Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs premieres lush opera-oratorio Mother/Land, May 16

Concert features soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Simran Claire, and baritone Luka Kawabata

SPONSORED POST BY Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs

(From left) Soloists Krisztina Szabó, Simran Claire, Heidi Duncan, and Luka Kawabata.

A story as ancient as time takes the stage in Mother/Land, a powerful world premiere from the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs. Arriving at the Vancouver Playhouse on May 16, this new opera-oratorio by composer Jeffrey Ryan and librettist Michael Lewis MacLennan reimagines the biblical journey of Naomi and Ruth through a contemporary lens of displacement, resilience, and belonging.

Fleeing war and famine, the two women forge an unbreakable bond as they navigate exile and prejudice in search of a new home—a narrative that still resonates deeply today. Under the direction of conductor Leslie Dala, and featuring a stellar lineup of soloists alongside an orchestra made up of Vancouver's finest musicians, Mother/Land blends lush choral textures with intimate storytelling, illuminating the enduring strength of love, community, and chosen family.

Soloists at the concert include soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Simran Claire, and baritone Luka Kawabata.

Tickets are available through the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs.

Post sponsored by Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs.

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MUSICStir VancouverApril 17, 2026Partner Content, Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs, Vancouver Bach Choir

Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs premieres lush opera-oratorio Mother/Land, May 16

Concert features soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Simran Claire, and baritone Luka Kawabata

Soloists at the concert include soprano Heidi Duncan, mezzo-sopranos Krisztina Szabó and Simran Claire, and baritone Luka Kawabata.

Tickets are available through the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs.

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