The Vancouver Chamber Choir and Belle Spirale are embarking on an ambitious interdisciplinary collaboration that reimagines David Lang's Pulitzer Prize-winning choral composition The Little Match Girl Passion through dance, expanding our artistic reach while addressing urgent social issues in our community. Choreographed by Kevin O'Day (former director of Mannheim Dance Theatre, Forsythe Company, New York City Ballet, Baryshnikov’s White Oak Project alumnus), we are developing a powerful new work that awakens empathy, kindles hearts and asks us to deeply see one another. 

The Little Match Girl is a full-evening dance work inspired by the story of Hans Christian Andersen and set to the vocal and musical score by David Lang. At its core, it explores humanity, compassion, and the consequences of turning away from those in need. It is grounded in the present, directly reflecting the realities of homelessness. The Little Match Girl represents the countless individuals living unhoused in our cities today. She moves through an urban landscape of indifference, reaching out for warmth, recognition, and connection. Each match she lights is more than a fleeting comfort; it is a reflection of hope, memory, and the dignity that the world too often ignores. Her journey unfolds in the cold, surrounded by people who pass by, too busy or unwilling to see her. Yet, even in isolation, she finds moments of beauty—visions of love, of family, of a life that once was or could have been.

Her final match burns brightest as she is reunited with her mother, a moment of solace beyond suffering.

A family-friendly production for ages 12 and up, The Little Match Girl offers Vancouver audiences a socially relevant yet deeply entertaining production that sparks meaningful dialogue while remaining artistically excellent and accessible. Immerse yourself in socially relevant Holiday programming that will inspire and inform you! 

We are proud to be presenting this production in partnership with Covenant House Vancouver. Please visit their website to find out about their life-changing work with at-risk youth in our community, and to make a donation towards their programming: https://www.covenanthousebc.org/