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Concerto di Margherita (ITALY)
October 1

Il Gioco della cieca (Blind Man’s Bluff) Buy tickets “Blind love I do not trust to thee, that makes desires full of obscurity”. Thus comments the chorus in Guarini’s play, […]

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Welcome

to The Early Music Society of the Islands!

Founded in 1985 and based in Victoria BC, the Early Music Society is a non-profit, charitable society dedicated to offering accomplished performances of music composed prior to 1800.

EMSI embraces the idea that early music deserves to be heard with close to its original intent. To that end, our concerts feature period instruments, accurate scores, and historical performance practices.

Renowned artists, both international and homegrown, have graced our stage.

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We acknowledge and respect the Lǝḱwǝŋǝn peoples on whose traditional unceded territory EMSI presents concerts, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose deep relationships with the land continue to this day.

Read Our Blog . . .

Introducing Our 2026/27 Season

It’s my privilege and pleasure to invite you to join us for this season’s exciting Signature Series and Special Event: Shh . . . don't tell anyone! We’re making off with the prime of Italy’s musical gold this season, with three ensembles,…

Interview with Matthias Maute of Ensemble Caprice on “Vivaldi on Fire”

Here's an interview with Bill Jamieson, Executive and Artistic Director of EMSI and Matthias Maute, Musical Director of Ensemble Caprice. Learn about out upcoming concert "Vivaldi on Fire" on March 14, 2026. INFORMATION AND TICKETS

The Life, Correspondence and Music of Ignatius Sancho

Ignatius Sancho, by Thomas Gainsborough By Bill Jamieson, Executive and Artistic Director of EMSI Appropriately for Black History Month, our upcoming concert features the music of Ignatius Sancho, a Black English composer who was a contemporary…

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