Our 20th anniversary season opens with guitar sensation Kanahi Yamashita playing Bach
The Vancouver Classic Guitar Society launches its milestone 20th anniversary concert season with Homage to Bach arranged and performed by Japanese classical guitarist Kanahi Yamashita, one of the most exciting artists of her generation. Co-presented with Muzewest Concerts, this very special performance featuring some of Bach's most iconic works takes place Sunday, October 4th at 3:00 pm at ANNEX, 823 Seymour Street. Season subscriptions and tickets are at www.vancouverguitar.org
Described as a “master of the new generation,” Kanahi is celebrated for her extraordinary technical control, fearless musical imagination and groundbreaking transcriptions. Her Vancouver debut promises an afternoon of rare brilliance, intensity and unforgettable artistry.
Born in Nagasaki in 1997, Yamashita grew up in one of the world's most celebrated guitar families. She studied with her father, legendary guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita, and composer Keiko Fujiie, and began performing internationally as a child with the Kazuhito Yamashita Family Quintet. She later performed as a duo with her father, making her solo debut at just 13 years old.
Now based in Berlin, Kanahi has established herself as a remarkable soloist and chamber musician, performing throughout Europe, Asia, Mexico and Australia. Her growing list of honours includes the prestigious 2026 Idemitsu Music Award. In 2025, she won the Gerhard-Vogt Chamber Music Competition with flutist Malin Sieberns. An accomplished arranger as well as performer, she has recorded a debut solo album devoted to composer Carlo Domeniconi.
Celebrating 20 Years of Guitar Excellence
Kanahi's concert opens a celebratory season for the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society. Twenty years ago this summer, six Vancouver classical guitar enthusiasts began getting together to share their passion for the instrument. In February 2007, their informal gatherings became the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society. Since then, VCGS has presented more than 100 concerts featuring some of the world's finest classical guitarists while building a vibrant community of guitar enthusiasts in Vancouver.
The 2026–27 International Artist Series celebrates this 20th anniversary with an exceptional lineup of multi-award-winning artists from Canada,and around the world. From legendary masters such as Vladimir Gorbach and Jorge Caballero to emerging stars Kanahi Yamashita and Virgile Barthe, alongside outstanding Vancouver artists Denys Panchenko and Vinny Linhares, the season explores the extraordinary expressive range of the classical guitar.
Subscribe and Save Up To 33%
VCGS invites you to subscribe to the complete five-concert 2026–27 season. Enjoy five concerts for the price of four — and VCGS members save even more. Subscriptions and individual tickets are available now at www.vancouverguitar.org.