Performances
EnCello Toronto - The Sound of Renewal
This program invites you on a captivating musical journey that blends the elegance of classical traditions, the warmth of cultural melodies, and the vibrancy of contemporary favorites. From serene harmonies to fiery rhythms, each piece reflects the themes of renewal, growth, and connection that resonate with the spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Through the rich tones of the cello, we celebrate the cycles of life, love, and transformation, offering an experience that bridges cultures and generations. Let the music bloom as we honor the beauty of tradition while embracing the possibilities of change.
EnCello Toronto stands as a pioneering force, seamlessly merging top-tier cello performance with innovative music education. Led by classical-trained musicians and educators, we’re dedicated to enriching lives and communities through the transformative power of music.
Our unique approach combines professional artistry with community engagement, fostering an ecosystem where music bridges cultures and generations. By uniting professional musicians with aspiring apprentices, we create an inclusive space where everyone can perform together, embodying a dynamic and interconnected musical community.
Date & Location
Varley Art Gallery
Feb 1
12:15 PM
Eunice Keitan - Serpentine Journeys
Eunice Keitan is a Malaysian-Canadian singer-songwriter who seamlessly blends her diverse cultural heritage into her music. Drawing inspiration from her Canadian, Malaysian, Chinese and Colombian homes, she creates a rich sound that merges Neo-Soul with traditional elements, reminiscent of artists like Emily King, Nai Palm, and Cleo Sol.
Her work has garnered support from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Small World Music Notes along with recognition from outlets such as CBC Music, BBC, The Toronto Guardian, and Stereofox. Eunice’s previous projects earned nominations for both a Toronto Independent Music Award and a VIMA (Vox international music award).
Date & Location
Varley Art Gallery
Feb 1
1:30 PM
Ho Deng Ensemble
Ho Deng Music Ensemble is a traditional music ensemble comprised of mainly children that started learning Chinese traditional instruments in Canada. Founder Jeanette Teng has been teaching students of all ages and backgrounds the techniques, art, and history of the same instruments that first captured her interest so many years ago. Ho Deng Music Ensemble has since earned awards at many competitions and has performed across the globe, including the founder’s birthplace of Taiwan and at the annual TAIWANfest.
Date & Location
Varley Art Gallery
Feb 2
12:00 PM
Jacq Teh - Singing in the New
Juno Award-winning songwriter Jacq Teh is widely recognized for her captivating vocal arrangements and limitless songwriting. Her voice, described by CBC Music as “a summer breeze – warm and inviting”, can be heard on Moodset’s debut album “Let’s Talk”, featuring soaring jazz improvised solos and luscious harmonies, and her latest single “Like U”, which blends Mandarin and English together in a fun and flirty pop song.
Jacq’s songwriting is also featured in Sammy Jackson’s Juno Award-winning album “With You” and latest album “In the Meantime”. Jacq has performed at the Toronto Jazz Festival, Jade Music Fest in Taiwan and Vancouver, the Markham Jazz Festival, and Jazz FM’s Live-to-Air Series. Her music has even caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, who remarked “wow your writing style is unique! No one writes real songs like this no more!”
Along with her songwriting endeavours, Jacq cares deeply about music education. She is on faculty at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music where she teaches jazz voice and she is the executive director for St. James Town Community Arts, a non-profit organization providing free arts education to children in Toronto.
Date & Location
Varley Art Gallery
Feb 2
3:00 PM
Roa Lee - Gayageum Concert
Roa (HyunYoung) Lee is a composer, arranger and gayageum musician from Korea. She began playing when she was 7 years old and received formal training in high school and university for traditional performing arts. Her interest in collaboration and incorporating the gayageum with various music genres led her to study in Toronto, where, as a fearless musical challenger she creates music rooted in traditional Korean ideas while integrating elements from a variety of other genres. A member of the Labyrinth Ensemble and a teacher, she’s performed with and at Small World Music, the Aga Khan Museum, Harbourfront Centre, the Four Seasons Centre, the Korean Traditional Music Association of Canada, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto, several municipal orchestras, and more.
Date & Location
Varley Art Gallery
Feb 2
4:00 PM
Stay up to date on our cultural events
LunarFest GTA is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, that is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.
Stay up to date on our cultural events
LunarFest GTA is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, that is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.