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Chan Centre for the Performing Arts expands its biggest season to date with even more cultural and musical artists

The lineup now features additional dates for Natalia Lafourcade, along with exciting new acts such as Mad Professor and Beverly Glenn-Copeland

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts' largest programming season has expanded even further. New performances and events have been added today, including two new concert dates for the much-anticipated Natalia Lafourcade shows. Having recently undergone a brand refresh and having added membership to the new season, tickets for individual shows will be available for general sale beginning this Friday, August 22nd, at 12:00 pm PT, Plus members from August 19th at 12:00 pm PT and Basic members from August 21st at 12:00 pm PT.

The 2025/2026 season for the Chan Centre for Performing Arts is its most ambitious, expanding from 10 performances to over 30. Widely regarded as one of Canada’s top concert halls, this venue provides a rare opportunity to experience world-renowned artists in an intimate and exceptional setting. Many artists previously programmed by the Chan Centre have gone on to sell out major venues worldwide.

With this expansion of programming, the Chan Centre continues to champion its mission of being the home of possibility through thoughtfully curated performances that showcase both established artists and rising talents. The result is a lineup that will deliver diverse musical, cultural, and culinary experiences.

“The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts provides a platform and space to showcase incredible artists from around the globe and at home,” said Jarrett Martineau, Head Curator at the Chan Centre. “This is our most ambitious season yet, and it is more important than ever to give artists the opportunity to share their perspectives. The 2025/26 season brings renowned icons and living legends, as well as new and emerging voices and storytellers, to the Chan Centre stage to share their boundless creativity.”

New Season Highlights

The 2025/2026 season expands its programming with a global lineup of artists who showcase interdisciplinary sounds, tastes, and voices from around the world. In addition, the program includes family-friendly events designed for all ages.

Chan Centre Presents:

  • Mariam of Amadou & Mariam – November 7, 2025: With the passing of Amadou, Mariam of the renowned Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, will give a performance in honour of her beloved husband and their shared musical legacy. The duo gained a global following hooked on their West African rhythms and blues infused with bouncing beats and rock melodies. Together, they created a distinctive sound that earned them widespread acclaim and international success.
  • Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper – February 7, 2026: Ballaké Sissoko, a masterful kora player from Mali, captivates audiences with his intricate melodic improvisations and dynamic collaborations with musicians worldwide. Recently, he partnered with South African guitarist Derek Gripper, who transcribes kora compositions for classical guitar. Together, Sissoko and Gripper create performances that blend the rich traditions of West African kora music with the refined techniques of classical guitar to deliver a unique and harmonious musical experience.
  • Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita SUBA Trio – March 13, 2026: Cuban piano virtuoso Omar Sosa and Senegalese kora master Seckou Keita teamed up with Venezuelan percussionist Gustavo Ovalles to form the SUBA Trio. Their collaboration began with a chance meeting in 2012 and grew into a profound musical partnership, rooted in shared spirituality and a rich blend of cultural heritage.
  • Eliades Ochoa – May 9, 2026: Eliades Ochoa, a celebrated Cuban guitarist and singer, has exceptional command of traditional Cuban music genres like son, bolero, and guaracha. As a founding member of the iconic Buena Vista Social Club, he gained international fame, earning the nickname "The Cuban Johnny Cash" with his signature cowboy hat and all-black attire.
  • Natalia Lafourcade - June 19 & 20, 2026: The Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer blends pop, rock, jazz, and traditional Latin folk as she returns for two additional shows in Vancouver. One of the most awarded Latin artists, she has earned multiple Grammys and Latin Grammys throughout her influential career.

Chan Centre Made in Canada:

  • Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Elizabeth Copeland – January 16, 2026: Rare live performance by Canadian composer celebrating his trailblazing career as a singer-songwriter, composer, and transgender activist, creating music that fuses ambient electronic, jazz, classical, and folk influences. He gained renewed acclaim for his groundbreaking 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, recognized for its timeless innovation. Elizabeth Copeland, a distinguished author, theatre artist, and arts educator, has dedicated over 40 years to advancing theatre, arts education, and eco-activism in Canada. She inspires others through her creative work and commitment to environmental advocacy.
  • Leanne Betasamosake Simpson - January 29, 2026: Acclaimed Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer, musician, academic, and activist from Alderville First Nation, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson has become one of the most influential and powerful Indigenous voices of her generation. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Awards and become best-sellers, while her latest album, Theory of Ice, was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize.
  • Ensemble Made in Canada – March 27, 2026: Canada’s premier classical piano quartet celebrates exceptional artistry and imaginative programming. They released their 2020 album, Mosaïque, featuring newly commissioned works that beautifully represent each Canadian province, territory, and Indigenous peoples. This remarkable project won them the 2021 Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year – Solo or Chamber Ensemble.

Chan EXP x VIFF Live

  • Mad Professor - Sunday, October 5, 2025: For this special Chan EXP and VIFF Live event, and for the first time in Vancouver, dub legend and icon Mad Professor performs a rare live dub set celebrating Mad Professor vs Massive Attack’s ‘No Protection’ Remix Album’s 30th Anniversary, considered the best-selling dub music album of all time. The concert will feature music drawing from his Massive Attack remixes – including both No Protection and the Mezzanine remix tapes – accompanied by Live AV dub visuals.

Inspired at the Chan (Family-Friendly Programming):

  • Musical Magic: Disney Edition – October 26, 2025: Six talented vocalists perform beloved Disney songs from movies like Frozen, Aladdin, and Moana in this family-friendly concert event with audience sing-alongs and costumes.
  • The Zaniac Show: Music, Juggling and Laughs – November 23, 2025: Alex Zerbe, aka The Zaniac, delivers a high-energy comedy performance packed with juggling flaming torches, bowling balls, and flying playing cards. The two-time Guinness world record holder beatboxes, dances, sings, and performs magic, combining physical comedy with skillful tricks and humor. Engaging with the audience, The Zaniac entertains all ages, leaving kids and parents laughing and amazed by his fast-paced and charming antics.

Discover more about the 2025/2026 season, explore membership options, buy tickets, or browse the full event lineup at chancentre.com.

Media Assets
Images here.

About The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Since 1997, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned international acclaim for its striking architecture, world-class acoustics, and exceptional programming, ranking it among North America’s premier performing arts venues. As a cultural cornerstone in Canada, the Chan Centre has expanded its global connections, championed inclusivity, and curated diverse international lineups along with innovative festivals that spotlight emerging voices. Located at the heart of UBC’s campus, its three distinctive venues serve as a vibrant platform for creative exchange, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable cultural experiences. The Chan Centre continues to inspire and engage audiences, solidifying its reputation as a leading cultural hub.

Media Contact
Emily Larman
Public Relations Manager
emily.larman@talkshopmedia.com
604-897-8081


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