Upcoming Performances
The Stage at St. Andrew's presents a variety of performances throughout the year, includes this year's Rising Tide concert series, the Halifax Gay Men's Chorus, Symphony Nova Scotia, and much more!
We invite you to join us in bringing community to musicians.
27
September
2025
Cecilia Concerts: CelloFellos: Global Grooves
7:30pm
Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng, our 2025/26 Musician-in-Residence, and German cellist Leonard Disselhorst bring their exciting "Global Grooves" program to Halifax to open our 37th season. This performance blends jazz, tango, folk, and classical genres, showcasing the cello’s remarkable range and this duo’s chemistry. The program includes Béla Bartók’s spirited "Romanian Folk Dances," Bobby McFerrin and Herbie Hancock’s "Turtle Shoes," and a vibrant "Medley sur des thèmes roumains." Astor Piazzolla’s "Histoire du tango," Duke Ellington’s beloved "Single Petal of a Rose" and "Such Sweet Thunder," Tigran Hamasyan and Howard Shore’s "Toichi’s Mountains," and the explosive "Csardas III" by Milena Dolinova and Krystof Maratka sit alongside three evocative original works from Disselhorst.
Drawing on their dazzling global legacy—from Bryan’s sold-out Carnegie Hall debut and collaborations with top symphonies like the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin to Leonard’s acclaimed performances with Sir Simon Rattle and honours at the Concours de Genève—their CelloFellos duo brilliantly fuses tradition with innovation in this captivating celebration of worldwide rhythms.
18
October
2025
Cecilia Concerts: Quatuor Cobalt: Reflections of Time
7:30pm
Quatuor Cobalt presents a luminous program that bridges musical eras with vibrant originality. This spirited ensemble, lauded for its bold creativity, showcases works by trailblazing women composers in this program, each piece enriched with unique depth and character. Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen’s elegant "Quartet No. 2 in B-flat Major" weaves graceful melodies and classical poise, reflecting her 18th-century virtuosity as a violinist and composer. Alicia Terzian’s evocative "Tres Piezas" conjures a vivid emotional landscape, blending modernist textures with haunting lyricism that captures her Argentine heritage. Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw’s contemporary masterpieces, "Plan & Elevation" and "Entr’acte," dazzle with inventive structures. Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn’s radiant "String Quartet in E-flat Major" brims with Romantic expressiveness, its lush harmonies and bold contrasts showcasing her undercelebrated genius. Each piece shines with the distinct voice of its composer, brought to life through the quartet’s meticulous artistry and dynamic synergy. Hailed as a "revelation" by France Musique, Quatuor Cobalt has captivated audiences at venues like London’s Wigmore Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris, earning accolades for their award-winning debut at the Tremplin Competition in Paris. With fresh energy and historical insight, they honour these significant works, illuminating the lasting impact of women's artistry across centuries in a compelling modern context.
26
October
2025
Symphony Nova Scotia: Bach and Friends
2:00pm
Featuring
Julia Wedman, leader & violin solo
Renaud Lapierre, violin
Mark Lee, violin
Casey Granofsky, flute
On the program
Johann Pachelbel: Canon and Gigue
Johann Sebastian Bach:
• Concerto for Three Violins in D Major
• Suite based on Goldberg Variations
• Suite No. 3 in D Major
Plus works by Johann Friedrich Fasch, Johann, Georg Pisendel, and Georg Philipp Telemann
With his exceptional talent, massive career, and glorious, transcendent works, Johann Sebastian Bach is the undisputed father of classical music – but lesser known are his many brilliant contemporaries. Principal Baroque Leader Julia Wedman and Symphony Nova Scotia pay homage to Bach’s friends with music from Telemann, Fasch, and Pisendel, plus Pachelbel’s iconic, world-famous Canon. And, of course, hear Bach’s mighty creations – our premiere of the spectacular Concerto for Three Violins, an orchestral arrangement of the famed Goldberg Variations, and the delightful Suite No. 3, including the achingly beautiful “Air on the G String”, one of world’s most famous pieces of music.
1
November
2025
Cecilia Concerts: Kevin Zhu: Paganini’s "24 Caprices for Solo Violin"
7:30pm
Violinist Kevin Zhu, an artist of boundless curiosity, presents his daring interpretation of Niccolò Paganini’s exhilarating "24 Caprices for Solo Violin." This electrifying performance unveils the violin’s full spectrum of virtuosity and emotion, each caprice a masterful blend of technical brilliance and expressive depth, meticulously crafted to captivate and astonish. With a keen ear for nuance and a fearless command of his instrument, Kevin Zhu transforms these iconic works into a vivid dialogue between past and present. Winner of the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition, the violinist's profound connection to this repertoire is undeniable. Known for infusing each performance with imaginative phrasing and dynamic intensity, Zhu invites audience members into an intimate exploration of Paganini’s musical genius. Honed under the guidance of Itzhak Perlman at The Juilliard School, Zhu's artistry shines through in recitals at the Konzerthaus Berlin, London’s Royal Festival Hall, and Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall, fusing spontaneity and soul into a breathtaking celebration of the violin’s limitless possibilities.
15
November
2025
Cecilia Concerts: Illia Ovcharenko
7:30pm
Ukrainian pianist Illia Ovcharenko, one of the world’s most celebrated young artists, electrified our Halifax audience with his stunning performance two years ago, and now he returns to share his artistry once again. Winner of the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition, Illia's breathtaking technique and emotional depth transcend the traditional boundaries of classical performance. He has captivated audiences at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Konzerthaus Berlin, and with orchestras like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His richly expressive program features five lyrical and rarely heard works by Sergei Bortkiewicz, including the poetic "Etude" and "Lied Ohne Worte" from “4 Klavierstücke,” and the nocturne-like "Diana" from “3 Pieces.” Also included are Frédéric Chopin’s sparkling “3 Waltzes,” his introspective “Nocturne in E minor,” and the dramatic brilliance of his “Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor.” Franz Liszt’s virtuosic solo piano transcription of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7 in A major” brings orchestral grandeur to the program through the hands of a single artist. With a passion for romantic repertoire and an innate ability to connect with listeners, Illia’s second Halifax performance offers an intimate and transformative musical experience.
29
November
2025
Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra: True North
2:00pm
Featuring
Mark Hopkins, conductor
The Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra
On the program
Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata Primi Toni
Björk Guðmundsdóttir: Overture from Dancer in the Dark
Eric Whitacre, arr. Paul Lavender: October
Ludwig van Beethoven: Rondino in E-flat Major
Jocelyn Morlock: My Name Is Amanda Todd
Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Under the direction of Mark Hopkins – Professor of Music at Acadia University and in-demand guest conductor – the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra kicks off a brand-new season with True North! Hear music from classical heavyweights like Beethoven and Sibelius, plus symphonic gems from Gabrieli, Björk, and Whitacre. Finally, experience the heart wrenching, JUNO Award-winning musical tribute to 15-year-old Amanda Todd by the late Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock.
6
December
2025
Cecilia Concerts: Trio Uchida-Crozman-Chiu
7:30pm
Join us for an evening of profound emotion and stunning artistry as violinist Robert Uchida, cellist Cameron Crozman, and pianist Philip Chiu come together for a program that spans diverse musical landscapes. These three musicians—each a multiple prize winner and a Halifax audience favourite—bring to life Sergei Rachmaninoff’s "Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor," a work of haunting beauty and expressive depth, alongside Olivier Messiaen’s transcendent "Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus" and "Louange à l’immortalité de Jésus," both of which offer meditative reflections on eternity and immortality. Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu’s "Between Tides" adds atmospheric textures, evoking the natural world with its evocative sounds. The program also features Maurice Ravel’s "Piano Trio in A Minor," a masterpiece blending French elegance with emotional depth and harmonic innovation. With the virtuosic talents of Uchida, Crozman, and Chiu, this performance promises to be a compelling exploration of both timeless and contemporary works.
11-13
December
2025
Halifax Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concerts
7:30pm
Three evening concerts that are guaranteed to sell out quickly.
Check back for ticket sale information and save the dates!
8
January
2026
Symphony Nova Scotia: Open Waters Festival
7:30pm
Featuring
Karl Hirzer, conductor
Symphony Nova Scotia
Expect the unexpected with Symphony Nova Scotia at the Open Waters Festival! Conducted by Karl Hirzer, this new music concert features works by incredible composers. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert of new music!
Stay tuned for more details.
10
January
2026
Cecilia Concerts: Trio Seoul: East Meets West
7:30pm
Trio Seoul, featuring the masterful violinist Jinjoo Cho, the expressive cellist Brannon Cho, and the dynamic pianist Kyu Yeon Kim, presents a program that seamlessly blends their South Korean cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. These laureates of over 20 international competitions perform David Baker’s soulful "Roots II for Piano Trio," with its haunting "Sorrow Song," lively "Boogie Woogie," and exuberant "Jubilee." Juri Seo’s evocative "July Mountain" paints vivid scenes with "Metasequoia," shimmering "Golden Bells," and serene "Sonamu," drawing inspiration from Korean landscapes. Franz Liszt’s melancholic "Tristia " adds a reflective depth, while Maurice Ravel’s dazzling "Piano Trio," a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire that blends elegant melodies with intricate rhythms, highlights the trio’s technical precision and emotional range. With extensive experience on the world’s premier stages—from Carnegie Hall to Seoul Arts Center—Trio Seoul infuses their 21st-century vision and the pulsating energy of their namesake city into this captivating performance. Their imaginative interpretations and magnetic ensemble playing make for an unforgettable musical journey. Season Sponsor: Nice Moves / Red Door Realty.
ARTISTS: Jinjoo Cho, violin; Brannon Cho, cello; Kyu Yeon Kim, piano
18
January
2026
Symphony Nova Scotia: Vivaldi Meets the Middle East
2:00pm
Featuring
Julia Wedman, leader & violin solo
Mohammad Sahraei, tar & daf
Kirsty Money, nyckelharpa
On the program
Antonio Vivaldi: “Grosso Mogul” Violin Concerto
Francesco Geminiani: Concerto Grosso, “La Folia”
Georg Philipp Telemann:
• Overture, Les Moscovites and Les Turcs from Les Nations
• Allegro from Concerto Polonaise
Antonio Martín y Coll: Diferencias sobre la gayta and Passacalle from Flores de músic
Henry Purcell: Curtain Tune from Timon of Athens
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Rondo alla Turca (Turkish March)
Plus, traditional Persian music, Swedish polskas, original compositions from Mohammad Sahraei, and more!
Vivaldi meets the Middle East in this engaging and immersive concert experience! Discover the intersection of baroque and folk with Persian and Swedish music and instruments. Mohammad Sahraei, a multi-instrumentalist and ethnomusicologist originally from Iran, plays the tar and daf, while our very own Kirsty Money plays the nyckelharpa in this concert of Middle Eastern and European classics. Symphony Nova Scotia also premieres Vivaldi’s “Grosso Mogul” Violin Concerto – one of the most famous concertos of the Baroque era apart from The Four Seasons – and performs highlights from Telemann, Purcell, Geminiani, Mozart, and more.
24
January
2026
Cecilia Concerts:
Mark Fewer & Mathieu Gaudet
7:30pm
Pianist Mathieu Gaudet and violinist Mark Fewer come together for a captivating program that spans two centuries of musical brilliance. With a deep connection to Beethoven’s "Spring Sonata," Gaudet and Fewer infuse it with a lively vibrancy, intertwining lyrical beauty with dynamic energy. Canadian composer Chris Paul Harman’s "After Clementi" offers a bold, contemporary reimagining of classical forms, pushing boundaries and exploring new textures, and George Enescu’s "Romanian Folk Style Sonata" weaves evocative melodies and intricate harmonies, immersing listeners in the rich landscape of Eastern European folk traditions. The program also features the premier of an original composition from Mathieu Gaudet. A Juno Award-winner, Fewer brings expressive depth and fearless versatility to every performance, while Gaudet's nuanced playing adds clarity and warmth. Known for his extensive repertoire and innovative artistry, Gaudet’s performance is complemented by Fewer’s genre-defying violin mastery, with over 200 works premiered throughout his career. Together, they deliver a performance that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation, blending virtuosity, emotion, and creativity in a truly dynamic experience. Season Sponsor: Nice Moves / Red Door Realty.
ARTISTS: Mark Fewer, violin; Mathieu Gaudet, piano