Pacific Baroque Festival 2026 – Concert #3 – Fervour and Fantasy

This concert is in Alix Goolden Performance Hall, entrance at 900 Johnson Street, Victoria

Purchasing Tickets

Single Tickets: $35 + tax & fees and $30 for Seniors/Students + tax & fees are available for purchase here.

Festival Passes: $105 + tax & fees and $90 for Seniors/Students + tax & fees are also available for purchase here.

School-age and post-secondary students: FREE entry at door with presentation of student ID or proof of enrolment

Concert #3: Fervour and Fantasy is included in the Festival Pass.

About the Concert

Rachel Allen – soprano

Marc Destrubé – violin

Kathryn Wiebe – violin

Natalie Mackie – viola da gamba

Lucas Harris – guitar and theorbo

Marco Vitale – harpsichord and organ

The Italian ‘Modern Style’ of music that would mark the future of western music was no stranger to Spain, not least because the Kingdom of Naples was part of the Hapsburg empire. This Italian fashion was also championed by the second wife of Philip V, Elizabeth Farnese, who was influential in attracting the Neapolitan Domenico Scarlatti to the royal court in Madrid. The Spanish composer José de Nebra likely greeted Scarlatti as he was harpsichord teacher to the Portuguese Barbara of Braganza, future queen to King Ferdinand VI. Both Ferdinand and Barbara had a profound passion for music, and their reign reflected a true musical paradise, dominated by musicians such as the celebrated singer Farinelli.

Soprano Rachel Allen has gone from singing in the Pacific Baroque Festival as a member of the Victoria Children’s Choir and studies at the Victoria Conservatory of Music to appearing in the concert halls of London and Europe and on the BBC. We are pleased to welcome her back to perform cantatas by the Spanish composer José de Nebra (a work unearthed a mere 25 years ago in the archives of the cathedral of Guatemala City) and the Neapolitan Domenico Scarlatti, best known for his 555 keyboard sonatas.

Learn more here: https://www.pacbaroque.com/fervourandfantasy

About the Pacific Baroque Festival

The Pacific Baroque Festival is an annual festival hosted by the Victoria Conservatory of Music (Victoria, BC, Canada) in collaboration with Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.

Pacific Baroque Festival 2026 celebrates its 22nd year from February 25 – March 1, 2026. ‘Spanish Connections,’ will include 5 events with programs intended to highlight the extraordinary music of baroque Spain.

Venue Accessibility

The 900 Johnson Street entrance is wheelchair accessible at street level. There’s a drop-off zone out front, elevator access inside, and several accessible washrooms, including a gender-neutral washroom.

For priority seating or other accommodations, contact us in advance.

For full details, visit vcm.bc.ca/plan-your-visit