MUSIC
Stylus Fantasticus: Virtuoso Flights of Fancy from the 17th Century: Paul Luchkow and Michael Jarvis join internationally-acclaimed bass viol/viola da gambist Sam Stadlen of Fretwork in a program exploring this astonishingly inventive repertoire. Nov. 3 at Christ Church Cathedral. More at earlymusic.bc.ca.
ISCM World New Music Days: This seven-day festival will feature more than 30 new music events and more than 100 composers from around the globe, highlighting music from nearly 50 different countries. Nov. 2-8 at various locations. More at icsm.org.
Missing: This world premiere chamber opera addresses the national crisis and devastation of Canada鈥檚 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. Set between Vancouver鈥檚 Downtown Eastside and B.C,鈥檚 notorious Highway of Tears, this deeply-moving drama follows the fate of two young women, one Indigenous and one not, whose lives become tragically intertwined. Nov. 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 at the York Theatre. Tickets at thecultch.com.
Ani DiFranco in Concert: Join activist-artist Ani DiFranco as she reflects a dystopian sense that mirrors what is happening in her country, the U.S., and much of the rest of the world. Nov. 6 at the 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse. Tickets at ticketstonight.ca.
The Texas Troubadours: Sharing the stage for the first time as part of the Texas Troubadours project, this masterful trio will celebrate the proud song writing tradition of their southern roots in an unforgettable evening of music with a little bit of grit and a whole lot of heart. Nov. 8 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC. More at chancentre.com.
Chor Leoni鈥檚 One Last Song: Chor Leoni continues its cherished tradition of Remembrance Day concerts paired with readings focused on the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge and its mythic place in Canadian history. Nov. 11 at West 麻豆传媒映画United Church and St. Andrew鈥檚-Wesley United Church. More at chorleoni.org.
Un Ballo In Maschera: Opera Mariposa joins forces with the Heroic Opera Company to present this grand Verdi masterpiece and opera鈥檚 most famous masked ball, headed by award-winning directors Adam Da Ros and Richard Epp. Nov. 17-25 at various locations. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com.
Handel鈥檚 Messiah: Early Music 麻豆传媒映画brings new life to this holiday favourite. One of the most iconic pieces of classical repertoire will be featured in this first-ever production on Dec. 1-2 at the 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse. More at earlymusic.bc.ca.
Rejoice! European Carols and Readings: Join conductor John Washburn, organist Bryn Nixon and the 麻豆传媒映画Chamber Choir for an evening of beloved favourites and new discoveries. Dec. 1 at Dunbar Ryerson United Church. vancouverchamberchoir.com
Thread: The 麻豆传媒映画Inter-Cultural Orchestra presents pipa virtuoso Qiu Xia He and Silk Road Music, who will join members of the VICO and other special guests for an evening of world music, modern works, vibrant strings and winds, operatic songs and ecstatic dance. Dec. 2 at the Orpheum Annex. vicothread.brownpapertickets.com/
Christmas at the Chan Centre: Trinity Western University Choirs brings together five choirs and full orchestra in an exquisite program featuring Christmas music from around the world. Dec. 3 at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets at chancentre.com.
A Jann Arden Christmas with the VSO: Canada鈥檚 pop diva joins the 麻豆传媒映画Symphony Orchestra for an evening of timeless classics. Dec. 6 at the Orpheum. vancouversymphony.ca.
VSO鈥檚 Traditional Christmas: 麻豆传媒映画Symphony Orchestra conductor William Rowson, Bard on the Beach鈥檚 Christopher Gaze, EnChor and the UBC Opera Ensemble combine forces for this Christmas concert. Dec. 8 to 17 at various locations, including Dec. 8 to 10 at St. Andrew鈥檚-Wesley United Church. vancouversymphony.ca.
Christmas with Chor Leoni: This holiday favourite combines favourite tunes in polished settings, featuring sparkling new choral gems, frosty winter songs and familiar sing-a-long carols. Dec. 15-16 at various locations. Tickets at chorleoni.org.
The Four Seasons: The VSO鈥檚 traditional presentation of听Vivaldi鈥檚听timeless classic features violinist Philippe Quint on the magnificent 1708 鈥淩uby鈥� Stradivarius violin. Dec. 15 and 16 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.听vancouversymphony.ca.
A Baroque Christmas: Guest conductor John Williams joins the 麻豆传媒映画Chamber Choir鈥檚 family of choirs for an interactive evening of Bach, Vivaldi and carols. Dec. 16 at the Orpheum. vancouverchamberchoir.com
Winter Harp: Musicians playing medieval instruments while wearing period costumes in a beautiful church setting 鈥� it鈥檚 little wonder that Winter Harp鈥檚 Christmas concerts are often sold out. Dec. 16 at St. Andrew鈥檚-Wesley United Church. Details at winterharp.com.
Festive Cantatas: Celebrate the holidays with Early Music Vancouver鈥檚 new perspective on old favourites, featuring beloved violinist, Monica Huggett. Dec. 23 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets at chancentre.com.
L鈥橢lisir D鈥橝more: The 麻豆传媒映画Opera presents this famous romantic comedy for the first time since 1999. In this tale of comic love, one young peasant resorts to using a magic elixir in attempt to woo his beloved. Jan. 19-27 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets at vancouveropera.ca.
THEATRE/DANCE/FILM
Ballet BC: The season opens with an evening of visual storytelling by two celebrated dance artists. Resident choreographer Cayetano Soto will premiere an original work. Highly-acclaimed choreographer Johan Inger has a legacy of work in major companies all over the world. Following the success of Walking Mad, Inger returns to Ballet BC with the North American premiere of B.R.I.S.A. Nov. 2-4 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. balletbc.com.
King Charles III: Prince Charles has finally ascended to the throne. This political satire of a king under pressure is reigning at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until Nov. 19. artsclub.com.
Onegin: Handsome rogues, duels and romance. Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille鈥檚 musical adaptation of the Pushkin poem and Tchaikovsy opera come to life in the Arts Club production at Granville Island Stage Nov. 23 to Dec. 31. artsclub.com
Beauty and the Beast: Can Belle teach the beast to love in the Arts Club musical adaptation of the Academy Award-winning animated film. Dec. 7 to Jan. 13 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. artsclub.com.
Taken at Midnight: Be transported to Germany in 1931 in Mark Hayhurst鈥檚 play examining the life of a celebrated lawyer who took on Adolf Hitler head on in court and the lawyer鈥檚 mother鈥檚 courageous attempts to secure his release after his arrest by the Nazis years later. Nov. 3-26 at Jericho Arts Centre. unitedplayers.com.
Una: The 麻豆传媒映画International Film Festival presents this gripping adaptation of David Harrower鈥檚 acclaimed play, Blackbird, with Rooney Mara who gives a remarkable performance as 28-year-old Una who confronts the man she fell in love with 15 years before. Nov. 11 at Vancity Theatre. Tickets at viff.org.
Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth: This gripping account of the 鈥�60s scoop-up phenomenon 鈥� in which Indigenous children were taken from their families, communities and culture to be adopted into white households 鈥� is an unforgettable piece of Canadian theatre written by celebrated Indigenous playwright, Drew Hayden Taylor. Nov. 11鈥揇ec. 2 at the Firehall Arts Centre. firehallartscentre.ca.听
Great Russian Nutcracker: Moscow Ballet鈥檚 Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to Vancouver. Known for its award-winning dancers, lavish costumes and back drops designed by Carl Sprague, this show delves into Russian folk legends that adults and children can enjoy. Nov. 12 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets at nutcracker.com.
The Day Before Christmas: Arts Club is proud to present this tragically funny play, where Alex, who desperately tries to hold fast to her Christmas traditions, finds herself scrambling to keep her home from becoming a disaster zone. Nov. 16 to Dec. 24 at the BMO Theatre Centre. More at artsclub.com.
Dance in Vancouver: This biennial event provides a unique opportunity to experience the energy and innovation of contemporary dance generated by local artists. Nov. 22-25 at Scotiabank Dance Centre. Tickets at ticketstonight.ca.
Titus Bouffonius: The Society for the Destitute presents this witty twist on a Shakespeare classic, Titus Andronicus. This inspired marriage of Shakespearian text, contemporary dialogue, and the French clown technique of bouffon is a must-see this holiday season. Nov. 22 to Dec. 3 at the Cultch. More at thecultch.com.
Christmas Queen 4 鈥� Secret Santa: 麻豆传媒映画TheatreSports brings this hilarious holiday show, in which the Queen and Santa switch bodies in a Freaky Friday-style magical sleight of hand. Nov. 22 to Dec. 23 at the Improv Centre on Granville Island. Tickets at vtslcom.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Join these four beloved siblings who step into an enchanted land filled with mythical creatures, talking animals, quests, and dangerous secrets in this portrayal of C.S. Lewis鈥� classic children鈥檚 story. Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 at the Waterfront Theatre. Tickets at carouseltheatre.ca.
Almost Maine: John Cariani brings us this charming and magical tapestry of the joys and perils of romance, set in one night in a small town in Maine. Nov. 26 to Dec. 16 at the Pacific Theatre. More at pacifictheatre.org.
East Van Panto鈥檚 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves: Panto is back with an outrageous take on Snow White, wherein our hero must flee the Queen of North 麻豆传媒映画and ends up in the madness of the PNE. Nov. 29 to Jan. 6 at the York Theatre. Tickets at thecultch.com.
The Nutcracker: GOH Ballet presents this traditional rendition of a classical masterpiece, wherein you can follow Clara when her dream comes to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of sweets. Dec. 14 to 19 at the Centre in Vancouver. Tickets at gohnutcracker.com.
Christmas Presence: Pacific Theatre brings us a favourite holiday tradition featuring an all-you-can-eat feast of music and stories for the holidays, joined by our favourite local musicians. Dec. 19-23 at the Pacific Theatre. Tickets at pacifictheatre.org.
Better Watch Out: VIFF presents this holiday spin on a home-invasion horror flick wherein babysitter, Ashley, must defend her young charges when intruders break into the house one snowy night. Dec. 2 at Vancity Theatre. Tickets at viff.org.
Wells Hill: Join local company Action at a Distance for their world premiere of Wells Hill, featuring seven outstanding dancers who splice together themes of technology and communication. Nov. 24-26 at various locations. Tickets at dancehouse.ca.
The Nutcracker: Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet鈥檚 production with choreography by Edmund Stripe and sets and costumes by Emmy award-winning designer Zack Brown. Dec. 28 to 30 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. balletbc.com.
The Pipeline Project: Firehall Arts Centre is bringing this provocative and personal account of the ongoing cultural battles over pipelines in B.C. With three actor-writers 鈥� two Indigenous and one white 鈥� The Pipeline Project is sure to prompt self-reflection and discovery. Jan 10-20 at the Firehall Arts Centre. Tickets at firehallartscentre.ca.
Merrily We Roll Along: United Players of 麻豆传媒映画and Music Theatre International proudly present this compelling showbiz musical and Broadway fable about friendship, compromise and the high price of success. Jan. 19 to Feb. 11 at Jericho Arts Centre. More at unitedplayers.com.
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FESTIVALS/MARKETS
麻豆传媒映画Jewish Film Festival: Join the 麻豆传媒映画Jewish Film Centre by celebrating the longest running Jewish film festival in Canada, bringing the best contemporary Jewish films from around the world. Nov. 2-9 at Fifth Avenue Cinemas and Nov. 10-12 at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre. vjff.org.
Circle Craft Christmas Market: In Vancouver, the holidays begin with this city tradition. This year, more than 300 artisans (more than 50 new to the market)听will take part: clothing designers, potters, wood and metal workers, glass blowers, jewelers, toy makers, candle and soap makers, and more. Nov. 8-12 at the 麻豆传媒映画Convention Centre. More at circlecraft.net.
Fan Expo: Let your inner (and outer) fan shine at this three-day extravaganza. Meet some of your favourite anime voices and television stars spanning the decades from Happy Days to iZombie. 500 exhibitors will also be onsite. Nov. 10-12 at the 麻豆传媒映画Convention Centre. fanexpovancouver.com.
Eastside Culture Crawl: In this four-day visual arts, design, and crafts festival, explore Vancouver鈥檚 hip and surprisingly intimate Eastside, from First Avenue to the waterfront with more than 500 artists in their studios. Nov. 16-19 at various locations. More at culturecrawl.ca.
St. Paul鈥檚 Lights of Hope: This celebration marks the launch of St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital鈥檚 iconic holiday lighting display and fundraising campaign. Hot chocolate, local choirs and food trucks will be available for guests to enjoy while watching the fireworks show. Nov. 16 at St. Paul鈥檚 Hospital. More info at lightsofhope.com.
Rio Grind Film Festival: New and award-winning international, Canadian, indie, cult, sci-fi and horror shorts, features and documentaries presented at the Rio Theatre, Nov. 16-19. riotheatre.ca.
Christmas at Hycroft: Explore the iconic Edwardian mansion for an inspirational prelude to the magic of Christmas. With all three floors decked in seasonal splendor and a wide variety of boutiques, artisans and crafters, Christmas at Hycroft is an event for the entire family. Nov. 16-19 at Hycroft Manor. More info at christmasathycroft.com.
麻豆传媒映画Christmas Market: 75 huts filled with authentic German delicacies, old-world confections and treasures, a glittering carousel, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities all wrapped up with 36,000 twinkling lights return to Jack Poole Plaza from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24. vancouverchristmasmarket.com.
Jewish Book Festival: An exciting roster of writers from across Canada, the U.S. and Israel. Nov. 25-30 at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater 麻豆传媒映画and other venues. jewishbookfestival.ca.
Got Craft: Buy made-in-麻豆传媒映画gifts at the Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 pop-up shop at the Little Mountain Shop (4385 Main St.) or the two-day holiday edition Dec. 9 and 10 at the Maritime Labour Centre. Details at gotcraft.com.
Santa Claus Parade: Watch Santa parade down through the West End all the way to the 麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery, with two hours of family entertainment which will be presented at Christmas Square prior to the parade. Dec. 3 at various locations. More info at vancouversantaclausparade.com.
VISUAL ARTS
麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery: ongoing exhibits include Emily Carr: Into the Forest until Dec. 3, The Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada until Jan. 28, Gordon Smith: The Black Paintings until Feb. 4, Portrait of the Artist: An Exhibition from the Royal Collection until Feb. 4 and Carol Sawyer: The Natalie Brettschneider Archive until Feb. 4. vanartgallery.bc.ca.
Onsite/Offsite:听Hong Kong artist, Tsang Kin-Wah, explores the complexities surrounding migration, cultural identity and racism in these site-specific works, presented by the 麻豆传媒映画Art Gallery. Until Jan. 2 at various locations. More info atvanartgallery.bc.ca.
City on Edge: A Century of 麻豆传媒映画Activism: with more than 650 images of street demonstrations, protests, and riots from the early 1900s to present day from the archives of the 麻豆传媒映画Sun and the Province newspapers, this exhibit captures emotionally raw and transformative moments in the lives of Vancouverites. Until Feb. 18 at the Museum of Vancouver. More at museumofvancouver.ca.
Amazonia: The Rights of Nature: Discover Amazonian basketry, textiles, carvings, feather works, and ceramics that represent Indigenous, Maroon and white settler communities. Until Jan. 28, 2018 at the Museum of Anthropology. More at moa.ubc.ca. 听
