Vancouver arts companies set up to provide holiday music

by Steve Newton on November 27th, 2020 at 8:04 AM

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With the latest COVID-19 restrictions putting the kibosh on live concerts for the immediate future, it’s good to know that local arts companies like Vancouver Opera, Chor Leoni, Music on Main, Vetta Chamber Music, musica intima, and Early Music Vancouver are offering online alternatives.

The Music of Raven Chacon

To December 21, 7 p.m., chancentre.com

Navajo Nation composer from Fort Defiance, Arizona, dips into colours and timbres from across the spectrum of sound.

Galician bagpipe master Christina Pato's performance livestreams until December 21.

Cristina Pato

To December 21, 7 p.m., chancentre.com

Master of the Galician bagpipe moves between jazz, classical, and folk styles.

Mireille Lebel performs Haydn's Ariafne aux Naxos on December 9.

Haydn’s Ariadne auf Naxo

December 9, 7:30 p.m., earlymusic.bc.ca

Early Music Vancouver presents Canadian mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel performing one of Haydn’s most spectacular works for voice, with fortepianist Alexander Weimann. After this free premiere, it will remain online for a year.

Tom Jackson’s The Huron Carole

December 11, 7 p.m., huroncarole.ca

Canadian actor-singer Jackson’s annual evening of contemporary and signature Christmas music, along with stories, is one of several across Canada raising funds for local food banks and family-services agencies.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

December 12, 7:30 p.m., digital.vancouveropera.ca

Vancouver Opera presents a digital version of Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, which depicts the Three Kings stopping for shelter at the home of a poor, crippled shepherd boy and his widowed mother on the way to Bethlehem.

There’s Still My Joy

December 12, 7:30 p.m., universalgospelchoir.ca

The Universal Gospel Choir performs a free online holiday concert featuring five new virtual-choir videos and live performances by the UGC ensemble and band.

A Celtic Family Christmas--At Home

December 17, 8 p.m., capilanou.ca

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are featured in a Celtic holiday concert that includes candid moments around the kitchen, decorating the tree, and other bits of Christmas chaos.

Christmas with Chor Leoni

December 18 to January 1, chorleoni.org

Enjoy the beautiful voices of the Chor Leoni Men’s Choir under artistic director Erick Lichte with a free concert.

Ceremony of Carols

December 19, 7:30 p.m., musicaintima.org

Musica intima livestreams a performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

Messiah Favourites

December 19 at 7:30 p.m. and December 20 at 2 p.m., operaboxcompany.com

OperaBox Company and Burnaby Lyric Opera present a virtual performance of favourite selections from Handel’s Messiah.

Ding Dong!

December 22, 7:30 p.m., musicaintima.org

Musica intima explores the sweet and salty sides of Christmas music, from the Pogues to the Pretenders.

Mezzo soprano Krisztina Szabo performs with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra on December 23.

Jan Gates

An Italian Baroque Festive Celebration

December 23, 7:30 p.m., earlymusicbc.ca

The Pacific Baroque Orchestra and mezzo soprano Krisztina Szabó perform baroque music for Christmas, streaming by donation.

Music for the Winter Solstice 2020 Watch Party

December 16, 7:30 pm, musiconmain.ca

Music on Main presents performances by Caroline Shaw (voice and violin), Rachel Iwaasa (piano), Steve Maddock (voice), Couloir (cellist Ariel Barnes and harpist Heidi Krutzen), Veda Hille (voice and piano), Adrian Verdejo (guitar), Nicole Lizée (composer and performer), Wallgrin (violin and voice), Carman J. Price (vocals), Corey Payette (vocals), Julie McIsaac (vocals), Karen Gerbrecht (violin), and Gabriel Kahane (vocals and piano).