The North Okanagan Community Concert Association (NOCCA) was established in 1953 and for more than 70 years has brought musicians of all stripes to Vernon.
With at least five concerts every year since NOCCA began, (except for COVID), NOCCA has presented a variety of musical artists and styles, from a capella
quartets to chamber orchestras, piano trios, guitar trios, piano and flute duets, vocal soloists, jazz ensembles, choirs of up to 130 voices from ages 14 and up, artists from around the world and right here in British Columbia, from South Africa to Salmon Arm.
For the past 10 years, NOCCA has presented a young musician prior to the featured artist.
Almost without exception, the featured performer has not only been enthusiastic about the youthful musician, but has often asked the youngster to perform with them if time and repertoire permit.
Most of the young musicians come from the Vernon Community Music School and are a testament to the quality and enthusiasm of its teaching staff.
As NOCCA enters its 71st year of concert excellence, isn’t it time to come out and enjoy an afternoon or an evening of some outstanding musical entertainment?
NOCCA has changed its formation and so have the artists.
Yes, there are still the pianists, the piano trios and the guitarists, but they are playing familiar works perhaps in unfamiliar ways.
This season, NOCCA presents O-Celli, an octet of Belgian cellists who re-score the common understanding of classical music played classically.
February, the Remi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble performs an unforgettable tribute to one of Canada’s greatest piano talents, Oscar Peterson, and there may be a surprise guest with this show as well.
The season begins with Trio Tangere from Quebec, consisting of two guitars and violin, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. This again is something completely different.
And rounding out our season, NOCCA presents the Bergmann Duo in March featuring one piano-four hands, followed by Sarah Hagen in May. All three are
remarkable pianists and good personal friends of each other and NOCCA as well.
NOCCA has changed its concert times as well so that families and seniors can enjoy Sunday matinee presentations beginning in 2025.
Season tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for students. For more information, go Ticketseller.ca, or www.nocca.ca.
For ticket purchases, contact Ticketseller at 250-549-7469 or at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre box office.
