NOV 11, 2023: COMMEMORATION
For the first concert in our new home of the West Vancouver United Church, the brilliant, witty, and charming resident Music Director Gerald van Wyck will be our featured guest on the magnificent WVUC organ. Our concert will be a commemoration of Remembrance Day, honouring our veterans and first responders. The church will be filled with memories, readings, and traditional music recalling “the Great War” and all conflicts that have allowed us to be free. In addition to the traditional “Last Post,” we’ll present music from Bach to Mozart to the powerful tribute “to victims of fascism and war” by Shostakovich.
DEC 9, 2023: FAMILY TIME
Join us for a special concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's iconic "Ode to Joy" alongside a tribute to the legendary Henry Mancini on his 100th birthday. Our ensemble of exceptional instrumentalists and vocalists will enchant you with renditions of Sibelius' beloved hymn from Finlandia and joyful melodies that capture the essence of Mother's Day weekend. As a special treat, the esteemed pianist Libby Yu, herself a mother of three, will grace us with Mozart's renowned "Elvira Madigan" Piano Concerto on WVUC's exquisite Bosendorfer Grand. Don't miss this unforgettable musical celebration honoring the legacy of great composers and the spirit of all women everywhere!
MAR 2, 2024: ACOUSTICAL HEAVEN
This performance of Composer-in-Residence Christopher Tyler Nickel’s Requiem celebrates the international album release of this work from UK-based label Avie Records. This recording was conducted by our own Maestro Clyde Mitchell and also features Vancouver-born / Irish soprano Catherine Redding, who will reprise her role as soprano soloist for this concert. Joining Sinfonia will be the Vancouver Chamber Choir, which is a unique professional choir that is as well-known for its traditional performances as for innovation. The clear tones of the VCC with the exquisite, soaring voice of Catherine Redding, alongside the members of Sinfonia will breathe life into the meditative settings of the Agnus Dei and Lacrimosa, the soaring Pie Jesu, and bring intensity to the Dies Irae, all leaving the audience in quiet peace with the In Paradisum. This heart-felt program will also feature Vivaldi’s Sinfonia Al Santo Sepolcro (The Holy Tomb) followed by Haydn’s early masterpiece, “The Philosopher,” his Symphony No. 22.
MAY 11, 2024: JOYFUL, BRILLIANT, SHARING
We are so fortunate to have some of Canada’s finest music teachers and school music programs on the North Shore. We will be assembling and working with a fine group of instrumentalists and vocalists to perform Side-by-Side with Sinfonia - did you know Beethoven’s Ode to Joy premiered exactly 200 years ago?!? The choir will be busy with “JOY!” and the famous hymn from Finlandia by Sibelius, while the instrumentalists help us celebrate the 100th birthday of the great Henry (Pink Panther, Peter Gunn) Mancini! Since this is Mother's Day weekend, as a salute to Moms and all women everywhere, our dear friend Libby Yu herself a mother of 3, has promised us Mozart's famous "Elvira Madigan" Piano Concerto on WVUC’s beautiful Bosendorfer Grand!