Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax

Co-presented by the Chan Centre and the Vancouver Recital Society

Two of the most important musicians performing today, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax, appeared together in the Vancouver Recital Society’s first series back in 1986 – their engagement will mark their first return to Vancouver as a duo.

Program Message from Vancouver Recital Society Artistic Director Leila Getz

Dear Friends:

I don’t think I’d be speaking out of turn if I told you that tonight’s performance by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax fulfills a dream of Tom Chan’s to hear these two artists in this acoustically superb and beautiful concert hall.

This magnificent performing arts centre, a jewel in the landscape of Vancouver, is the result of the munificence and vision of the Chan family, and the design of Bing Thom Architects, and it gives me great pleasure to dedicate this concert to these visionaries in our city.

The Chan Shun Concert Hall has raised the bar overall for musical performance in the city, and has had an enormous impact on the growth of the Vancouver Recital Society over the past six years. The hall has given the VRS the opportunity to present concerts which otherwise would not have been possible, and in turn the VRS  has brought audiences and artists to the Chan beyond all expectations.

Creativity, great art and innovation are not self sustaining. They require subsidy, and the Chan Endowment Fund plays a vital role in the success of this hall. We at the VRS enthusiastically support the growth of the endowment because we know that we shall all enjoy the benefits in the years to come.

Enjoy the concert and recognize how lucky we all are to be sitting here tonight.

Sincerely,

Leila Getz