Friends of Chamber Music
Cancellation of Spring 2021 Season
Greetings for the New Year from Friends of Chamber Music.
With deep regret, the Board of Directors of Friends of Chamber Music has cancelled the Spring 2021 concert season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We delayed for as long as possible, hoping against hope that the situation would improve. Considering the current and fluid status of the pandemic, evolving B.C. Public Health Orders, restrictions on international travel, and the extended closure of the Vancouver Playhouse, we are unable to present any concerts this spring.
With our remarkable history of offering chamber music concerts to Vancouver audiences for close to seventy-five years, this was an extraordinary decision. Our President, Eric Wilson, recalls that there have been no concerts cancelled since he joined Friends of Chamber Music in 1961 (although we have had some exceptional last-minute substitutions), let alone a full season! We are truly living in unprecedented times.
Regrettably, we have also cancelled the 2021 Young Musicians Competition. This is a great disappointment for Friends of Chamber Music and the participating groups as each year it gives young musicians an opportunity to gain experience performing to an audience in ensembles.
We hope you and your families are staying well and safe. We know how much you enjoy experiencing chamber music delivered by world-renowned ensembles in our familiar and welcoming venue. We look forward to welcoming you back to Friends of Chamber Music once we can resume live concerts and continue this tradition.
We are currently working on the 2021/2022 season and, as circumstances allow, expect to offer you an outstanding international collection of ensembles including the Pavel Haas, Bennewitz, Quiroga and Modigliani quartets, and a welcome return of the Han Finckel Setzer piano trio.
We find inspiration in the words of two of our beloved composers: “So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it.” (Aaron Copland) and “Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is.” (Malcolm Arnold)
Thank you for your ongoing support of Friends of Chamber Music. We gratefully appreciate the generous donations made by our members which help us to continue to offer chamber music concerts in Vancouver.
The Board of Directors, Friends of Chamber Music
