Chor Leoni is bringing its unique pop music choral experience, PopCappella 3D, to the Rio Theatre from March 7 to 9.
The award-winning choir, known as ‘Vancouver’s choir of singing lions,’ will add power and harmony to some of the world’s biggest hits, joined by a team of Vancouver’s finest musicians. The PopCappella 3D peformances will feature songs by U2, Leonard Cohen, K.D. Lang, and The Supremes, all set against 3D film projections and immersive lighting.
“PopCappella 3D is about breaking boundaries between music genres,” explains Erick Lichte, artistic director, Chor Leoni. “We want to reframe how people see choral music by making the experience a multi-sensory one – featuring beautiful visuals, art, and timeless pop classics. We selected the Rio Theatre, known for live performances, as the perfect venue to showcase the uniqueness of PopCappella 3D. With each performance, we hope to encourage guests to immerse themselves in this feel-good concert event.”
The PopCappella 3D program is packed with iconic songs arranged for choir and a full band, including four that are Canadian pieces, and 10 world premiere choral arrangements:
Ahead by a Century (The Tragically Hip)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
September (Earth, Wind & Fire)
World Premieres:
Somebody Loves You (Jake Levesque)
Where the Streets Have No Name / Dreams (U2, The Cranberries)
Constant Craving (K.D. Lang)
At Last (Etta James)
Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)
We Belong (Pat Benatar)
Hyperballad (Björk)
My Girls (Animal Collective)
You Keep Me Hanging On (The Supremes)
Simply the Best (Tina Turner; Schitt’s Creek-inspired version)
Chor Leoni’s perfect blend of excellence and deep community engagement is noted in a new arrangement of “Somebody Loves You,” a heartfelt piece written by Jake Levesque, which was commissioned by Chor Leoni community member Sean Murch as a tribute to his late teacher’s legacy.
The Lions will be supported by creative team including Lichte (conductor), Ken Cormier (piano), Liam MacDonald (percussion), Laurence Mollerup (bass), and Keith Sinclair (guitar).
“We strive to make our performances accessible, creative, and memorable,” adds Lichte. “PopCappella 3D is a celebration of music’s ability to unite and inspire. We look forward to welcoming guests to the Rio Theatre this March for six incredible performances.”
PopCappela 3D takes place March 7, 2025 @ 5pm & 8pm March 8, 2025 @ 5pm & 8pm
March 9, 2025 @ 2pm & 5pm at Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver.
Tickets are on sale now and include a pair of custom Chor Leoni 3D glasses (in the classic blue and red style), to keep as a souvenir of the show visit chorleoni.org