Abendmusik Choir
Abendmusik brings singers and listeners together through seasonal vespers services shaped by choral music, scripture, prayer, and silence.
How the Abendmusik Choir Connects to Our Mission
Abendmusik is best known for its vespers services: one-hour worshipful performances that weave together mostly unaccompanied choral singing with readings and prayers. Over time, this became the heart of the program, with a regular rhythm of services around seasons such as Lent and Advent. Whether you come as a singer, a listener, or a supporter, Abendmusik offers a space set apart from the pace of daily life — thoughtful, reverent, and open to all who are drawn to sacred choral music.
Sing With Us
Abendmusik welcomes singers who want to be part of a meaningful choral tradition grounded in artistry, reflection, and community.
Attend a Service
Services are open to the public, and attendance is free. Come experience a tradition that has been nourishing audiences for generations.
Abendmusik Through the Years
Explore performances that offer a glimpse into the beauty, participation, and shared experience of Abendmusik over time.
A New Chapter for Abendmusik
Get to know the new choral director stepping into leadership, and join us in honouring the choral directors whose vision and care helped shape the choir’s story.
Upcoming Performances
Optional explainer that there are 2 performances a year.
Abendmusik Milestones
A look at key moments that have shaped Abendmusik’s story, from its early beginnings to the community it continues to gather today.
1986
A group of Vancouver Mennonites purchase a former convent in Point Grey
1987
The first Abendmusik fundraiser
1988 - 1990
Abendmusik grows into a regional chamber music series
1991
Eric Hannan founds the Abendmusik Chamber Choir
1992
Abendmusik presents its busiest season with 14 events
1994
Knox United Church becomes the primary Vancouver venue for rehearsals and performances.
Late 1990s
The focus shifts fully from benefit concerts to candlelit choral Vespers centered on reflection, sacred music, and liturgy.
2000
Emanuel Free Reformed Church becomes the regular Abbotsford venue.
2004
Andrea Klassen Siemens becomes Music Director, continuing the choir’s liturgical and choral tradition.
2012
Michael Murray begins leading Abendmusik, bringing renewed focus to contemplative sacred choral music.
2015
Vancouver performances begin regularly taking place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church.
2020
During Covid-19, Abendmusik adapts with prerecorded and livestreamed services, as well as masked and social distanced services.
2025
Abendmusik celebrates its 35th season under the direction of Michael Murray, continuing its tradition of Lenten and Advent Vespers in Abbotsford and Vancouver.
2026
David Poon joins Abendmusik as it's new Music Director