2025 LunarFest Concert

Do you recognize the sound of the suona? It is often heard during festival celebrations at the temples, announcing the arrival of the new year. The suona is an instrument that is deeply engraved within East Asian traditions. Similar to the trumpet, its simplicity and piercing song remains in your memory long after the note has faded. Suona Gang of Taiwan is bringing refreshing tunes through this traditional instrument to create a Lunar New Year atmosphere bound to make you smile.

LunarFest Concert welcomes Harmonia String Ensemble and the West Vancouver Youth Band, as well as two amazing young violin soloists, Michiyo Yu & Hyden Ho, in a harmonious night of music where the East meets the West. Fans of classical music, and music lovers looking to explore cultural connections, this night is for you.

Featuring musicians from both Asia and B.C., with songs and instruments unbound by tradition. Gather ‘round with friends and family. Let’s welcome the new year with good music and good company!

More information about LunarFest Vancouver

 

Featured Artists

 

Suona Gang

Founded in 2020 and originally known as Crazy Suona, this creative ensemble primarily features a traditional Chinese wind instrument, the suona. The instrument originated from the Zurna, a Middle Eastern musical instrument. Europeans first heard it as a war cry during the Crusades; the sound spread to East Asia along the Silk Road, where it reached the ears and lives of the common folk. To this day, the suona has become a part of East Asia's living memory and traditional culture. It has been used in weddings, funerals and celebrations, and its sound is so prominent that it is hard to ignore.

Suona Gang’s musical style spans pop, jazz, and traditional folk, navigating the space between cultural heritage and contemporary innovation. They excel at reimagining Taiwanese folk culture elements, presenting them on stage with a fresh perspective. Additionally, they actively experiment with diverse sounds, creating a quirky and slightly mischievous musical style. Suona Gang continuously pushes the boundaries of cross-genre experimental compositions, exploring the extensive possibilities of suona music.

Instagram - Suona Gang

 

Harmonia

In 2004, Tony Lee brought together a group of enthusiastic string players to read orchestral music in his home. This became a frequent event at the Lee residence and soon, the group decided to perform concerts publicly.

The objective of the group is to play chamber works that are rarely performed by large symphonic orchestras. The music they play is usually composed for strings only, or for a classical orchestra which may include a limited number of wind instruments (typically 2 oboes and 2 horns).

Initially, a whimsical name was chosen for the ensemble – I Musici Sushi – to give the group a “West Coast flavour”. Under the I Musici Sushi banner, the ensemble held three or more concerts a year. Admission was by donation and the proceeds were donated to charities.

In late December 2018, the group’s name was officially changed to Harmonia and we continue to perform and raise money for charitable causes.

 

West Van Youth Band - Strings Section

WVYB Strings Program is based in West Vancouver and comprises 3 orchestras ranging from very beginner to advanced. It is open to all string players from 7-19. The Symphonic Strings (the group performing) is a gold medal winner at the Con Brio Festival, and heralded for their many community performances, including the annual ‘Lift’ concert. String players from across the North Shore and beyond gather once a week to rehearse, prepare concerts, and learn what it means to create as an ensemble.

 

Maestro Nicholas Urquhart

Nicholas Urquhart is a vibrant musician bringing out the best in the ensembles he works with. He brings a verve and vitality to his music making. His blend of sophistication, wit, and joy, have earned him many return engagements and a reputation of excellence. The contagious energy he brings to the craft has led to a great deal of success with younger musicians as well.

Nicholas has worked with a multitude of ensembles and has formal positions with many groups. He is the principal conductor of the Harmonia Ensemble and also the Associate Conductor with the West Coast Symphony and Ambleside Orchestra. He has served as Assistant Conductor with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kelowna Pops Orchestra. He is also a regular Guest Conductor with the New Westminster Symphony. Nicholas is the director and conductor of the WYVB Strings (2 youth orchestras in West Vancouver) and runs an impressive string orchestra program at Killarney Secondary.

 

Violin Soloists

Michiyo Yu, born in 2011, began playing the violin at age 4. A student of Dominic Woo, Michi has received numerous awards and prizes including 1st Prize at the 2023 Canadian Music Competition. Michi is currently an 8th grade student in the Byng Arts Strings Program at Lord Byng Secondary School. She is a member of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra as well as their Chamber Music Program.

Hyden Ho, born in 2009, started playing the violin when he was 5 years old. Student of Violinist Dominic Woo, Hyden has won top prizes and awards in numerous competitions including Vancouver Kiwanis Festival and VAYA International Festival. He also plays in Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music. He is currently a 10th grader at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School.

Michi and Hyden formed Corner Duo in 2021. Since their debut, they have won top prizes including 1st prize at the Canadian Music Festival and the BC Provincial Festival in which they were nominated to represent both Vancouver Kiwanis Festival and VAYA International Festival.

 

Accessibility

If you require financial assistance, please contact us at invite@acsea.ca

Patrons requesting accessible seating or if you require companion seating, please contact us at invite@acsea.ca so we can assist with ticket purchase.

 

Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE, but they are transferable. If you can’t use them, pass them on to a friend.