Arooj Aftab, Natalia Laourcade, Eliades Ochoa Set for Chan Centre Presents Series Performance | Exclaim!

Chan Centre Announces Stellar 2025-2026 Concert Series

vancouver, BC – The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has revealed its highly anticipated “Chan Centre Presents” series, promising a captivating season of musical performances spanning genres and continents. The series will showcase both established legends and emerging talents, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

Fall 2025 Highlights: A global Rhapsody

The concert series kicks off this October with a diverse range of artists. Portuguese Fado singer Carminho is scheduled to perform on October 2nd, bringing the soulful sounds of conventional Portuguese music to the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Pakistani-American singer-songwriter Ali Sethi will follow on October 19th, with a performance anticipated to blend captivating vocals and storytelling.

Grammy-winning Pakistani-American singer and composer Arooj Aftab will take the stage on October 25th, showcasing her innovative approach to South Asian musical traditions. November will feature a behind-the-scenes discussion with celebrated violinist ray Chen on November 1st, followed by an intimate concert on November 2nd.

A particularly poignant performance is planned for November 7th, as Mariam, of the renowned duo Amadou and Mariam, will deliver a moving tribute to her late husband, Amadou, with music from their celebrated album L’Amour à la Folie. This concert is positioned as a powerful celebration of their enduring musical legacy.

Looking Ahead: Winter and Spring Performances

The series extends into 2026, continuing to deliver a wealth of musical experiences. On February 7th, audiences will be treated to a unique collaboration between Ballaké sissoko and Derek Gripper, a conversation in sound blending the melodic richness of the kora with the intricacies of the guitar.

March will spotlight the SUBA Trio, a collaboration between Grammy-nominated pianist Omar Sosa and Senegalese kora virtuoso Seckou Keita. Their performance on March 13th promises a dynamic blend of improvisation and established material from their 2021 album, SUBA.

The spring season will welcome Cuban singer-songwriter Eliades Ochoa, accompanied by a quartet, on May 9th. He is expected to perform a mix of classic and new compositions. the series will culminate with the Vancouver debut of Mexican singer Natalia Lafourcade, with performances on June 19th and 20th.

Did You Know? The Chan Centre for the Performing arts has consistently been ranked among Canada’s premier performance venues,hosting over 150 performances each year.

Artist	Date
Carminho	October 2, 2025
Ali Sethi	October 19, 2025
Arooj Aftab	October 25, 2025
Ray Chen	November 1-2, 2025
Mariam (Amadou & Mariam)	November 7, 2025
ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper	February 7, 2026
SUBA trio	March 13, 2026
Eliades Ochoa	May 9, 2026
Natalia lafourcade	June 19-20, 2026

Pro Tip: Tickets for all performances are available through the Chan Centre’s website. Early booking is recommended, especially for popular artists.

The “Chan Centre Presents” series continues a tradition of bringing world-class artistry to Vancouver, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange and appreciation. What genres of music are you most excited to see represented on the stage? Do you plan on attending any of these exciting concerts?

The Enduring Appeal of Live Music

The continued interest in live music, as demonstrated by the popularity of series like “Chan Centre Presents,” underscores its enduring cultural significance. According to a recent report by the Recording Industry association of America (RIAA), live music revenue has been steadily increasing in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023. This resurgence is attributed to a desire for shared experiences and a connection with artists that digital platforms cannot fully replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the “Chan Centre Presents” series? It’s a premier concert series hosted by the Chan Centre for the Performing arts, showcasing diverse musical talent.
• Where are the concerts held? Performances take place at the Chan Shun Concert Hall in Vancouver, BC.
• Who is Carminho? She is a celebrated Portuguese Fado singer known for her emotive vocals and traditional style.
• What type of music does Ali Sethi play? Ali Sethi is a Pakistani-American singer-songwriter blending genres like Ghazal and Indie.
• Is there a website to purchase tickets? Yes, tickets are available for purchase on the Chan Centre’s official website.
• What is Fado music? Fado is a Portuguese music genre characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often expressing feelings of longing and fate.
• Who is Natalia Lafourcade? She is a critically acclaimed Mexican singer known for her eclectic musical style incorporating folk, jazz, and traditional Mexican influences.

Share this article with your friends and leave a comment below letting us know wich concert you’re most looking forward to!

How does Arooj Aftab’s fusion of traditional South Asian sounds with contemporary genres like jazz and electronic music contribute to her unique artistic identity?

Arooj aftab, Natalia Laourcade & Eliades Ochoa to Illuminate Chan Centre stage

A Unique Musical Convergence

The Chan Centre Presents series is gearing up for a truly remarkable evening, bringing together three distinct and internationally acclaimed artists: Arooj Aftab, Natalia Laourcade, and Eliades Ochoa.This performance, scheduled for [date – to be added based on event details], promises a captivating blend of musical traditions, spanning from Pakistani Sufi poetry to Cuban son and Latin American folk. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a cultural exchange, a sonic journey, and a testament to the power of music to transcend borders.

Artist Spotlights: Exploring the Sounds

Let’s delve into what each artist brings to this remarkable collaboration. Understanding their individual styles will heighten yoru recognition for the anticipated synergy on stage.

Arooj Aftab: Bridging tradition and Modernity

Arooj Aftab is a Pakistani vocalist, composer, and producer rapidly gaining global recognition. her music is characterized by its hauntingly stunning melodies, rooted in the rich tradition of ghazal – a poetic form originating in Arabic poetry and flourishing in Urdu and Persian literature.

* Key Characteristics: Aftab’s work blends traditional South Asian sounds with jazz, minimalism, and electronic elements.

* Notable Albums: Vulture Prince (2021) and Love in Power (2023) have garnered critical acclaim and Grammy nominations.

* Musical Influences: She draws inspiration from artists like Billie Holiday, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Radiohead.

* Genre Tags: Pakistani music,Ghazal,Jazz,World Music,Indie Folk.

Natalia Laourcade: Cuban Son’s Rising Star

Natalia Laourcade is a Cuban singer-songwriter and percussionist who embodies the vibrant spirit of Cuban son. She’s a leading figure in the contemporary Cuban music scene, known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence.

* Musical Style: Laourcade’s music is deeply rooted in Cuban traditions, incorporating elements of son cubano, guaracha, and bolero.

* Collaborations: She has collaborated with prominent Cuban musicians and international artists.

* Performance Energy: Known for her dynamic and engaging live performances.

* Genre Tags: Cuban Son, Latin Jazz, World Music, Cuban Music.

Eliades Ochoa: A Sonero Legend

Eliades Ochoa is a Cuban guitarist, singer, and songwriter considered a living legend of son cubano. He is a founding member of the iconic Buena Vista Social Club, bringing traditional Cuban music to a global audience.

* Buena Vista Social Club: His involvement with the Buena Vista Social Club propelled Cuban music to international fame in the late 1990s.

* Guitar Virtuosity: Ochoa is renowned for his masterful guitar playing and authentic son style.

* Cultural Ambassador: he is a significant figure in preserving and promoting Cuban musical heritage.

* Genre Tags: Son Cubano, Cuban Music, Latin Music, World Music.

The Chan Centre Presents Series: A Legacy of Excellence

The Chan Centre Presents series at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has a long-standing reputation for showcasing world-class performing arts. it consistently brings diverse and innovative performances to Vancouver, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.The series focuses on presenting artists who push boundaries and offer unique artistic experiences.past performers have included a wide range of musicians, dancers, and theater companies from around the globe. This event continues that tradition of bringing exceptional talent to the Vancouver stage.

What to Expect from the Performance

This Chan Centre performance isn’t simply three artists playing separate sets. While details of the collaborative elements are still emerging, the anticipation centers around the potential for a truly unique musical dialog.

* Cross-Cultural Fusion: Expect moments where Aftab’s ethereal vocals intertwine with Laourcade’s vibrant Cuban rhythms and Ochoa’s masterful guitar work.

* Improvisation & Spontaneity: given the artists’ backgrounds in jazz and traditional music, improvisation is likely to play a significant role.

* Emotional Depth: The lyrical content of Aftab’s ghazals combined with the passionate storytelling of Cuban son promises an emotionally resonant experience.

* Genre Blending: Listeners can anticipate a seamless blend of genres, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

Ticket Details & Event Details

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Further Exploration: Related Artists & Genres

For those eager to explore similar sounds, here are some artists and genres to investigate:

* Nusrat fateh Ali Khan: A legendary pakistani Qawwali singer who heavily influenced Arooj Aftab.

* Buena Vista Social Club: Explore the broader catalog of this iconic Cuban ensemble.

* omara Portuondo: Another prominent vocalist from the Buena Vista Social Club.

* Silk Road Ensemble: A collective of musicians