Cowichan Classical Concerts

06/04/2026

WHAT'S ON MY MIND?

A wonderful guitar concert coming up on Sunday June 7!

Come and hear acclaimed guitarist Benjamin Lahring play a program of guitar music by Mauro Giuliani and his daughter Emilia Giuliani Guglielmi. These two influential 19th century Italian composers were instrumental 😉 in redefining the role of the guitar in European music.

We can't wait to meet Ben, and through him, Mauro and Emilia!

WHEN: Sunday June 7 at 2:30pm
WHERE: St. Michael's Church, Chemainus
TICKETS: 250-748-8383 and at the door

05/31/2026

MEET THE ARTIST - BEN LAHRING

Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating composer and performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd) and a “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).
With 25 years experience as a music educator, Ben has served on the faculties of four universities. He is an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre and an examiner with the Royal Conservatory of Music.
He is also the founder of Musicurate, started in 2023 as a music school, reconfigured in 2024 as a publishing company while still nurturing music education. The launch of the highly popular classical guitar magazine Musicurated followed in 2025.

Come and meet Ben at his concert on Sunday, June 7!

"Shimmering Strings"
June 7 at 2:30pm
Tickets at 250-748-8383 and at the door

Benjamin Lahring
MusiCurate

05/24/2026

On Sunday, June 7, guitarist Benjamin Lahring will be your guide to the musical world of Mauro Giuliani and his daughter, Emilia Giuliani-Guglielmi, two of the 19th century’s most important figures in the classical guitar tradition.
Ben will open his program by highlighting their operatic inspirations: Emilia’s Belliniana No.1, Op.2 draws on the lyrical melodies of Vincenzo Bellini, while Mauro’s Rossiniana No.1, Op.119 celebrates the lively spirit of Gioachino Rossini, both works reflecting the guitar’s dialogue with Italian opera.

What a delightful program awaits us!

Get your tickets soon for this last concert of the season!

Sunday, June 7 at 2:30pm
St. Michael's Church, Chemainus
Tickets at 250-748-8383 or at the door

05/15/2026

We are looking forward to hosting guitarist Benjamin Lahring for our final concert of this season.
Ben will perform a program of guitar music by Mauro Giuliani and his daughter, Emilia Giuliani-Guglielmi.
Mauro was a leading 19th century Italian guitar virtuoso, cellist, singer and composer, and Emilia a guitarist and composer in her own right.

Come and discover this "fine example of the quality of classical guitar" (Jim McCutcheon, American Record Guide).

Sunday June 7 at 2:30pm
St. Michael's Church, Chemainus
Tickets at 250-748-8383

05/09/2026

Our last concert of the season is coming up on June 7 - save the date!

05/04/2026

Hungarian cellist László Mezö and Calgary-based pianist Derek Chiu treated our audience to a program of luscious Locatelli, contemplative Liszt, shape-shifting Debussy, and spirited Prokofiev and Bartók pieces this afternoon.

Our thanks to the artists and to our ever-supportive audience!

05/03/2026

We’re so looking forward to hosting Laszlo Mezo, cellist and Derek Chiu tomorrow!

Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay
May 3 at 2pm
Tickets at the door - $30

I’m in Canada this week for a series of performances and a masterclass in Vancouver and Vancouver Island with pianist Derek Chiu.

April 29: Vancouver Westcoast Music Society
April 30: Opal by Elements (Private Engagement)
May 1: Cello Masterclass at Vancouver Academy of Music
May 3: Chemainus Classical Concerts Series (Vancouver Island)

Looking forward to connecting with audiences here.

05/01/2026

This is going to be a fantastic concert by two outstanding musicians!
Take a break from gardening and join us
🌱🎶🌱

Sunday May 3 at 2pm
Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay
Tickets at 250-748-8383 or at the door

04/28/2026

A wonderful opportunity to experience world class international artists awaits you this weekend!
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Steinway artist Derek Chiu and cellist Laszlo Mezo bring us a program of music by Liszt, Prokofiev, Debussy, and Bartók, among others, performed in the lovely space at Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay.
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Both Derek and Laszlo are enjoying successful international careers, and we are very fortunate to host them as part of our series.
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Get your tickets soon!
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Sunday May 3 at 2pm
Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay
Tickets at 250-748-8383

04/25/2026

MEET THE ARISTS ~ PART II

Cellist László Mező was born in Budapest, Hungary to a family of musicians with over 200 years of musical history. His great-grandmother heard Franz Liszt performing live, and performed with Pablo Casals. His father, László Mező Sr., was an iconic cellist and soloist who personally knew Zoltán Kodály.

László enjoys a stellar career as soloist, recitalist, master teacher and chamber musician, is regarded as one of the finest cellists of his generation, and has performed extensively in Europe, Asia and America.

We marvel at the incredible opportunity to host Mr. Mező and Steinway artist Derek Chiu for the penultimate concert in our season.
Get your tickets soon to avoid disappointment!

WHEN: Sunday May 3 at 2pm
WHERE: Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay
TICKETS: 250-748-8383