company history
"If there was any doubt that Vancouver is becoming a real nexus of musical creativity, its latest concert series should take care of that." (The Georgia Straight)
Music on Main launched on October 3, 2006 with One Night Stand: Steve Reich, a one night festival of the Reich’s music that was part of the international celebrations of the composer’s 70th birthday. Artistic Director David Pay created the series with a promise of great music in a casual but stimulating environment, with top-flight musicians, an ear for contemporary music, and refreshing concert formats.
The concerts take place in two of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The Main Series happens at Heritage Hall, an intimate space located in the heart of the Main Street neighbourhood, at Main and East 15th Avenue in Vancouver. “A Month of Tuesdays” features classical music at the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club at 3611 West Broadway in Kitsilano.
Now in its seventh season, Music on Main has produced more than 150 concerts featuring nearly 400 musicians and close to 40 world premieres at Heritage Hall on Main Street and at the Cellar Restaurant and Jazz Club in Kitsilano.
In April 2009, Music on Main launched the international celebrations of Dutch composer Louis Andriessen's 70th birthday wih Andriessen @ 70. In the Fall of 2010, Music on Main launched the new Modulus Festival.
The concerts take place in two of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The Main Series happens at Heritage Hall, an intimate space located in the heart of the Main Street neighbourhood, at Main and East 15th Avenue in Vancouver. “A Month of Tuesdays” features classical music at the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club at 3611 West Broadway in Kitsilano.
At a typical Main Series concert at Heritage Hall, the bar opens at 7:00 PM, the one hour concert starts at 8:00 PM, and the bar stays open afterward so audience members can mingle with the musicians and each other. During “A Month of Tuesdays” doors open at 6:30 PM and you can order dinner and drinks before the food and beverage stops for the concert at 8:00 PM. There’s an intermission at the Cellar to order dessert or refresh your drink before hearing a shorter second half.
Music on Main also produces One Night Stands, one night mini-festivals featuring the music of one composer. Spend a night getting to know a composer's music; maybe you'll respect them in the morning, maybe you won't.
With short concerts on the hour and a bar open between sets, it's a fun way to hear some new music, have a few drinks, and meet other music lovers. If you don't know the featured composer, a One Night Stand is an easy and instantly gratifying way to test the waters. If you're already familiar with their work, the night will let you get even more intimate with a favourite composer.
Music on Main also produces One Night Stands, one night mini-festivals featuring the music of one composer. Spend a night getting to know a composer's music; maybe you'll respect them in the morning, maybe you won't.
With short concerts on the hour and a bar open between sets, it's a fun way to hear some new music, have a few drinks, and meet other music lovers. If you don't know the featured composer, a One Night Stand is an easy and instantly gratifying way to test the waters. If you're already familiar with their work, the night will let you get even more intimate with a favourite composer.
"It's an idea both simple and sophisticated: Why restrict quality music to the concert hall?" (The Vancouver Sun)
