International Arts Initiatives

03/18/2026

VIFF Live - Sunday 22nd March at 7:00pm

The Voice of a Generation Lost is the latest work by Iranian-Canadian composer and setar player Ali Razmi, inspired by the iconic photography of his father, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Jahangir Razmi.

This project transforms decades of photographs documenting revolution, war, and resilience in Iran into an evocative live performance. Through a blend of Persian classical music, jazz, and experimental sounds, Ali Razmi and his collaborators offer a deeply emotional reflection on memory, identity, and the power of art to bear witness.

“This project is deeply personal to me. As the son of Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jahangir Razmi, I grew up surrounded by images that carried the weight of history. My father’s photographs, taken during Iran’s revolution and the Iran–Iraq war, bear witness to pain, loss, and resilience. I felt that now is a good time to remember the past and learn the lessons history has left us. We are once again facing war and turmoil in the world, and I believe it is our responsibility as artists to reflect on where we have been and what we must not repeat. This music is my way of honouring a generation that endured so much, and of carrying their voice forward.” — Ali Razmi

To complete this celebration of international photojournalism VIFF will also be screening:

The Salt of the Earth (2014): Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado’s film that follows the career of Brazilian social documentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado.

Sunday, 22nd March, 2026 at 7:00pm, VIFF Centre, Vancouver

Tickets: https://viff.org/whats-on/voice-of-a-generation-lost-live/

IAI thanks our producing partners, VIFF, Coastal Jazz and Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra.

11/14/2025

"Every day at Side Door we got to figure out how to connect people through art. The platform was just a tool to give us more power to do that. It is a life-long mission that both Dan and I share. I am forever grateful for all the relationships and memories we made. The team was second to none. Thank you."

Side Door has facilitated more than 3,300 shows and paid out nearly $2 million to artists, but is now calling it a day at the end of the year. The two co-founders tell us more.

10/01/2025

.resonance
Tlell Forest - final day of a beautiful three weeks!

08/07/2025

Last weekend at the Haida Heritage Centre - today we take Ancestral Resonance into the forest at The Edge Of the World Festival.
resonance

07/30/2025

Ancestral Resonance in Masset, Haida Gwaii - first time out, four hour session with spruce resonators and interactive touchboards. Now in week 2 - Daajing Giids for three more ...

07/20/2025

Sonic adventures on Haida Gwaii - on our way!

04/05/2025

04/05/2025

Hoy entrevista para El Universal, ¡gracias Berenice y Citlali!
abril

01/02/2025

12/14/2024

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉
Call for Composers & Performers - VICO Summer Academy 2025!

The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra (VICO) invites established and emerging musicians and composers to apply for our upcoming Summer Academy, which will be held May 26 - June 7, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. This innovative educational initiative offers hands-on experience in creating and performing intercultural music, under the guidance of a world-class faculty. Join us for a transformative musical learning experience!

EARLY BIRD application deadline (tuition discounts available!): March 28, 2025

DETAILS & APPLICATION FORM:
https://vi-co.org/summer-academy-2025/

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The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra respectfully acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish people, including the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

We also offer heartfelt thanks to the following funders and partners, whose generous support makes the Summer Academy possible:
Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada
City of Vancouver - Cultural Services
VSO School of Music (venue partner)

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11/19/2024

SAVE THE DATE: “White Lotus Calling” 🕊️
Dec. 13, 2024 - 7:30 pm at the Annex

A star-studded cast of performers pay tribute to the life and legacy of Bic Hoang, and her three decades of representing Canada on stages around the world. Join us for an unforgettable evening honouring the profound impact Bic had in BC and around the world. The concert features artists from the world, jazz, improv, and classical music communities including (in order of appearance) D’arcy Z**i Han, Randy Raine-Reusch, Moshe Denburg, Jun Rong, Silk Road Trio, John Oliver, Orchid Ensemble, Amy Stephen, Amir & Rex Haghighi, Nikita Carter, Clyde Reed, The Asrar Trio, Ed Henderson, Db Boyko, Red Chamber’s Mei Han & Guilian Liu, L. Mark Armanini, Vi An, and Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society ensemble. This is a multimedia event with music, dedications, recordings, images, and tributes to Bic. All proceeds will go to support the BC Cancer Foundation, who helped Bic greatly in her fight with cancer.

📅Date: Friday, December 13
🕛 Time: 7:30 pm
📍Location: The Annex (823 Seymour St Vancouver)
🎟️Tickets on link in bio! 👇🏻

10/23/2024

Autumn in the Kootenays with 88 Strings

88strings.ca