Global Soundscapes Festival 2026

Event Overview

Experience a remarkable celebration of music from around the world at Global Soundscapes Festival 2026, presented by the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra. Taking place over four days in Vancouver, this unique festival brings together acclaimed musicians, composers, and ensembles from Canada and around the globe for a captivating exploration of classical, intercultural, and world music traditions.

Hosted in the intimate setting of the Historic Theatre at The Cultch, the festival showcases an extraordinary blend of instruments and musical styles from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Audiences can expect innovative performances featuring Persian santur, oud, kamanche, Uzbek chang, Chinese erhu, and Western string instruments sharing the stage in unforgettable collaborations.

Date & Time

June 11–14, 2026

Festival Schedule

Thursday, June 11, 2026

• 7:30 PM – Global Soundscapes Concert #1

Friday, June 12, 2026

• 7:30 PM – Global Soundscapes Concert #2

Saturday, June 13, 2026

• 7:30 PM – Global Soundscapes Concert #3

Sunday, June 14, 2026

• 3:00 PM – Global Soundscapes Concert #4 (Festival Finale)

Location

Historic Theatre at The Cultch

Vancouver, BC

Admission

Tickets available through The Cultch Box Office.

Festival Highlights

International Artists & Ensembles

Featured performers include:

• Amir Amiri (Montreal)
• Borealis String Quartet
• Stančul Trio
• VICO String Orchestra
• Ravshan Tukhtamishev Trio
• Janna Sailor (Conductor)

Rare Musical Instruments

Festival audiences will experience a rich blend of musical traditions featuring:

• Persian Santur
• Kamanche
• Oud
• Uzbek Chang
• Chinese Erhu
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Piano

Concert Schedule

Concert #1

Tukhtamishev Trio | Amir Amiri & Friends
June 11 | 7:30 PM

The festival opens with Uzbek chang master Ravshan Tukhtamishev alongside vocalist Khurshida Djuraeva and percussionist Jonathan Bernard. The evening continues with acclaimed santur virtuoso Amir Amiri joined by Saina Khaledi and Ravshan Tukhtamishev for a unique intercultural collaboration.

Concert #2

Amir Amiri | Borealis String Quartet
June 12 | 7:30 PM

Amir Amiri returns for an adventurous performance with pianist Farshid Samandari, blending traditional and contemporary influences. The evening also features the internationally acclaimed Borealis String Quartet with special guest Doug Hensley on oud.

Concert #3

VICO String Orchestra
June 13 | 7:30 PM

Conducted by Janna Sailor, this special performance marks the first live appearance of the VICO String Orchestra. The ensemble features Persian kamanches, Chinese erhus, violins, violas, cello, and double bass performing works by leading Canadian composers.

Concert #4

Stančul Trio (Croatia)
June 14 | 3:00 PM

The festival concludes with an afternoon performance by Croatia's acclaimed Stančul Trio featuring piano, bassoon, and clarinet. The programme includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Clara Schumann, Zoran Novačić, and Farshid Samandari.

Why Attend?

Global Soundscapes Festival offers one of Vancouver's most distinctive musical experiences, bringing together traditions and artists from around the world in an intimate setting. Whether you're a fan of classical music, world music, intercultural collaboration, or discovering rare instruments and unique performances, this festival provides a fascinating journey across cultures through music.