This website will soon contain information on EMSI’s planned 2020-21 season but, at this time, we are uncertain about how many of these concerts will be presented, as we comply with the directions of the Provincial Health Officer. Today, however, we must announce that the opera Los Elementos, scheduled for 7 and 8 November, has been postponed until November 2021. If you have bought tickets for this event, they will be replaced by tickets for the new dates.

We are committed to finding ways to present as many concerts as we can and to find innovative ways to bring the best in early music to our patrons. We are also actively looking for ways to support musicians, particularly those in Victoria, who have been adversely affected by the public health emergency.

Please check our Facebook page or our website for updates. You may also now follow us on Twitter @MusicIslands.

We hope that our supporters will continue to buy tickets and make donations to the Society. Any tickets that you purchase are refundable or exchangeable for rescheduled events. Your generous assistance will ensure that EMSI is able to remain in a good financial condition.

Be calm. Be kind. Be safe. Be musical.
Early Music Society of the Islands

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, volunteer-run 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.

The list of soloists and ensembles presented by EMSI is a who’s who of the international early music scene :

and a host of others.