Organizers of the Vancouver International Music Festival are gearing up for a busy summer. Founded by the Canada International Arts & Music Society, the festival will be held at the VSO School of Music (843 Seymour Street) from August 20 to 25.
It includes 10 artists in residence who will perform a diverse range of classical music styles and forms. These artists in residence will also offer masterclasses and performance classes for students.
The society invites musicians to register on the website in the following age ranges: eight years old and younger; nine to 12 years age; 13 to 17 years of age; and 18 to 30 years of age.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on June 15. Top-level students will perform in a gala concert on August 25.
Moreover, the society will present some concerts for free; others may be offered with a small fee.
Artists in residence include Jerome Lowenthal (piano), David Fung (piano), Jasper Wood (violin), Eric Wilson (cello), Valerie Muzzolini (harp), Demaire McGill (flute and clarinet), Dailin Hsieh (zheng), Jun Rong (erhu), Edgar Muenala (First Nation pan flute virtuoso), and Duo Zhambai (African instruments).
Vancouver International Music Festival history
Vancouver piano teacher Lynn (Yingying) Liu is president of the society. The Wuxi-born Liu earned a master’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Brandon University before moving to Vancouver.
In 2017, Liu launched the Vancouver International Music Competition, fulfilling her dream of inviting young musicians from around the world to her adopted city. The society became a registered charity in 2021.
This year, there will be judges’ comments. However, the Vancouver International Music Festival is not structured as a serious competition.
“We wish to provide more educational experiences for participants,” Liu says.
Furthermore, the Vancouver International Music Festival features instrumental categories. They include piano, violin, cello, harp, flute, clarinet, guzheng, pipa, piano duo/duet, and concerto. In addition, there will be chamber music performances.
“Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a seasoned musician, the VIMF is the perfect opportunity to explore new musical horizons, connect with like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the beauty and power of classical music,” the society states on its website. “The VIMF will create a lasting cultural legacy for the city of Vancouver and the global classical music community.”
The Canada International Arts & Music Society will present the Vancouver International Music Festival from August 20 to 25 at the VSO School of Music. For more information, visit the festival website.
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