Art music has definitely developed a global consciousness, or at least it has here in one of the world’s most polyglot cities. Want to argue? Well, consider this: Vancouver’s spring concert agenda includes a recital of new music for suona (Chinese oboe) and bagpipes. It doesn’t get much more cross-cultural than that—and formal dress of any kind is not required.

Global Soundscapes: Notes From the Araxes Basin

(At various venues in Vancouver and North Vancouver until February 29)

Originating in Turkey and draining into the Caspian Sea, the river more commonly known as the Aras is a nexus of trade and cultural exchange that has fostered several major musical styles.

The Draw: An assortment of Middle Eastern virtuosos, both solo and in conjunction with members of the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra, the Emily Carr String Quartet, and others.

Target Audience: Anyone with a valid passport.

House of Dreams

(At the Vancouver Playhouse on March 4)

Early Music Vancouver embraces technology in a multimedia production that pairs Toronto’s acclaimed Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra with images of the world that inspired its repertoire.

The Draw: Illuminating eye candy and a band of the best.

Target Audience: Time-travellers.

Madama Butterfly

(At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from March 5 to 13)

Giacomo Puccini’s tale of a doomed intercultural romance still holds relevance, as do his heartfelt and heartbreaking melodies, presented here by Vancouver Opera.

The Draw: A deservedly legendary showcase for stellar singing.

Target Audience: Passport holders with a Japanese visa.

Anthony Davis

(At the Western Front on March 24)

The ultimate underground performance space continues its 88 Tuned Bongos piano series with Anthony Davis’s first Vancouver appearance in more than two decades.

The Draw: A rare chance to hear the composer of the great African-American opera X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X in an intimate setting.

Target Audience: Anyone who files their Olivier Messiaen LPs next to their Thelonious Monk.

The Love That Moves the Universe

(At the Orpheum on March 25)

It won’t be quite the same as listening from the shores of a wilderness lake, but the Orpheum has got to be the second-best place to hear the music of Canadian legend and nature mystic R. Murray Schafer—sung here by the Vancouver Chamber Choir with the Pacifica Singers.

The Draw: The radiant, even transcendental Schafer composition that gives this program its title.

Target Audience: Listeners in need of awe.

War of the Romantics

(At the Orpheum from April 7 to 18)

This year, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual Spring Festival concentrates on the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Richard Wagner.

The Draw: The most classic of classical compositions and a Ring Cycle without words.

Target Audience: Romantics—and those who love them.

Sea to Sky

(At Ryerson United Church and West Vancouver United Church on April 8 and 9)

Chor Leoni and its youth affiliate, the PROMYS Honour Choir, sing choral music inspired by the wonders of nature.

The Draw: The local lions’ lusty engagement with their material, along with their considerable sensitivity and technical prowess.

Target Audience: Those acquainted with the eternal power of the Jungian anima.

Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis

(At the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on April 10)

In this Vancouver Recital Society concert, the acclaimed interpreter of Franz Schubert’s lieder reaches out to embrace Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Hugo Wolf.

The Draw: Expressive singing paired with perfect piano.

Target Audience: Those who like their art songs to have a German twist.

Schubertiade

(At the Vancouver Playhouse from April 12 to 15)

The Vancouver Recital Society and a cast of classical virtuosos offer an opportunity to get closer to Franz Schubert—a composer whose chamber music often sounds surprisingly contemporary, perhaps because it has not been robbed of its surprise by being overprogrammed.

The Draw: The Doric String Quartet dazzled local listeners in its previous VRS appearance and returns for all three nights here.

Target Audience: Subscribers to the view that everything old is new again.

Sound of Dragon Music Festival

(At the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre from April 22 to 24)

Vancouver’s biennial celebration of Asian sounds returns with a program that spans everything from new Chinese chamber music to a genre-smashing showcase of intercultural improvisation.

The Draw: The program as a whole is impeccable, but getting to hear suona virtuoso Zhongxi Wu team up with bagpipe master Alan Walters will be a unique thrill.

Target Audience: Anyone with both a kilt and a cheongsam in their closet.

Hand Eye

(At the Orpheum Annex on April 30)

Sleeping Giant is a collective of rising-star composers; eighth blackbird is a team of the best musicians in Chicago. In this Vancouver New Music program, they join forces to show us the future.

The Draw: A look at what’s coming up next, now.

Target Audience: Early adopters.

PEP (Piano & Erhu Project)

(At the Fox Cabaret on May 3)

Erhu player Nicole Li and pianist Corey Hamm are virtuosos with a purpose: to develop a 21st-century repertoire for two instruments rich in musical tradition.

The Draw: A pair of local musicians who are quickly developing an international following for their cross-cultural curiosity.

Target Audience: Anyone looking for the upside of recent demographic shifts.

One Night Stand: Caroline Shaw

(At the Fox Cabaret on May 10)

Vancouverites have definitely gotten to love New York’s Caroline Shaw during her tenure as Music on Main’s composer in residence, and here’s a chance to get to know her even better.

The Draw: Shaw’s low-key charm, offbeat but accessible compositions, and impeccable musicianship.

Target Audience: Got ears? Just go.

Mahler’s Tragic Symphony

(At the Orpheum on June 4 and 6)

With the VSO at the peak of its powers, now is a good time to hear our resident orchestra tackle Gustav Mahler’s complex and emotionally freighted Symphony No. 6.

The Draw: Deathless music and a lively band.

Target Audience: Listeners willing to exult—and weep.