Saturday June 13, 2026 @ 3:30 PM, with intermission
Pacific Spirit United Church – 2195 W 45th Ave., Vancouver, BC
The idea of “home” has many layers to it and evokes many emotions – it is not a simple theme, but Vivaldi Chamber Choir hopes to explore as many of these as possible during our June 13th matinee as we journey through a wonderful collection of choral works.
One piece of this beautiful puzzle is the idea of family, shelter and safety. Saunder Choi’s poignant “Message Out To Sea” was inspired by his own mother who aways welcomed him home and sheltered him, even after he openly joined the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Another puzzle piece is wrapped in yearning and hope. Verdi’s “Va Pensiero” represents the longing of the enslaved Jewish people in Babylon for their homeland. It also has an emotional connection to the earlier enslavement and eventual release of the Jewish people from Egypt.
In B.E. Boykin’s “Stardust”, the singers hope for a home where we can run, where we can pray, where we can breathe, and where we can sleep and dream without fear. Each hope corresponding to the senseless loss of a member of the African American community. It is a song of great strength.
“We Rise” celebrates our resilience to rise “out of the ashes” like a Phoenix – strong even though we are weary. The song celebrates “returning home” – which could be metaphorical, or could be more akin to the message of “Goin’ Home” with words by William Arms Fisher (who met Dvorák on his sojourn to “the americas”), set to the heart-rending melody from the New World Symphony.
Other works explored in this concert include those by Donna Rhodenizer, Rupert Lang, Marta Keen, Stuart Beatch, Paul Simon and more.
Wherever we may journey, may we have enough light, love, strength and will to stay the course and find our way home, while honouring that choral communities serve as a sanctuary for many.
Advanced tickets are available through the ticket link below! They are $40 + fee for adults, $35 + fees for seniors, $25 + fees for students, and free for those 16 and under. Ticket prices may vary at the door. You can also contact info@vivaldichoir.org or 778-862-5691 to purchase tickets!
To make our concerts accessible, reduced rate tickets are also available to anyone who needs it. No questions asked.
There will be a 50/50 draw happening at this concert, so come prepared to purchase your tickets ahead of the show and at intermission!
Thank you for supporting live music and for sharing our love of beauty.
Photo c/o Freda Miller, Sunshine Village Meadows in Banff National Park.
Donations can be made at the concert by cash, cheque, or e-transfer.
Your continuing support is always much appreciated.
Vivaldi Chamber Choir believes in the power of music to affect positive change in our world. We recognize that we rehearse, perform and record on the traditional, ancestral lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleiwatuth people. We acknowledge that the land’s historical relationships with these peoples has existed since time immemorial. We express our gratitude to these peoples and value the opportunity to create music on this land.
Season Sponsor – Point Grey Pharmacy
