Vancouver Chopin Society
The idea of founding the VCS came to the minds of a group of music lovers in late 1996 when they heard about the ten-year-old prodigy, pianist Stanislaw Drzewiecki, son of the famous Russian pianist, Tatiana Shebanova, who was married to Polish pianist Jaroslaw Drzewiecki. Presenting this musical family to Vancouver audiences seemed like a great idea; however, this required some organizational structure. It seemed natural and timely to consider starting a Chopin society for Vancouver, since the International Federation of Chopin Societies, founded in Warsaw in 1985, was receiving quick recognition, and many new Chopin societies were launched around the world.
The VCS is a member of the International Federation of Chopin Societies, based in Vienna. This connection puts the group in touch with some 50 other Chopin Societies worldwide, creating exciting possibilities for inviting international musicians to Vancouver.
Since its official incorporation on April 22, 1997, the Vancouver Chopin Society has been presenting great performances of timeless music to Vancouver audiences. In these many years, the society has been responsible for the Vancouver debut recitals of many of the laureates of the International Chopin Competition, promising young artists who are now today’s musical legends, as well as some of today’s most respected pianists and musicians.
Lilya Zilberstein, an artist at the height of her powers, will make a welcome return to Vancouver. Along with Rafal Blechacz, whose appearances here have always been very special occasions. Alexander Gavrylyuk, whose performance of Rachmaninoff’s second sonata still rings in our ears, will return to perform for us. As well, we have the Vancouver recital debut of Anna Geniushene, silver medalist of the Cliburn Competition. Together with our friends at Early Music Vancouver, we will present fortepianist Melisande McNabney in recital.
Plus, two very special performances at the Orpheum Theatre - keyboard legend Yefim Bronfman and the return of Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu.
The Vancouver Chopin Society firmly believes in the power of music to bring people together. As it celebrates this watershed anniversary, it commits itself yet again to bringing this community some of today’s most remarkable musicians.
