Those with a taste for the elegant work of experienced classical musicians will be pleased to know Cheam Vista Classical Concerts is returning for a second season, with the first performance scheduled for Jan. 25.
President Kirill Bolshakov, a concert pianist, composer and former choir leader in Vancouver and his home country, Russia, is thrilled to bring another season of musical arts to the community.
“It is an opportunity to have locally, classical concerts on an international level of quality and perfection,” he says. “For a classical, professional musician who has chosen music not only as a profession but as their dedication of life ... it goes without saying that one wants to live in an artistic atmosphere and an artistic environment.”
Bolshakov says the unexpected success of last year’s concerts has led him and the group’s passionate volunteers to pursue another year of the subscription-based program.
“We really looked with great surprise and pleasure upon the fact that there has been so many interested people and so much hunger for good art,” he says, adding the dedication of volunteers and the board of directors has played a huge role in the group’s success.
This year the program will feature music from the Vancouver Chamber Choir; the world-class Borealis String Quartet; the innovative jazz, Celtic and rock-infused group Quartango; and Quebec-based international delight Charles Richard-Hamelin.
With 180 subscribers last season, the Agassiz Christian Reformed Church venue was almost at full capacity. But Bolshakov says there is still room for more, adding the concerts currently have only 140 subscribers.
“If there are some people who are considering [joining] the waiting list they should do it as soon as possible because it will be answered in priority order,” he says.
Adult subscriptions for the Cheam Vista Classical Concerts are $100. Seniors are $80, students $40 and for a family of two adults and two children the cost is $240. Subscriptions are transferable and can be shared with friends or family. Subscriptions for the 2018 season are available now and can be purchased by calling Kirill or Elena Bolshakov at 778-654-2785.