News & Reviews

Solidaridad Tango Brings a Bold, All-Women Ensemble to Vernon

by JP, posted in Concert

NOCCA is thrilled to welcome Solidaridad Tango, North America’s original all-woman tango ensemble, to the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm.

Recently nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards (2025), Solidaridad Tango has quickly become one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary tango. Founded in 2021 by Aparna Halpé, the ensemble was created to champion fair work, visibility, and professional opportunities for women in tango, a mission that has resonated across global stages.

Specializing in historical tango performance with a focus on Golden Age styles, Solidaridad Tango showcases new music by women tango composers from around the world. Their performances have captivated audiences in Toronto, Oregon, New York, and Buenos Aires, including sold-out shows at iconic tango venues such as Café Vinilo and Hasta Trilce.

Their debut album, DISTANCIA (2023), has received international acclaim:
• “Packed with passion, oozing with originality, and played with perfection… an exciting listen from musicians unafraid of boundaries.” — Songlines UK
 • “Solidaridad’s Toronto Tangos are Perfect!” — Tiina Kiik, The Wholenote Magazine
 • “An album placed without hesitation in the shortlist of the best albums of the decade.” — Frankie Pfeiffer, Editor-in-chief, PARIS-MOVE
 • “The ensemble’s performances are unfailingly joyful and thoroughly accessible.” — Kim Hughes, Musicworks Magazine

With concerts spanning clubs, concert halls, schools, and international festivals, Solidaridad Tango’s performances are more than concerts. They are vibrant declarations of unity, strength, and the unyielding power of women’s artistic expression.

Join NOCCA for an unforgettable evening of electrifying rhythm and artistry, brought to life by a groundbreaking ensemble that is reshaping the future of tango.

Tickets are available through the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre box office and at ticketseller.ca.

CBC’s Tom Allen Brings Bach’s Chilly 400 km Odyssey to Life

by JP, posted in Concert

Join NOCCA for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with CBC’s Tom Allen at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow takes you on a 400-kilometre journey in the early life of Johann Sebastian Bach, long before he became the legend we know today. Packed with adventure, humor, insight, and incredible live music, this chamber musical blends historical fact with imagination in a way that will keep you captivated from the first note to the last.

Tom Allen’s storytelling brings the young composer’s journey to life, while a dynamic ensemble of musicians — including Lori Gemmell (harp), Tom Allen himself on trombone, and a brilliant cast of musical friends — creates a vivid sonic landscape described by audiences as “subtle artistry and sheer magic.”

Whether you’re a die-hard Bach fan, a longtime listener of CBC’s Tom Allen, or just love a great story told with music, this is an evening that promises laughter, insight, and unforgettable performances — one you’ll be talking about long after the last note.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469 or online at www.ticketseller.ca

The Perfect Gift for Music Lovers

by JP, posted in Concert

Three concerts. Three totally different experiences. One great price.

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? From now until February 24th, treat the music lover in your life (or yourself!) to all three upcoming NOCCA concerts for just $120.

From a richly told musical journey into the life of J.S. Bach, to the sharp, hilarious wit of Canadian comedy legends The Arrogant Worms, to the passion and power of Solidaridad Tango, North America’s original all-woman tango ensemble, this ticket package brings three distinct and memorable performances together in one exceptional gift.

Purchase the three-concert package here

Visit the NOCCA website

A CALL FOR EXECUTIVE VOLUNTEERS FOR NOCCA

by JP, posted in News

As NOCCA enters its seventy-second season, we are looking for
futuristic visionaries to take on the role of President and Vice-President
of the North Okanagan’s longest running and most enduring presenter
of live music.

NOCCA is financially healthy, owns arguably the best concert Steinway
in the Okanagan at least, has a dedicated core of volunteers, presents
young performers to open its performances, and already has the 2025-
2026 season planned and booked.

The retiring president and vice-president will be available to smooth
the transition process and assist where necessary with the
organizational needs.

If you are keen to find out more or offer your services, please respond
at http://www.nocca.ca.

We would love to hear from you!

NOCCA Presents an Afternoon of Piano Brilliance

by JP, posted in Concert

The North Okanagan Community Concert Association (NOCCA) is delighted to present an afternoon of electrifying piano mastery on Sunday March 30 at 2:00 pm, featuring the internationally acclaimed Bergmann Piano Duo. The duo, comprised of husband and wife Marcel and Elisabeth Bergmann, have inspired audiences with dynamic and energetic performances of uniquely eclectic programs for more than two decades. Their recitals and concerts with orchestra have taken them to many parts of the world, including the United States, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, France, Macedonia, Greece, China and Canada, and have appeared in many international festivals.

Marcel, a native of Munich, Germany, has enjoyed an active musical career as a performer, composer, improviser and teacher. Elizabeth is an award-winning pianist and chamber musician originally from Alberta. They have both studied in Germany and Canada, including at the Univérsité de Montréal where they pursued specialized studies in duo piano. In addition to their performing careers they enjoy teaching and working in their capacities as Artistic Directors of White Rock Concerts. Elizabeth is also Artistic Director of Concerts at the Langley Community Music School and Marcel has held a position as Professor of Music at Mohawk College in Hamilton. Both Elizabeth and Marcel have been on the faculty of Mount Royal University and University of Calgary as well as being involved in musical projects at The Banff Centre for the Arts. In 2004/2005, they served as Artistic Directors of The Murray Dranoff International Two Piano Competition and Foundation in Miami. For many years, they were members of the Calgary based group Land’s End Chamber Ensemble, and were recipients of the 2005 and 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards for Outstanding Classical Recording.

The Bergmann Duo’s extensive repertoire spans from baroque to contemporary, featuring many of their own arrangements and compositions. They have recorded for CBC, several ARD stations in Germany, and National Public Radio, with their CDs appearing on the CordAria, Arktos, Koch International Classics, Naxos, ARS, and Brilliant Classics labels. Their recording American Stories on the ARS label showcases exclusively Marcel’s arrangements.

With their impeccable artistry, boundless creativity, and seamless musical synergy, the Bergmann Piano Duo continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Their ability to blend technical brilliance with expressive depth ensures an unforgettable concert experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness their extraordinary virtuosity live – join NOCCA at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, March 30 at 2:00 pm for an afternoon of breathtaking piano performance.

Tickets are available through Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469 or online at www.ticketseller.ca.