The Early Music Society of the Islands has brought leading early music artists and ensembles from around the world to Victoria audiences for over 40 years.
For EMSI, “early music” encompasses some 800 years of music, reaching back to the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras. “There is an element of time travel as the artists perform the music as closely as possible to how it was originally performed,” said Bill Jamieson, EMSI Executive and Artistic Director. “Ultimately, though, we want our audience just to sit back and enjoy intimate and engaging performances of this captivating music.”
The 2025/26 season will comprise a Signature Series of 6 concerts, plus two Special Events.
SIGNATURE SERIES:
Oct 25, 2025 – TREASURE TROVE. Local medieval ensemble Bourdons presents 13th Century music from Portugal with voice and a panoply of exotic instruments from the time.
Nov 14, 2025 – BRILLIANT BAROQUE. Toronto’s legendary Tafelmusik presents a program of Baroque music, led by British violin virtuoso, Rachel Podger.
Dec 7, 2025 – YULE. Celebrated Trio Mediæval from Norway explores the transition from ancient pagan culture of Yule to the newer Christian rites of Christmas.
Jan 31, 2026 – BACH AND KHAYYAM. Ground-breaking ensemble Constantinople presents the musical genius Bach next to poems of Omar Khayyam, sung in Persian
Feb 28, 2026 – STRAWBERRY FIELDS. The dynamic, young Baroque Ensemble Ruckus puts the music of Handel alongside his contemporary, composer Ignatius Sancho, born a slave, later becoming a sensation in 18th Century London.
Mar 14, 2026 – VIVALDI ON FIRE. The ever-popular Ensemble Caprice from Montreal presents concertos of Vivaldi beside 18th Century traditional Eastern European music.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Sep 26, 2025 – AMANDA FORSYTHE SINGS HANDEL. A very special opportunity to hear internationally acclaimed soprano Amanda Forsythe in an intimate setting, performing arias by Handel, with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra.
Apr 17 and 18, 2026 – ARTEMISIA. Following up on their successful opera last season, EMSI offers dinner followed by a staged account of the most celebrated female painter of the Italian Baroque. Brilliantly and dramatically portrayed by singer/actor Sarah Chalfy.
For tickets and information, visit emsivictoria.ca
