IAN MAKSIN in NANAIMO BC: SONGS OF LOVE & PEACE

February 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm

St. Paul's Anglican Church, 100 Chapel St. Nanaimo, BC

Special online price tickets: 17$-45$+tax. Limited time and quantity offer. Once the quota is exceded and at the door - prices will go up by $5.

Recommended age: 8+

SONGS OF LOVE & PEACE: an amazing multilingual journey in search of comfort, healing and empowerment through music.

Start celebrating VALENTINES early by getting immersed in the deep sounds of Ian Maksin's soulful one-man-cello orchestra, paired and blended with his vibrant voice, as he explores a collection of traditional songs from different corners of the world: Japan, Finland, Bosnia, Iran, Ukraine, Armenia, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Medieval France and Spain, woven together with original instrumental works.

His latest release reflects the path of a true musical globetrotter: a sonic offering shaped by countless journeys across continents as a touring artist, along with mountaineering, flying airplanes, practicing meditation, and collaborating with local musicians in search of the mystical thread that connects all cultures. This album invites listeners into a space of presence, clarity, and emotional restoration.

In addition to music from the new album, Ian will perform works from his earlier opuses—The Alchemist, Amor Renatus—as well as selections from his vast repertoire of over 300 songs in 43 languages.With loop pedal and other electronics, he transforms the cello into an entire orchestra, merging timeless global traditions into an unforgettable, immersive, and deeply personal experience.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES both musical and geographical, cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force.

ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA:In addition to cello, he used an electronic device called the loop pedal, which allows him to create "loops" or layers by recording and replaying his own playing in real time.

SINGING IN 42 LANGUAGES: What began as a hobby and a passion for linguistics and travel has become part of a unique concert experience. At this time Ian Maksin sings in 42 languages including Ukrainian, Russian, English, Farsi, Armenian, French, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, Mongolian, Bambara (one of the tongues spoken in West Africa) and many other exotic languages. Most of this repertoire was amassed by Maksin during his world travels, jam sessions and collaborations with local musicians. Many of his original songs and instrumental compositions are also infused with flavors of ethnic music from countries and regions where he drew inspiration from: Mongolia, West Africa, Middle East, the Balkans, Andalusian flamenco.

THE GLOBAL MUSICIAN: Ian Maksin was born in Leningrad, USSR into a multinational family and grew up absorbing many cultures and traditions from an early age. He began playing guitar and piano at age 3 and cello at age 6 at the School for Gifted Children in Leningrad and then came to the USA at 16 to continue studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. After working for many years in the classical genre including a three-year tenure with the New World Symphony in Miami Ian has decided to look for his own musical path. His diverse musical experience, including playing rock and blues guitar and passion for jazz and world music has allowed him to take the cello to a new dimension and develop his own distinct style as a musician and composer. In Ian's own words: "At some point I realized that music is much more than mere entertainment. Music is one of most powerful and unifying forces in the world, capable of healing, inspiring, bringing people together and bringing peace among them. I believe that cello will save the world”

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