The Vancouver Bach Family Of Choirs
Now in its 95th season, the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs (VBFC) offers high quality choral education for ages 4 through adulthood, and a diverse array of concerts at both epic venues and unexpected community spaces. With nine choral ensembles, the VBFC is one of the largest choral groups in Metro Vancouver and the only organization that provides choral singing and education to nearly 500 voices from pre-kindergarten to adulthood.
The Vancouver Bach Family of Choir’s adult program explores a wide range of repertoire from the past to the present with passion and commitment. Under the baton of Maestro Leslie Dala, the symphonic choir (one of the largest in Canada) is dedicated to sharing the vibrant beauty of choral music with local, national and international communities. Through its series of concerts presented at the magnificent Orpheum Theatre, the symphonic choir commissions and performs works by Canadian composers, collaborates with world class musicians, and also presents beloved symphonic choral works from the Western Classical tradition. Directed by Cathrie Yuen, VBFC’s adult choir, Cantabile, uniquely rehearses during the day, and this supportive ensemble focuses its efforts on uplifting community performances.
Shane Raman directs VBFC’s diverse adult chamber choir, Sarabande, which performs a wide variety of challenging choral music from early madrigals to contemporary a cappella with infection commitment on both large stages and boutique pubs.
The Vancouver Bach Children’s program is one of the oldest and most established music outreach programs in the lower mainland. Since 1984, the Vancouver Bach children’s program has developed a unique, multi-tiered program that currently provides excellent choral training for over 350 singers from age four up to young adulthood. Auditioned from across the lower mainland, our young singers experience the joy of making music in the company of other dedicated young musicians.
Under the direction of music director Marisa Gaetanne (“Ms G”), Vancouver Bach Children’s Choirs (VBCCs)’s brilliant and inspiring program conductors challenge young singers, and foster self-confidence that spills over into the rest of a child’s life. From community concerts, to appearances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, to tours of legendary choral shrines around the world, the VBCCs always rise to the occasion with enthusiasm and evident joy!
Growing up, being a part of the VBCC family really helped me gain a lot of confidence and got me out of my shell. Now, I owe my career to the training I received from the choir!
A. Lau
past Sarabande member
professional performer
HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE VANCOUVER BACH CHOIR
Norman Grieve; Jon Washburn; Richard Vogel K.C.; Tony Roper; Gillian Wilder