Schafer/85: A Birthday Spectacular at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Celebrate the innovative music of Canada’s preeminent composer, R. Murray Schafer, in recognition of his 85th birthday! Jon Washburn leads the singers and soloists of the Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra in three major works: * The Star Princess and the Waterlilies A Schaferian creation myth on the celestial origin of waterlilies for women’s voices, alto solo, narrator and percussion. * Narcissus and Echo Young Narcissus encounters the nymph, Echo — as written by Ovid and recounted by the blind seer, Tiresias — for chorus, baritone and soprano soloists. * The Love that Moves the Universe Music of the stars and spheres of light of the first and last cantos of Dante’s “Paradiso” (from “Divina Commedia”) for chorus and orchestra intermingled. The evening will also feature filmed interviews with the honoured composer and his long-time musical colleague, Jon Washburn. Thank you: - This is one of the 200 exceptional projects funded through the Canada Council for the Arts’ New Chapter program. With this $35M investment, the Council supports the creation and sharing of the arts in communities across Canada. - We are grateful to the Chan Endowment Fund at the University of British Columbia for its support of this event.