Early Music Vancouver (EMV) proudly presents the return of the Vancouver Bach Festival, August 1 – 11, 2017 at the Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of downtown, and at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Following the success of last summer’s inaugural festival, EMV offers a remarkable 14 concerts, ranging from intimate chamber music programmes to a full Passion Oratorio, and features over 60 performers including guest artists from all over the world.
Inspired by the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation, this year’s festival is a celebration of music’s supreme ability to transform and persuade. Furthermore, the festival programming fittingly honours the genius of Bach and other composers who were so profoundly shaped by Luther's influence. Highlight concerts include Matt Haimovitz’s intriguing new perspective on Bach’s Cello Suites in Overtures to Bach, as well as the Vancouver premiere of The Fountains of Israel: a relatively unknown, but moving masterpiece by composer Johann Schein, who occupied Bach’s position in Leipzeig exactly one century before the iconic creator. The festival reaches its stirring finale with Bach’s monumental St. John Passion on Friday, August 11 at the Chan Centre. Special guests performing in 2017 include two world-class vocal ensembles from Europe: Cinquecento and Gli Angeli Genève, whose internationally-acclaimed members will perform both as ensembles and as soloists in other programmes throughout the festivities.
“Our second annual Vancouver Bach Festival is a celebration of music’s power to move people’s hearts and minds,” says Matthew White, Executive and Artistic Director of EMV. “More than a historical examination, this year’s festival is an incredible opportunity to be inspired and transformed by wonderful music and gifted artists from all over the world."
To complement the artist lineup, EMV will offer an array of thought-provoking film screenings and expert talks, which audiences can enjoy with wine and refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
Early Music Vancouver Presents: Vancouver Bach Festival
Dates: August 1 – 11, 2017
Tickets: $10 – $68
Address: Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard Street) and The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC (6265 Crescent Road)
Box Office: earlymusic.bc.ca or 604.822.2697
Photo: Jan Gates
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