2021–22 SEASON PERFORMANCES

rosa mystica

“I ask you, cranes, to warm my child in your wings”
ANONYMOUS JAPANESE (8TH CENTURY)

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In an honest musical exploration of motherhood, musica intima will journey through Mary’s story as we weave together spoken word and song from a largely female perspective. Local actor Rebecca deBoer will join us on stage for a program featuring music by composers such as Sherryl Sewepagaham and Hannah Kendall, paired with texts by a variety of writers including Mary Oliver and Luci Shaw. Celebrate Christmas with us in the scenic Christ Church Cathedral - part of our shared seasonal tradition.  

towards the light

"Each seed, bursting, pushing its way
upward towards the light and air"
EMILY CARR

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Taking inspiration from the natural world invoked in the journals of Emily Carr, at the heart of this program lies the world premiere of a new piece by Vancouver composer and folk artist Emily Millard, who will bring Carr’s words to life. Music by choral legends Veljo Tormis and Zoltan Kodaly will round out the program, alongside the voices of the next generation of choral composers such as Caroline Shaw, Dale Trumbore, and Pärt Uusberg. 

After a successful first partnership last year, musica intima is thrilled to be sharing the stage with the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) once again. Our VYC mentorship program gives a quartet of young singers the opportunity to learn from musica intima, and this year the entire Senior choir will perform with the ensemble at towards the light.  Come hear the future of the choral arts in Canada.    

2020–21 OTHER EVENTS

ding dong!

"And the bells were ringing out for Christmas day"
THE POGUES

Pull up a chair and grab a glass - you’re invited to our rollicking kitchen party!  Join musica intima for our annual favourite - a cozy evening featuring new arrangements of seasonal favourites by Joni Mitchell, The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, and more - this year with a folk twist!  The band for this evening will be led by intima alumni/guitarist Andy Hillhouse, joined by his Mad Pudding colleague, harpist Amy Stephen, as well as fiddler Mark Sullivan, bassist Brent Gubbels, and percussionist Robin Layne.  Ring in the festive season with musica intima!

where you go

“Don't make me leave you,

don't make me go.”
DAVID LANG, AFTER THE BOOK OF RUTH

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In our first-ever dance + vocal arts collaboration, musica intima will be joined by Indigenous choreographer Oliva C. Davies, taking audiences on an immersive journey through love, friendship and devotion.  The story will be told through the music of two innovative composers - contemporary minimalist David Lang and renaissance maverick Luca Marenzio.  Join us for this intimate experience, which will be followed by a talkback with the artists.  

nagamo (sings)

For our final performance of the season, musica intima will be joined in Vancouver by composer/curator of Cree descent, Andrew Balfour.  Balfour writes: “Nagamo (Sings) reimagines history and the concept of nation to nation respect and musical dialogue between the nations of the so-called New World and Old World.  During the beginning of the 17th century,  several Chiefs and esteemed Indigenous leaders journeyed to Europe in the hope of forging alliances. In many cases, they were treated as respected ambassadors. Nagamo explores the fantastical idea of what might have happened if the sharing of music, and the respect of culture had contrived, and how a different history might have played out.”

Revolving around Elizabethan choral music by Byrd, Tallis, and Gibbons, the concert will also feature the unique musical perspective of Balfour’s translations of these motets into First Nations languages.  Compositions by Balfour himself will explore universal ideas of governance, diplomacy, and culture, as well as the challenges Indigenous peoples face today. Alongside this program, musica intima has commissioned visual artist Sonny Assu (Liǥwildaʼx̱w of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations) whose new work will be exhibited at the performance.

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Andrew Balfour's participation has been generously supported by our Production Sponsor, The Tuey Foundation.  

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Nagamo will be presented as part of St. James' Music Series at St. James' Anglican Church in Downtown Vancouver.  Stay tuned for details on how to purchase individual tickets to this performance. Poster art by Sonny Assu:

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Making a b-line to HaidaBucks, Salmonberry Frap #ftw #starbucksFAIL #lol, 2016.  Digital Intervention on an Emily Carr Painting (Yan, Q.C.I 1912).  Archival Pigment Print. 33" x 22".  Courtesy of the Artist and the Equinox Gallery.

MUSICA INTIMA ON THE ROAD

YOUR SUPPORT IS OUR LIFEBLOOD

musica intima exists to create incredible moments—to share the power of music with our audiences, and invite them into our circle of sound. Your financial support of the ensemble’s professional performance, touring, recording, and community outreach initiatives remains invaluable. 

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As with most not-for-profit arts organizations, ticket revenue only accounts for a small portion of our total budget. If you have been touched by musica intima’s performances, please consider a tax-deductible gift to the musica intima society. Your continued support of one of Canada’s musical gems is vital, allowing us to continue presenting world-class performances at home and abroad, and supporting generations of professional musicians. 

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Thank you!

musica intima is a registered charitable organizaion #872525530RR0001