Renowned for its concert hall and world-class acoustics, Vancouver’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts is a fantastic spot to catch a concert by visiting international artists from across the globe, and the 2025/2026 season is its biggest yet.
The centre recently unveiled its largest lineup to date in its 28 years, including first-ever Canadian performances and many Vancouver performing debuts.
For example, one of the most awarded Latin artists, Natalia Lafourcade, is making her Vancouver debut this September while on The Cancionera Tour. Grammy-winning American bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding will play their first Canadian show ever this August, bringing a captivating blend of jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and funk music to the stage.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Chan Centre as part of its upcoming new season!” says Grammy-winning Pakistani-American singer, composer, and producer, Arooj Aftab. “Performing here is always unforgettable –- Vancouver’s vibrant energy, welcoming audience, and the venue’s world-class acoustics make it a truly special experience.”
Here’s a taste of what’s to come to the Chan Centre this season:
- Aug. 29, 2025: Esperanza Spalding — Grammy-winning American bassist, vocalist, and composer known for her unique mix of jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and funk influences.
- Sep. 27, 2025: Natalia Lafourcade, The Cancionera Tour — Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer known for blending pop, rock, jazz, and traditional Latin folk music
- Oct. 2, 2025: Carminho — Portuguese singer recognized as a standout voice in contemporary and traditional fado, blending Brazilian bossa nova and pop.
- Oct. 25, 2025: Arooj Aftab — Grammy-winning Pakistani-American singer, composer, and producer whose music blends jazz, folk, pop, and Urdu poetry into evocative global soul soundscapes.
- Nov. 2, 2025: Ray Chen — This Taiwanese-Australian violinist is known for his expressive performances. He was a winner of the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin and 2009 Queen Elisabeth competitions and has performed with top orchestras worldwide.
The Chan Centre will also host a myriad of speakers, from innovative global chefs to best-selling authors, in addition to special events. The latter includes the ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) Festival on Sep. 20 and 21, 2025, celebrating Indigenous voices and creativity through music, dance, storytelling, film, poetry, and food.
The Centre’s upcoming season is poised to transform the venue into a leading artistic force in the Pacific Northwest, attracting a wide demographic that reflects the West Coast of Canada.
New membership model
In addition to its star-studded lineup, the Chan Centre has announced a new three-tier membership program designed to create a deeper sense of community.
A Basic Membership ($50) is free for UBC students and those under 30, and gets you 10 per cent off up to two tickets per event, early ticket access, free ticket exchanges, and 20 per cent off at the Michelin-recommended Wildlight Kitchen + Bar at UBC.
Membership Plus is available for $100 until September, at which time it increases to $200. This tier includes 20 per cent off up to two tickets per event, exclusive event promos, 25 per cent off concessions (excluding alcohol), lounge access, and invites to exclusive events.
Lastly, a Premium Membership ($1,000) gets you up to two complimentary premium tickets to any show of the season, a private tour of the Chan Centre, and lunch with a curator.
According to the Centre, current members will be automatically upgraded to Membership Plus and can begin purchasing tickets on June 4, 2025. Basic Members can access tickets beginning June 10, 2025, with GA tickets going on sale on June 13, 2025.
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