VS Presents Pacific Baroque Orchestra’s Production of the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610
Victoria B.C. – As part of the Symphony in the Summer Festival, Victoria Symphony (VS) is proud to present Pacific Baroque Orchestra’s production of the Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. Featuring some of the best musicians and soloists in the world specializing in Italian music of the 17th-century, this is a unique opportunity to hear this magnificent canonic work performed at the highest international standard in an ideal acoustic for bringing this music to life. Led by conductor and keyboard virtuoso, Alexander Weimann, the team of musicians includes famed English tenor Charles Daniels, Haitham Haidar, and Oliver Dalton (tenors); Nicholas Burns and Emma Parkinson (altos); Steven Bélanger (baritone); Hana Blažíková and Sherezade Panthaki (sopranos); Drew Santini and Jonathan Adams (basses); and legendary modern day ‘father’ of the cornetto, Bruce Dickey.
VS CEO Matthew White is thrilled to be including Monteverdi’s Vespers in the summer festival lineup. Speaking to his own relationship with the work, Matthew shares that he “will never forget the first time I participated in a full performance of the Monteverdi’s Vespers. It might sound like hyperbole, but my experience is that this is a work of such persuasive power, architectural brilliance and raw beauty, that it literally changed the course of my life.” He continues about the upcoming performance, “When Suzie LeBlanc, famed Canadian Soprano, recipient of the Order of Canada, and current Artistic and Executive Director of Early Music Vancouver told me about the performers she had assembled, it struck me as a project we absolutely had to share with our VS audience. Though VS rarely presents productions by other companies, this represents an exceptional offering that should not be missed.”
- VIDEO: Excerpts from Early Music Vancouver’s Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 presented in 2015 at Vancouver’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts led by Stephen Stubbs.
Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (Pacific Baroque Orchestra)
August 2, 7:30 pm | Christ Church Cathedral
Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 is an undisputed masterpiece of spiritual and emotional depth, at times intimate and reverent, grand and dramatic, thrilling and sensual. Brilliant instrumental writing paired with impressive choruses and solos create an opulent tribute to the Virgin Mary, a testament to Monteverdi’s attention to the expressive power of music.
ABOUT THE PACIFIC BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
The Juno nominated Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is recognized as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles performing “early music for modern ears.” PBO brings the music of the past up to date by performing with cutting edge style and enthusiasm. Formed in 1990, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver’s burgeoning music scene with the ongoing support of Early Music Vancouver.
In 2009 PBO welcomed Alexander Weimann as Artistic Director. Weimann’s imaginative programming and expert leadership have drawn in many new concertgoers, and his creativity and engaging musicianship have carved out a unique and vital place in the cultural landscape of Vancouver.
PBO regularly joins forces with internationally celebrated Canadian guest artists, providing performance opportunities for Canadian musicians while exposing West Coast audiences to a spectacular variety of talent. The Orchestra has also toured B.C., the northern United States and across Canada as far as the East Coast. The musicians of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra have been at the core of many large-scale productions by Early Music Vancouver in recent years, including many summer festival performances led by Alexander Weimann.
ABOUT THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY
Victoria Symphony (VS) is one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations with nearly 60 main season concerts, education concerts, summer concerts, and performances in Duncan and Qualicum Beach. A medium-sized orchestra in size and scope, Victoria Symphony is recognized as a leader in the promotion of Canadian new music. Throughout the years, audiences have discovered the joy and exhilaration of an extraordinary symphonic experience, as we continue to grow artistically and our musicians perform with pride and passion.
VS gratefully acknowledges Symphony in the Summer Festival Presenting Sponsor Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, Festival Supporter Destination Greater Victoria, Season Sponsor GAIN Group, and Season Underwriter the Robert and Devi Jawl Foundation. VS extends heartfelt thanks to all our 2024/25 Season Sponsors and Funders. Platinum Sponsors: GAIN Group, Butler Bros., and Chateau Victoria; Gold Sponsor: Odlum Brown; Bronze Sponsors: Horne Coupar, Long & McQuade, Vessel; Venue Sponsors: The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society and The Farquhar at UVic; Media Sponsors: Victoria Buzz, Ocean 98.5, Jack 103.1, CTV, CFAX 1070, Used.ca, Times Colonist, Chek TV; and Funders: British Columbia Arts Council, Province of British Columbia, Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, CRD, City of Victoria, Victoria Foundation, and Foundation for the Victoria Symphony; and all individuals whose gifts are helping to support this season of brilliant music.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Maya Lohcham, Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: maya@victoriasymphony.ca
Phone: 250.412.2658
