Decoys: Songs about birds that’s not really about birds.

Decoys is a celebration of birds through photography and music.

Why do swallows remind us of home and what can hummingbirds teach us about patience?

Decoys brings together a selection of art songs and duets for voice and piano inspired by birds in a variety of languages including English, German, French, and Taiwanese. The programme features pieces ranging from the classical era to modern Canadian compositions. The music is presented alongside a slideshow of original bird photography from the singers’ own birdwatching journeys accompanied by insightful anecdotes.

From Brahms and Mendelssohn to Canada's current generation of art song writers: Doolittle, Santa Ana, Sutherland and more. We will explore how composers are inspired by birds and how they help shape the world around us.

Henry and Heather are two local Classical singers and avid birders. Henry grew up in a family obsessed with birds and spent much of his childhood on expeditions with his family watching and counting birds. Heather started as a casual birder and became more dedicated during the COVID pandemic, when she had a lot more opportunities to spend time in nature. They will be joined by Richard Epp, renowned local pianist.

Decoys was premiered in 2025 for Vancouver Opera’s Voices series and is now being hosted with the generous support of the Canadian Music Centre BC, Stanley Park Ecological Society and Glenn Sutherland.

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