This month, experience festive holiday events, captivating musical performances, and unique learning opportunities related to sustainability and the decolonization of food and healthcare systems. Read through our December roundup of events you won’t want to miss!
Indigenous Holiday Craft Fair
Wednesday, December 4 | 3–5:30 PM | First Nations Longhouse
Free
Find the perfect gift, and support Indigenous artists at the second annual Indigenous Holiday Craft Fair organized by the First Nations House of Learning! From beaded jewelry to original art pieces and handmade crafts you will find something special to take home, and support Indigenous creators.
Concert at the Belkin: Fall Exhibitions
Wednesday, December 4 | 2 PM | Belkin Art Gallery
Free
Watch student ensemble UBC Contemporary Players perform a concert inspired by the current Belkin exhibitions of That Directionless Light of the Future: Rediscovering Russell FitzGerald and An Opulence of Squander. Directed by Dr. Paolo Bortolussi, the ensemble will bring these exhibitions to life through classical musicianship with a modern twist.
Book Launch: Radio Free Stein
Wednesday, December 4 | 5–6:30 PM | Belkin Art Gallery
Free
Join the Belkin in celebrating the publishing of Radio Free Stein: Gertrude Stein’s Parlor Plays. Enjoy a brief introduction by author Adam J. Frank, live musical performances by composers Dorothy Chang and Olive Shakur and an exciting Q&A session.
Finding our way to a clean economy
Thursday, November 5 | 7:30 PM | Online
Free
Why isn’t clean energy more widely used? Join Dr. Kirby Manià (School of Journalism, Writing and Media) and a panel of UBC experts to explore barriers like costs, policies, and human behaviour. This live webinar kicks off a two-part series on advancing global energy transformation.
UBC Early Music Ensemble
Thursday, December 5 & Friday, December 6 | 7:30–9:30 PM & 12–1 PM | Roy Barnett Recital Hall
Free
Get whisked away into the melodic landscapes of the 6th–18th centuries with the UBC Early Music Ensemble! Enjoy a mix of vocal and instrumental melodies from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
UBC Choirs & UBC Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven 9
Friday, December 6 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $10–$25
Join conductor Jonathan Girard and the UBC Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the University Singers and UBC Choral Union, for a powerful performance of Beethoven’s historic and triumphant Ninth Symphony. It’s a musical night you don’t want to miss.
Christmas at the Chan
Sunday, December 8 | 2:30 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $27.50–$30
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Christmas at the Chan with Trinity Western Choirs and Orchestra directed by Dr. Benjamin Ewert and Pacific Voices directed by Sonja Hindmarsh. Sing along to carols and enjoy festive Christmas spirit with musical selections from John Rutter, George Handel’s Messiah and Johann Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
Songs of Hope
Wednesday, December 11 | 8 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $27.50–$102
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Persian music with Kayhan Kalhor, showcasing his virtuosity on the kamancheh. Accompanied by Hamin Honari on the tombak, Kiya Tabassian on the setar, and Hamin Hosseini’s vocals, this performance beautifully blends traditional Iranian instruments and poetry.
UBC WinterBANG! Festival
Wednesday, December 11 | 12–1 PM & 7:30–9:30 PM | Roy Barnett Recital Hall
Free
Join UBC Music students as they push the boundaries of sound. Using gesture tracking and innovative tech to create and perform interactive electroacoustic music. Don’t miss this unique festival that blends of software, code and music!
We Are What We Eat: Digesting the Merits of Indigenous Food Systems & Sovereignty
Thursday, December 12 | 12–1:30 PM | Online
Free
Join award-winning Indigenous foods educator, writer and consultant Jared “Qwustenuxun” Williams from Quw’utsun (Cowichan Tribes) for an insightful discussion on Indigenous food sovereignty and security. Gain unique insight into Qwustenuxun’s advocacy for the decolonization of health systems in this Indigenous Speakers Series event, moderated by Derek K Thompson – Čaabať Bookwilla | Suhiltun, Director of Indigenous Engagement, UBC Faculty of Medicine.
Benjamin Clementine
Friday, December 13 | 8 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $20–$86
Mercury Prize-winning musician, poet and actor Benjamin Clementine makes his Vancouver debut performing music from his forthcoming album, Sir Introvert And The Featherweights. Known for immersive performances that create “intimate moments of revelation”, this once-in-a-generation talent delivers chamber pop with an out-of-the-box flair.
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
Saturday, December 14 & Sunday December 15 | 8 PM & 2 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $29.75–$78
Join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in their annual Chan Centre holiday tradition, led by violin soloist Timothy Chooi. Celebrate the season with family and friends and enjoy one of music’s most iconic pieces.
