Home to the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Early Music Vancouver (EMV) is a non-profit performing arts organization specializing in classical music from yesteryear.

Part of the local music scene for over 50 years, Early Music Vancouver hosts concerts that showcase music from the Medieval to Baroque periods as well as from the 19th Century. At its concerts, you can expect to hear music originating from between 500 AD and the 21st Century, including lots from between the 1500s and 1800s. The concerts are beautiful, entertaining and educational.

To learn more about the concerts and the organization behind them, either keep reading or visit the earlymusic.bc.ca website.

Pacific Baroque Orchestra (Photo by Jess MacAleese)

Early Music Vancouver Concert Series

Early Music Vancouver had its first season back in 1970. Since then it has provided regular concerts with up to 36 or so per year. The term “early music” generally refers to classical music from between around 500 and 1800 AD. Much of the music performed at EMV concerts is European in origin. Some, though, is from other cultures, including from Asia and the Middle East.

Celebrating its 55th season in 2025, Early Music Vancouver showcases classical music from around the world from between 100 and 1,500 years ago. Musicians in its concerts often play the same types of instruments used when the music was first composed, including restored fortepianos. It’s like going back in time to hear music as it was originally played!

EMV concerts take place throughout the year, from January until December. Performances often include pre-concert talks, or commentary by the conductor after specific pieces, so you can learn about the music as well as enjoy it.

The main season each year runs from September until April or May. There are concerts in the summer too, though, including the Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival (which used to be called the Vancouver Bach Festival).

Early Music Vancouver uses a number of venues throughout the city for its performances. They include the Chan Centre at UBC, the Orpheum, the Kay Meek Centre, Christ Church Cathedral and other prestigious places.