the choir. Featuring a new commission by Alex Eddington, new and recent Canadian works, alumni singers, and co-founder Morna Edmundson conducting one featured work, the concert culminates in a joyful finale led by Artistic Director Cassie Luftspring, celebrating 40 years of music for adult treble voices.
(Elektra, Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, May 15, 2027)
Christian Li
Join us for a remarkable performance by Christian Li, a rising star of the classical world.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, May 16, 2027, 3:00 PM)
Ruby: The 40th Anniversary Concert
Ruby is the crown jewel of Elektra’s 40th Anniversary Season, celebrating the voices, artistry, and community that have shaped the choir. Featuring a new commission by Alex Eddington, new and recent Canadian works, alumni singers, and co-founder Morna Edmundson conducting one featured work, the concert culminates in a joyful finale led by Artistic Director Cassie Luftspring, celebrating 40 years of music for adult treble voices.
(Elektra, Good Shepherd Church, 2250 150 St, Surrey, May 16, 2027)
LittleFox and the Vixens: Lush Chamber Folk Music for Strange and Changing Times
Whether she’s musing on living in the Anthropocene (Waiting for the End of the World; Paradise Is Burning), paying homage to the weather (Rainy Town), or serenading a unique piece of local architecture (Vancouver Special), LittleFox bandleader and songwriter Alison Jenkins’ original songs brim with atmosphere, humour and a strong sense of place. Featuring haunting vocal harmonies, lush string arrangements and folk-style songs, LittleFox and her all-female ensemble, the Vixens, explore what it means to be human—or a fox—in unprecedented times. A new EP, Small Tremors, was released in late 2026.
(Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, May 29)
Choral Encounters
Choral Encounters brings guest choirs of all ages together with Elektra for an evening of singing, listening, and celebration in a warm, non-competitive setting. Each choir shares its own music before all voices unite in a stirring mass choir finale. With limited balcony seating only, this free-with-RSVP event offers an intimate view of the joy, generosity, and community spirit of choral singing.
(Elektra, Pacific Spirit United Church, 2195 West 45th Ave (at Yew), Vancouver, BC, May 31, 2027)
