A global musical journey with Duo Beija-Flor, April 19th
Travel the world with Duo Beija Flor, April 19th, Pyatt Hall
Ready for an escape? Embark on a captivating musical adventure as the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society presents Duo Beija-Flor in an unforgettable season-closing concert Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM, at Pyatt Hall. Flutist Marie-Noëlle Choquette and guitarist Charles Hobson promise to take you on an intimate journey via classical works from Italy, Brazil, Romania, Argentina, Japan and beyond.
Charles is a well-known award winning classical guitarist who has studied in Montreal with Daniel Bolshoy. He met Marie-Noëlle at Concordia University and the two formed Duo Beija Flor. And what is beija flor? It's Portuguese for hummingbird or literally “the bird that kisses flowers”. Marie-Noëlle says when they had the idea of playing world-inspired classical music they thought of the hummingbird because “the bird goes from flower to flower and we go from culture to culture.”
Duo Beija Flor has earned acclaim for their signature ethno-classical fusion, blending classical music with folk traditions from around the world. Their program, "Musings from Elsewhere: Music from Parallel Visions," pairs classical compositions with global musical influences, creating six unique pairings that transcend borders and traditions. Their repertoire includes stunning interpretations of Piazzolla’s Escualo, Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, and Miyagi’s Haru no umi (Sea in the Spring)—each infused with their signature artistry.
Praised as “an incredibly dynamic and creative team” by The Flute View magazine, the duo has enchanted audiences across Canada, the U.S., Argentina, and Costa Rica, bringing their unique interpretations to the international chamber music scene.
For Duo Beija-Flor, music is more than performance—it’s deeply researched storytelling. When arranging Astor Piazzolla’s Oblivion, they traveled to Buenos Aires to study with tango masters, premiering their version in Piazzolla’s hometown. "It was nerve-wracking, but when the audience applauded, it was a beautiful reward," Charles recalls.
Don’t miss Duo Beija Flor's captivating concert filled with passion, storytelling, and cultural exploration, moving from flower to flower.
When: Saturday, April 19th, 7 pm
Where: Pyatt Hall, 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver. Come early at 6:15 pm for a pre-concert performance by UBC student classical guitarists.
Tickets range from $15–$45 at www.vancouverguitar.org Livestream is available.
LIsten on Duo Beija Flor's YouTube channel. (5) duobeijaflor - YouTube
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: Valerie Boser, publicity@vancouverguitar.org 604-339-5695
