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UPCOMING PERFORMANCE
MAY
10
Mon. May 10, 2027
Anvil Theatre, New Westminster
MAY
11
Tue. May 11, 2027
North Delta Centre for the Arts, Delta
MAY
12
Wed. May 12, 2027
Highlands United Church, North Vancouver
MAY
14
Wed. May 14, 2027
South Delta Baptist Church, Tsawwassen
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Passion, intensity, elegance, and lyric beauty come together in this program pairing two extraordinary chamber works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Gabriel Fauré.
Written when Beethoven was still a young composer in Vienna, the String Trio in C minor, Op. 9 No. 3 already reveals the unmistakable fire and emotional intensity that would later define his greatest masterpieces. Dramatic contrasts, restless energy, and moments of striking tenderness unfold throughout the work, giving audiences a glimpse into the bold musical voice that would soon change classical music forever.
In contrast, Fauré’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15 draws listeners into an entirely different world — one of French elegance, shimmering colour, and deeply expressive lyricism. Filled with sweeping melodies, delicate textures, and moments of quiet intimacy, the quartet balances refinement with emotional depth. Its sparkling scherzo remains one of the composer’s most beloved and recognizable creations.
Together, these works create a powerful journey through two distinct musical worlds: Beethoven’s dramatic intensity and Fauré’s luminous sophistication. Rich in emotion, colour, and chamber music dialogue, the program offers both intimacy and exhilaration in equal measure.
PROGRAM
String Trio in C minor, Op. 9 No. 3
Ludwig van Beethoven
I. Allegro con spirito
II. Adagio con espressione
III. Scherzo: Allegro molto e vivace
IV. Finale: Presto
Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15
Gabriel Fauré
I. Allegro molto moderato
II. Scherzo: Allegro vivo
III. Adagio
IV. Finale: Allegro molto
THE ARTISTS
Gabrielle Després
VIOLIN
Praised for her “gorgeous, rich tone” and thoughtful musical interpretations, Canadian violinist Gabrielle Després has quickly emerged as one of Canada’s most exciting young artists. A finalist at the 2025 International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, she is also a first-prize winner of the Irving M. Klein International String Competition and the Juilliard Concerto Competition, with additional top prizes at the Michael Hill, Elmar Oliveira, and Washington International Violin Competitions.
Gabrielle has appeared as soloist with orchestras including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, Juilliard Orchestra, Spokane Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton. Her performances have brought her to leading festivals and chamber music series across North America and Europe, including Marlboro Music Festival, ChamberFest Cleveland, IMS Prussia Cove, and the Verbier Festival Academy.
An avid chamber musician and collaborative artist, Gabrielle is passionate about creating meaningful and accessible musical experiences both on and off the concert stage. She has developed community engagement programs through Juilliard and Project: Music Heals Us, bringing music into hospitals, care facilities, and correctional institutions. She is also co-founder of the New York–based concert series Lyrical Libations, which pairs chamber music performances with curated cocktail experiences in intimate venues.
Gabrielle completed both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at Juilliard School as a recipient of the prestigious Kovner Fellowship and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma under the guidance of Catherine Cho. She performs on a violin by Zosimo Bergonzi and a bow by Étienne Pajeot, generously provided by CANIMEX INC. of Quebec.
Ryan Davis
VIOLA
Described as “a violist unlike any other” by Stir Vancouver, Canadian violist, composer, and creative artist Ryan Davis has built a distinctive career that bridges classical performance with contemporary influences drawn from folk, electronic, and hip-hop music. Performing and composing under the moniker Radia, Davis is recognized for redefining the possibilities of the viola through innovative collaborations and genre-crossing projects.
Named one of CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30,” Davis has appeared in a wide range of artistic settings, from major concert halls including Toronto’s Koerner Hall to experimental and community-based performances across North America. His debut EP, Of Glow & Abandon, was praised for its imaginative sound world and blending of acoustic and electronic textures.
As a performer, Davis has appeared as soloist and guest artist with ensembles including the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Gryphon Trio, Canadian Chamber Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Prairie Virtuosi. He has collaborated with many leading musicians and festivals throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, including performances at the Banff Centre, Ottawa Chamberfest, Toronto Summer Music Festival, and the Lucerne Festival Academy.
Deeply committed to innovation and community engagement, Davis has worked closely with organizations such as Street Symphony in Los Angeles and co-created The Upnote, a media platform exploring the experiences of emerging artists in today’s music industry. In 2026, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Viola at the University of British Columbia School of Music.
Davis studied at McGill University, Yale University, and Colburn School, and was the first-ever violist selected for Toronto’s prestigious Rebanks Fellowship.
Noémie Raymond
CELLO
Praised for her “gorgeous cello sound, rich and deep” (Ludwig van Montréal), Canadian cellist Noémie Raymond has established herself as a compelling artist recognized for her expressive playing, musical sensitivity, and versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. She was recently nominated for the 2026 CALQ Artist of the Year Award in Montérégie, as well as 2026 Opus Awards for Breakthrough Artist and Album of the Year for Dialogues.
Her performances have taken her to leading venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall, and Berlin’s Philharmonie, alongside appearances throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As both soloist and collaborative artist, she has performed with orchestras including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Oakville Symphony, Philharmonia Northwest, and Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke, and collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Midori, Pinchas Zukerman, Jan Lisiecki, and Timothy Chooi.
Recognized by CBC Music as one of Canada’s “Hot Classical Musicians Under 30,” Noémie is equally passionate about mentorship and education. She serves on the chamber music faculty of Festival del Lago in Mexico and continues to build a career shaped by artistic curiosity, collaboration, and communication through music.
A prizewinner at numerous international competitions including the Prix d’Europe, Tremplin International, and the Schadt String Competition, Noémie completed studies at the Université de Montréal, New England Conservatory, and earned a Doctorate in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music.
Noémie performs on the “Ex-Meneses” Matteo Goffriller cello (c.1700–1710), generously provided by CANIMEX INC. of Drummondville, Quebec.
Amanda Chan
PIANO
Canadian pianist Amanda Chan has earned recognition for her dynamic career as a performer, educator, chamber musician, and mentor. Praised for her versatility and collaborative artistry, she has appeared in concert throughout Canada, the United States, China, and Europe as both soloist and chamber musician.
A highly sought-after collaborative pianist, Amanda has performed with artists including Mark Steinberg, Curtis Stewart, Timothy Chooi, James Campbell, Measha Brueggergosman, and musicians of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera. She is a familiar presence on many of Vancouver’s leading concert series, including Music in the Morning, the VSO Chamber Players Series, Academy Chamber Players, and the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. Her wide-ranging musical interests have also led to collaborations beyond the traditional classical repertoire, including performances with Tango Paradiso at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Early in her career, Amanda received top prizes at major Canadian competitions including the Canadian Music Competition, Canadian National Bach Competition, CBC National Young Performers Competition, and Concours Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. She was awarded the Gold Medal for the Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT diploma and received major scholarships and Canada Council grants in support of her studies.
Amanda earned degrees from the University of British Columbia and the University of Southern California, and pursued further studies at the Glenn Gould School. Her teachers have included John Perry, Jon Kimura Parker, André Laplante, Kum-Sing Lee, and Karl-Heinz Kämmerling.
Equally devoted to education, Amanda serves as Professor and Piano Division Chair at the Vancouver Academy of Music and is also on the faculty of the University of British Columbia School of Music, where she teaches piano and chamber music.