The Victoria Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Peter Butterfield, launches its new season on St. Cecilia’s Day, November 22, appropriately enough with Charles Gounod’s ‘St. Cecilia Mass.’
Soloists are soprano Sara Schabas, bass-baritone Neil Craighead, and tenor Adam Schmidt. Simon MacDonald leads the 25-member orchestra.
This is the 170th anniversary of Gounod’s first major work, which premiered to critical and popular acclaim in Paris in 1855. The younger composer, Camille Saint-Saëns, said the piece “caused a kind of shock … at first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.” If you’ve heard the mass before, you’ll know what Saint-Saëns was talking about. If not, you’re in for an experience.
Please join us on November 22 to be dazzled, charmed, and conquered!
The second half is a Victoria premiere, Howard Goodall’s much-loved ‘Eternal Light.’ Goodall describes this as a requiem for the living, and incorporates texts from English poems and hymns from the last five centuries to offer solace to those who mourn.
Looking further to December 22nd, when you are primed to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, the VPC presents its annual joyous panoply of sing-along favourites, beloved carols, and chocolate!
One of the earliest English operas, Henry Purcell’s ‘Dido and Aeneas,’ is the centrepiece of an evening exploring the rich choral repertoire of English Music, Old and New on March 14, 2026. Inspired by Virgil’s epic tale, the ‘Aeneid,’ Purcell tells the star-crossed love story of the Trojan hero Aeneas, and Dido, Queen of Carthage. This program will also present other English gems of the choral repertoire, including pieces by G.F. Handel and Gustav Holst.
Saturday June 6, 2026 brings the finale to the VPC’s year: Joseph Haydn’s ‘The Seasons.’ In a troubling time of climate change, this exuberant and rousing work reminds us of nature’s power, beauty, and preciousness.
For subscriptions, tickets, and other concert information, please go to vpchoir.ca
