10 ways for Canadian music fans to celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year generally happens on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and is celebrated by the people of China, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and other East and Southeast Asian countries — and their diasporas.

This year, it begins on Saturday, Feb. 10, ushering in the Year of the Dragon.

Once you've done a deep clean of your house, you can don red attire and get serious about celebrating Lunar New Year with an abundance of food, dance and music.

Below: a roundup of Lunar New Year events with an emphasis on music, taking place across Canada.

Is there an event happening in your community? Let us know about it in the comments.

1. This Cantonese opera 'taster' in Dartmouth, N.S.

Described in the promotional material as a "taster," this 90-minute introduction to the wonderful world of Cantonese opera includes a lecture in English and performances by Chak Lui Chan, Frances Wong and Chin Mei Law in Cantonese with English surtitles. It takes place on Feb. 3 at the Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth, N.S. Admission is free.

2. This historic Lunar New Year gala in Charlottetown

This gala has been hailed as the first international Lunar New Year gala to be held in Charlottetown, so attendees will be part of history when they head to the University of P.E.I.'s Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. The focus is on performances, and while no acts have been announced, the event listing promises a "diverse array of talents." If you haven't already got a ticket, you'll have to wait until next year: this year's gala is already sold-out.

3. This intimate concert of Chinese classical music in Montreal

Here's an opportunity to get up close and personal with the extraordinary sound of some traditional Chinese instruments, played by the best. Liu Fang, known as the "empress of the pipa," and Liu Xiyan, a guqin virtuoso who plays in a traditional Taoist style, will give a joint recital of Chinese classical music. Get yourself to Montreal's Bourgie Hall on Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

4. This erhu concerto in St. Catharines, Ont.

At this intriguing matinee, soloist Snow Bai will join the Niagara Symphony Orchestra and conductor Bradley Thachuk for a performance of Kevin Lau's space-themed erhu concerto, Between the Earth and Forever. There'll also be works by Vincent Ho, Alison Yun-Fei and Johannes Brahms. It all goes down Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m. at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, Ont. A bonus: members of the Canadian Youth Chinese Orchestra will perform in the lobby before the concert and during intermission.

5. This symphonic celebration in Toronto

Head to Roy Thomson Hall on Feb. 13 for a spectacular concert given by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and a bunch of fabulous special guests: violinist Timothy Chooi, pianist Eric Guo, and guqin player Xiaoxia Zhao. Naomi Woo, who was recently appointed music director of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for 2024 and 2025, conducts. There'll also be dance performances by the Soaring Eagles and the Chinese Cultural Arts Collective. The evening's MC is Mark Rowswell (a.k.a. Dashan).

6. This DJ party in Winnipeg

On Feb. 10, Winnipeg's Boom Boom Room will live up to its name with the "most epic Lunar New Year party ever." DJ Samurai will spin a mix of hip-hop and pop to get you moving and set the scene for a lion dance performance. Whether you're a longtime enthusiast or a newcomer to Lunar New Year festivities, organizers promise "the perfect opportunity to celebrate, connect and make lasting memories." Get there before 11 p.m. and be rewarded with free drink tickets.

7. This performance by the Calgary Chinese Orchestra

Founded in 1997, the Calgary Chinese Orchestra is "dedicated to promoting Chinese music and instruments in a fun and joyful environment" and that will be the vibe at its Lunar New Year concert coming up at the Nickle Theatre in Calgary on Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. Bob Zhang will lead the ensemble through a number of "rich and melodic" Chinese New Year pieces, including highlights from Bright Sheng's Dream of the Red Chamber. The event is currently sold-out, but organizers informed CBC Music that they may be making more spaces available.

8. This LunarFest concert in Vancouver

Titled Born to Be Free, this LunarFest concert on Feb. 13 at Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre features performances by the Harmonia Strings Ensemble, the West Vancouver Youth Band and pianist Anna Sagalova. There'll also be some audience participation, so be prepared to sing along. "Find stories in harmony and soar freely through the songs as the Year of the Dragon brings us good fortune and good thoughts," urge organizers.

9. Also in Vancouver, this solo piano recital

Drop by Tom Lee Music's flagship store in downtown Vancouver on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. for a cozy recital by rising teen pianist Alice Zhou. With recent gold medals from the Steinway Piano Competition Canada, and a performance at Carnegie Hall under her belt, Zhou is determined to make a mark in classical music, and her Lunar New Year performance offers an opportunity for you to support her ascent.

10. This dinner and dance party in Victoria

Dubbed Enter the Dragon, this "mesmerizing dance extravaganza" will take place on Feb. 10 at the Hallway, a restaurant in Victoria. A whole roster of DJs will keep things bumping: Fundipz, Moosetraks, MyLove, Slow and Joca. The Hallway's Indian fusion cuisine and handcrafted cocktails will fuel your best moves on the dance floor. Festivities begin at 7 p.m.