The Vancouver International Music Festival (VIMF) took place from August 20 to 25, 2024, in the picturesque city of Vancouver. This festival was meticulously organized and hosted by the Canada International Arts & Music Society, with strong support from the Canadian Music Centre BC, all three levels of government, and various international arts organizations. As a globally anticipated musical event, VIMF is dedicated to providing an excellent platform for music enthusiasts worldwide to exchange and showcase their talents, promoting a deep integration of musical cultures.
This year’s music festival featured numerous highlights and was divided into three main sections: performances by resident artists, student performances, and public masterclasses. The festival invited many world-renowned artists, not only from the Western classical music scene but also from diverse cultural backgrounds. These included masters of the Chinese zheng, erhu, African traditional instruments, and Indigenous Canadian pan flute performances. Over ten mesmerizing solo concerts were presented by these diverse artists throughout the festival, offering audiences a rich musical feast.
At the same time, the student showcase portion of the festival was highly anticipated. Talented young musicians had the opportunity to display their skills and receive live feedback from world-class masters. This not only provided them with a platform to showcase their talents but also injected new inspiration and motivation into their musical journeys. The masterclass segment was open to the public for free, allowing music enthusiasts to observe up close the teaching processes of the masters and gain a deeper understanding of musical techniques.
As a non-profit charitable organization officially registered with the government, the Canada International Arts & Music Society has long been committed to advancing music education and widely promoting musical events. The Vancouver International Music Festival is one of its significant initiatives to foster cultural exchange through music.
Guests at the festival gala concert included:
Lynn Liu, President of the Canada International Arts & Music Society and the Vancouver International Music Festival Organizing Committee, gave an opening speech. She stated that the music festival originated from a vision to create a platform where artists and music lovers from around the world could come together in harmony. The festival not only showcases extraordinary talent but also fosters cultural exchange, deepening our understanding of the richness and diversity of global musical traditions. Tonight, standing at this moment when this dream is about to be fully realized, I feel immense pride and gratitude. This year’s festival is particularly special, reflecting the unique and colorful diversity of our world. From the melodious tunes of the Chinese zheng and the soulful sounds of the erhu to the powerful rhythms of African drums, the ethereal notes of the Indigenous pan flute, and the classic sounds of Western traditional music, we are privileged to experience music that transcends borders and binds us together.
Vancouver Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung spoke on behalf of Mayor Ken Sim and presented a congratulatory letter. The Mayor conveyed his warmest greetings to all attendees of the Vancouver International Music Festival, organized by the Canada International Arts & Music Society, on behalf of the residents of Vancouver and his colleagues on City Council. The festival brought together renowned musicians, hosted a series of expert-led masterclasses, and showcased the exceptional talents of resident artists. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and all participants for their dedication and hard work.
Canadian Member of Parliament Hedy Fry, who regrettably could not attend in person, sent her office director Donald to deliver greetings from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Prime Minister acknowledged the Vancouver International Music Festival, which brought together famous musical talents, students, and participants from around the world for this grand event in Canada. Diversity is Canada’s greatest strength, and the diverse talents showcased at this event reflect how our nation is enriched by people from different backgrounds. Just as the passion for music unites this community, a strong spirit of inclusivity binds us together. In a time when some voices focus on division, events like this, which promote community and international friendship, are especially important. Music has an incredible power to unite, and I thank today’s organizers for making this event possible, while congratulating the talented participants from various backgrounds.
Jerome Lowenthal, renowned pianist and former chair of the piano department at The Juilliard School, represented the festival’s resident artists. He expressed gratitude to the festival for the invitation and offered his best wishes to the participating artists’ students, encouraging them to continue their journey in the arts with innovation and exploration.
Mark Hendrickson, representing the diamond sponsor, Frobisher International, gave a speech. He expressed how honoured Frobisher International was to sponsor the Vancouver International Music Festival. This stage not only brings together music lovers and seasoned musicians but also serves as an excellent platform for exploring new musical horizons and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Best Performers of the Festival:
Best Piano Performance, Age 8 & Under: Stephanie Liu
Best Piano Performance, Age 9-12: Charlotte Deng
Best Piano Performance, Age 13-17: Brian Li
Best Violin Performance, Age 9-12: Sacha Jobra Wu
Best Chamber Music Performance: Minghao Liu, Melody Sham, Yiyang Xue
Best Cello Performance, Age 13-17: Hailey Kim
Best Harp Performance, Age 8 & Under: Renee Zhao
Best Harp Performance, Age 9-12: Angelyn Kim
Best Woodwinds Performance, Age 13-17, and Best Performance of a Canadian Composition: Amanda Feijoo Aguilera
Artists in Residence Recitals
Students Performances & Masterclasses
