Want to check out the schedule and festival layout ahead of your visit?
We are looking for a Program Guide Sponsor for the 2019 European Festival Event on Sunday, May 26, 2019. If this is you, please let us know at info@europeanfestival.ca
Hard copies will be available at the gates or the Information Centre. This online version is not only handy and easily accessible on your mobile device but it is also environmentally conscious. Way to go!
Looking for a great way to give back to the community, have fun and meet some great people? Want to experience European Festival almost for free?
The European Festival is run mostly by volunteers and could not be realized without them! There are many areas where volunteers are needed during the one-day festival, from ticket sale to backstage and from IT support to kids activities and parking guides. You do not need to be of European descent to join. The amount of time you would like to donate beyond a minimum 4h shift depends on you!
EuroFest BC Society will provide a Volunteer Appreciation Package, a certificate of acknowledgement for your volunteering hours during the European Festival and will host a volunteer appreciation event shortly after the Festival.
Let us know if you would like to volunteer at info@europeanfestival.ca
November 7th is Kladdkakans dag in Sweden – day of the mud cake. It’s a yummy and gooey chocolate cake that is made almost effortlessly. Join us in the celebration and bake your own mud cake.
INSTRUCTIONS
Ingredients to customize your kladdkaka
ENJOY!!
November 6, Commodore Ballrom, 8pm
Triggerfinger is a Belgian rock band from Lier, Belgium, formed in 1998. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Ruben Block, bassist Paul Van Bruystegem and Mario Goossens as drummer
November 8, Venue Nightclub, 7pm
The Struts are an English rock band. Influenced by Queen, the Rolling Stones, Oasis and the Libertines, the Struts have been described as unabashedly over the top retro-fetishist classic rock, glamourous and dangerous and as having a chance to spark a real rock revival with their hooky glam sound, which manages to pay tribute to the classics, while remaining impeccably modern.
November 6, Celebrities, 9pm
There are few individuals in the world of dance music who can claim the kind of influence Pete Tong has had over the last twenty years. As the voice of Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming, Pete has held a commanding presence over the industry for more than two decades. His unique position has earned him a reputation as the global ambassador of dance music. With an unparalleled ear for new talent, Tong has become the leading tastemaker of the electronic generation. While he’s known publicly as Pete Tong the DJ, behind the scenes, he’s an industry icon.
November 6 & 7, Queen Elisabeth Theatre, 8pm
Forget what you thought you knew. Ballet BC’s 30th anniversary season begins with our eyes firmly on the future. Three choreographers who are reshaping contemporary ballet; three distinct perspectives on the future of dance; three works that will thrill and move you. That’s our opening program.
November 6 in Chiliwack, November 7 in Maple Ridge
Vancouver, 1957. Five teens come of age while DJ Red Robinson plays the biggest hits of the time—from the raucous “Great Balls of Fire” and “Jailhouse Rock” to ballads like “Diana” and “Crying.” This infectious musical captures the excitement and innocence of the city’s burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll scene.
The Peanut Movie
several movie theatres, family-fun
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Life always seems complicated for good ol’ Charlie Brown, the boy who always tries his best against seemingly impossible odds. When the Little Red-Haired Girl moves into his neighborhood, Charlie Brown finds himself completely smitten with her. Meanwhile, his best friend Snoopy embarks on an epic adventure in a fantasy world. As a World War I flying ace, the lovable beagle pursues his nemesis, the Red Baron, while also trying to win the heart of a beautiful pilot named Fifi.
Hotel Transylvania II
several movie theatres, family-fun
Everything seems to be changing for the better at Hotel Transylvania… Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire.
Big Halloween party just around the corner and too many costume ideas to chose from? Why not go with one of these classy or fun characters of European history? Some of them can be easily made with cloth you already have at home.
1) Greek goddess, a symbol of aesthetic and beauty
2) Viking, a powerful warrior
3) Scottish clansman, sinewy and hard drinking warrior
4) Bavarian man or woman, up for some serious celebrating
5) Greek god, e.g. Neptune, a classic with his trident
6) Roman warrior, feared all around the Mediterranean sea
7) Dutch Woman, only authentic with wooden shoes
8) Russian cossack, best known for their artistic dance moves
9) Renaissance lady, classy and elegant
10) Spanish Matador, watch out for the charging bull
Looking for something fun to do with your partner or family this weekend? Look no further. We have some great suggestions for you:
1) Rogue Folk Club presents Beatles Night, St. James Hall, October 16
Rod Davis, founding member of The Quarrymen with John Lennon, brings the music of the Beatles to Vancouver with the help of locals Jim Byrnes, Paul Pigat & Cousin Harley.
2) Police Museum presents Kids’ Movies at the Museum, Vancouver Police Museum, October 17-24
Bring your little goblins, ghosts, and monsters for a Halloween themed movie while you check out the Vancouver Police Museum. Movies will be shown in the photo exhibit room on a large TV screen. Movie tickets are $15 (includes popcorn, juice, trick-or-treat bag to go, and one adult admission to the museum), and credits roll at 11:00am sharp!
3) Arts Club Theatre Company – The Waiting Room
A moving story about family, healing, and hope, The Waiting Room is the highly anticipated collaboration between Spirit of the West’s John Mann and acclaimed Canadian playwright Morris Panych. Drawn from Mann’s own experience and his solo album of the same name, this musical follows “J” as he navigates life before and after diagnosis. It’s a story told with grace, honesty, and a sharp sense of humour, with a score that adds a layer of poignant commentary and thoughtful observation.
4) Italian Jazz Days featuring Antonio Ciaccia Quartett ,at the Italian Cultural Centre, October 16 & 17
Italian American jazz pianist and composer Antonio Ciacca carries the torch of the great tradition of Italian Americans in jazz. From the very first jazz record ever made in New Orleans in 1917 by Nick La Rocca and the Original Dixie Jazz Band, Italian Americans have always been at the centre of the action.
5) Wild Child, at the Media Club, October 18
Indie-pop band from Austin, Texas, tours in support of latest release Fools.
6) Bill Maher, at Queen Elizabeth Thearte, October 18
American political satirist, writer, TV host, actor, and standup comedian known for hosting Politically Incorrect and Real Time.
7) Fantastic Food Festival , at PNE, October 17-18
Let’s eat! Come to PNE Forum and explore various fantastic food on Saturday and Sunday Oct 17-18! We’ll be celebrating great food and drink in the glorious grounds of this historic National Trust property – and we’d love to see you there! Bring the whole family, and you’ll discover an abundant range of delicious flavours and fresh regional produce, from traditional barbecues, to exotic ices and craft ciders.
8) Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo, various locations, October 15-18
An annual festival of arts, cosplay, films, comics, anime, games, toys, costumes and makeup. The 2015 festival is back starting Thursday, October 15 to Sunday,October 18, 2015 with performances in theatres, exhibitions at the PNE Forum and a grand Parade in downtown Vancouver. The festival of arts and fantasy is open to everyone and attracted nearly 100,000 spectators last year. We welcome artists, exhibitors, vendors and community applications. Come and enjoy the arts, music and performances of fantasy, explore exhibitors and meet superheroes, celebrities and amazing cosplayers from films, comics, anime, games, toys, costumes and makeup.
9) VSO presents Musically Speaking – Impressionist Masterwork, Orpheum Theatre, October 17 & 19
Great Canadian pianist Angela Cheng performs Beethoven’s bold, exciting First Piano Concerto, in a program conducted by Asia’s preeminent young conductor, Darrell Ang. This lush, Romantic concert features two of French composerClaude Debussy’s impressionist masterpieces, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, and the gorgeous La Mer.
10) ROAM Winter Expo, Vancouver Convention Centre, October 17-18
Turn Your Winter Into a New Experience!
Featuring four unique marketplaces: Winter Adventure, Travel, Fitness and Lifestyle, and the Canadian Ski Patrol’s Winter Extreme New & Used Equipment Sale. ROAM Expo brings all your favourite winter activities under one roof. We have free yoga, spin and aerobics classes; and Adventure & Travel presentation stage featuring exciting speakers; Oktoberfest craft beer tent; Burton Riglet Park and much more!
From classic to extravagant – transform your turkey left-overs into 10 simply delicious meals with some European twists
Click on the name of each dish to find the detailed recipe.
With bad weather heading our way for the Thanksgiving weekend aren’t we all looking for some fun indoor entertainment? Here is our favourite list of activities around the Lower Mainland from scary to artsy and everything in between.
Like turkey and pumpkin pie, cranberries are a key part of Thanksgiving dinner. Fields of them grow just outside of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley, and this Saturday (October 10), they’re ripe for celebration. That’s the date of the 20th annual Cranberry Festival, on which over 50,000 people descend on the quaint town of Fort Langley to honour the red berries. In addition to fresh berries for sale, a pancake breakfast, and plenty of local shopping, there will be boat races and fun with floating pumpkins.
BODY WORLDS creator and anatomist, Dr Gunther von Hagens takes you on an anatomical safari with ANIMAL INSIDE OUT. As you explore this captivating exhibition, you will experience the intricate biology, zoology and physiology of a variety of the world’s most spectacular creatures.ANIMAL INSIDE OUT contains more than 100 specimens that have been painstakingly preserved by the remarkable process of Plastination, invented by Dr von Hagens. Students will be able to examine the anatomical intricacies of familiar and exotic animals like giraffes, camels and octopuses. This exhibition is an unforgettable way for students to learn about animal science.
3) NY Portuguese Short Film Festival, Museum of Anthropology, UBC, October 10 & 11
The mission of the NY Portuguese Short Film Festival is to bring Portuguese culture to the big screen and showcase films with a unique Portuguese perspective. The NYPSFF offers a contemporary Portugal full of ideas and spirit while bridging audiences with different cultural background. The objective of the NY Portuguese Short Film Festival is to promote contemporary Portuguese cinema produced in Portugal and abroad. All short films presented at the NYPSFF are written and directed by Portuguese. The festival is produced and hosted by Arte Institute.
4) The Great Symphony, Chan Centre, October 9 & 10, 8pm
Franz Schubert was one of the greatest writers of melody, second perhaps only to Mozart. His Ninth Symphony is a majestic symphonic statement, and a sad reminder that this great composer died at only thirty-one years of age. Exciting young conductor Alexandre Bloch presides over a concert that also features great pianist Ingrid Fliter performing Haydn’s most popular work for keyboard and orchestra.
Vancouver’s largest Volksfest returns for its succeeding year this autumn, held under the Festzelt at Queen Elizabeth Plaza – Harvest Haus brings folklore from the 1st century to the Great White North. Combining modern fare with authentic European harvest traditions, gather your closest mates for the most gluttonous and gratifying weekends of the year!
The crunch of fresh produce, crackle of the grill, the fizz of the pour, the bite of the chopping block and the clinking of glassware. Applause. Laughter. Conversation. Music. The sounds of autumn! PROST!
Wander the fairgrounds all decked out for Halloween and swarming with wandering spooks. Ride the rides under the cover of darkness, including Canada’s most extreme pendulum ride.
7) Vancouver International Improv Festival, Various locations, until October 10
Some of the world’s best improvisers will be at Performance Works Theatre, Waterfront Theatre and The Improv Centre for a week of mind-expanding and mind-blowing comedy! With over 40 shows to choose from, #VIIF2015 truly offers something for all audiences.
8) Eastside Flea , Wise Hall, October 10
We saw things go out the door at the last market like records, old traffic signs, vintage clothing, handmade body products, strange curios and more! Don’t miss this event, vendors will all have their best summer finds & creations ready for you to peruse under the sparkly lights, rubbing shoulders with all your friends!!
9) Murders, Mystery & Mayhem, Vancouver Art Gallery, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays until October 31
This ain’t a ghost tour – it’s a tour about the REALLY scary dark side of the city. You’ll hear sinister tales of unsolved murders, unruly riots, notorious gangsters and the nefarious side of our city’s history the other tours won’t talk about. Starting from the Vancouver Art Gallery (where you’ll hear the tawdry tale of it’s doomed architect) this 90 minute night time walk will explore the wicked events of “Canada’s most livable city.” While Vancouver is undeniably beautiful on the surface, some of its sinister history will shock you. Get ready for a frightfully fun evening!
10) Dracula, Surrey Arts Centre, until October 10
Lucy Seward is wasting away with a mysterious illness, baffling all the medical experts. Her only hope lies with her father’s friend, the beautiful and mysterious Professor Anna Van Helsing. But is she strong enough to fight the evil that threatens the house and all within it? And just who is their neighbour, the enigmatic Count Dracula?
About Vancouver Opera
Vancouver Opera is the second largest opera company in Canada. It is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions; for its country-leading education programs, which have reached more than 1.6million children and their families in more than 40 years; for its innovative and award-winning ommunity programs; and for forging groundbreaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to new generations of Canadians. Visit www.vancouveropera.ca to find out more.
Twitter: VancouverOpera
Facebook: vancouveropera
About the performers
Rocco Rupolo – Tenor
Tenor Rocco Rupolo completed the Opera Diploma Program at the University of Toronto. Mr. Rupolo recently performed the role of Satyavan in Holst’s opera Sāvitri and Pylade in a scene study of Iphigénie en Tauride with Vancouver Opera’s Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program. He understudied the role of Don Ottavio in VO’s 2014 production of Don Giovanni, performed the role of Le Remendado in VO’s recent production of Carmen and understudied the roles of Alfred in Die Fledermaus and Anthony Hope and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd with Vancouver Opera in Spring 2015.
Caitlin Wood – Soprano
Soprano Caitlin Wood graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters in Operatic Performance under the tutelage of Mary Morrison. Her past roles have included Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance) and Patience (Patience) with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Winnipeg; Despina (Così fan tutte) and Nannetta (Falstaff) with Opera NUOVA; and Johanna (Sweeney Todd) with Dry Cold Productions. She recently was a winner in the Western Canada District Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition and will compete in the NW Regional Audition on February 15, 2015. Ms. Wood was the 2012-2013 recipient of the Richard Bradshaw Graduate Fellowship in Opera. She appeared as the gypsy Frasquita in VO’s 2014 production of Carmen, understudied Adele in Die Fledermaus and sang Johanna in Sweeney Todd with Vancouver Opera in 2015.
Laurelle Jade Froese – Mezzo-Soprano
Winnipeg native mezzo-soprano Laurelle Jade Froese had her professional debut in Saskatoon Opera’s Die Zauberflöte in 2014. That year, she completed her Masters of Music at the University of Toronto, under the tutelage of soprano Wendy Nielsen. Ms. Froese is a 2013 & 2014 Jeune Ambassadeur Lyrique Laureate and has represented Canada at the Minsk Opera House in Belarus. She appeared as the gypsy Mércèdes in VO’s recent production of Carmen (September / October 2014), as Ida in Die Fledermaus (February / March 2015) and understudied The Beggar Woman and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd in April / May 2015.
Tina Chang
Turkey is a nation straddling eastern Europe and western Asia with cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The Mediterranean Sea is to the south; the Aegean Sea to the west; and the Black Sea to the north. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles (which together form the Turkish Straits) demarcate the boundary between Thrace and Anatolia; they also separate Europe and Asia. Turkey’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant importance.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country’s second largest city (Istanbul being the largest). The city has a population of 14.5 million. The entire country counts 74 million people.
In Turkey you can find sheer diversity between its Aegean beaches and eastern mountains: In Cappadocia and the southwestern coasts you can enjoy mix trekking, horse-riding and water sports. Turkey’s beaches are one of the most popular vacation destinations in Eastern Europe!
Cosmopolitan Istanbul, on the Bosphorus Strait, is home to the iconic Hagia Sophia, with its soaring dome and Christian mosaics, the massive 17th-century Blue Mosque and the circa-1460 Topkapı Palace, former home of sultans. It is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country’s economic, cultural, and historical heart.
The city is also known for an endless supply of hospitality, good-humour and insightful conversations with their locals, who have an infectious love of life and generosity of spirit. The vibrant, inclusive and expanding community is full of people who work and party hard, treasure family and friendships, and have no problem melding tradition and modernity in their everyday lives. If you ever get the chance to be part of their everyday life, join them in their favourite haunts: çay bahcesis (tea gardens), kahvehanı (coffeehouses), meyhanes (Turkish taverns) and kebapçıs (kebap restaurants)!
Turkey’s delicious specialties will take you right to the heart of Turkish culture: For the sociable and family-orientated Turks, getting together and eating well is a time-honoured ritual. Enjoy olive oil–lathered Aegean vegetables, spicy Anatolian kebaps and dishes from Turkey’s many other corners. Enjoy a glass of çay and some baklava for dessert – and always remember that eating in Turkey is said to deepen your understanding of the country.
