The post-holiday lull is nowhere to be found in Metro Vancouver's cultural landscape this January. Instead, the region's concert halls are set to resonate with a rich lineup of classical performances, ranging from intimate solo recitals to powerful symphonic works. The new year promises an exciting start for music enthusiasts.
Debut Performances by Acclaimed Pianists
The month is highlighted by the Vancouver debuts of two distinguished pianists, each presenting programs designed to showcase technical brilliance and deep musicality. First to take the stage is Élisabeth Pion, the laureate of the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition. Her recital, presented by Muzewest, is scheduled for January 10 at 3 p.m. at The Annex.
Originally from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, and now based in London, Pion will present a compelling program. It is anchored by a selection of Chopin's demanding études and features Franz Liszt's virtuosic piano transcriptions of songs by Schubert. A notable highlight includes works by Hélène de Montgeroult, a pioneering early 19th-century French composer whose music provides a fascinating historical link.
A Rising Star and Celebrated Chamber Ensembles
Following closely, the Vancouver Recital Society will present Tiffany Poon on January 17. The U.S.-based pianist, who has also cultivated a significant online following through vlogging, will offer a varied program. It includes Robert Schumann's beloved Kinderszenen and Davidsbündlertänze, interspersed with a mazurka by his wife, Clara Schumann, and a sparkling survey of French music from Couperin to Ravel.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Chamber Music launches its new year with a series of concerts featuring the Nexus Trio. Their tour begins with an evening performance on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the South Delta Baptist Church, featuring both Schubert's majestic E-flat major Trio and Mendelssohn's Second Piano Trio. This will be followed by a series of matinee concerts from January 25 to 28 at venues including Pacific Spirit United Church, the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, the North Delta Centre for the Arts, and Highland United Church in North Vancouver, each program centered on the Schubert trio.
Looking Ahead to February
The musical momentum continues into February with the much-anticipated return of the Cuarteto Casals, presented by the Friends of Chamber Music. The acclaimed Spanish string quartet, which left a strong impression during its 2023 Vancouver visit, will perform on February 1 at 3 p.m. at the Vancouver Playhouse.
Their program is thoughtfully curated, opening with a quartet by the prodigious Spanish composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, who died at age 19. It also includes the Canadian premiere of earth (2024) by Elisenda Fabregas, a contemporary work described as fiery, and concludes with Schubert's monumental final string quartet, D. 887.
This packed schedule ensures that Vancouver's classical music aficionados have plenty of exceptional performances to look forward to, turning the first month of the year into a celebration of artistic virtuosity and ensemble mastery.
