CHristmas and Yule
Banquo is already planning a contemplative and mystical concert to celebrate the winter months this coming December 2026. Stay tuned!
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Here are some of our past concert programmes. Any of these concerts are available for performance in your venue or your concert series.
Follow the links below or the menu on the right.
To discuss a possible concert, please contact us.
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How Goes the Night Launch Tour
Banquo Folk Ensemble put together a muti-concert tour in August- October 2025.
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We performed in Ten Mile Point, as part of the Early Music Society of the Islands' summer garden concert series, in Salt Spring Baroque's Summer Baroque in the Trees series, at the Victoria Folk Club, and we​ self-produced a full-length concert in Sidney.
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We celebrated the launch of our fourth studio album with favourites from the CD, old chestnuts, and an original piece by our very own Penny Reiswig. In a typical Banquo blend, we looked forward to the dark and gloomy months to come when we would get to be lugubirous and Banquo-esque again, as well as performing some lively, summery pieces, like the longtime Banquo rehearsal staple, Der Hupff Auff, which we had never before played in public.
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Lamento
Our concert in the spring of 2023 was an exploration of two rich and contrasting sub-genres, the Celtic lament and Medieval music in praise of spring. Exploring the duality between death and rebirth, sadness and joy, folk traditions and ancient written music, this concert allowed for an exciting range of different musical styles and instruments, and features for several of our members. It went on to heavily inspire our album How Goes the Night.
Gathered by the Fire -
Ancient Music to Celebrate Yuletide
Our concert in the fall of 2019 featured seasonal music, performed on our usual array of voice and instruments. It inculded exotic, medieval carols, festive dance tunes, exquisite art songs from the high Renaissance, and folk music harkening back to a time of wassails and yuletide traditions, all meant to evoke the warmth and comradery of a winter's afternoon spent around the fire with friends and family.
Performances were held at Oak Bay United Church, Oak Bay, St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, Mayne Island and All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church, Salt Spring Island.
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Pastime With Good Company
We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in November, 2018, with a concert of new repertoire and favourites. The concerts in Oak Bay, Sidney and Mayne Island also coincided with the release of our new CD.
Now is Yule Comen
Here's a short video clip of our rehearsal on Mayne Islance for "Now is Yule Comen"
Our Christmas concert programme - a selection of seasonal music - was presented in December, 2017 in Oak Bay and Mayne Island.
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The programme features music spanning the last 800 years, some of it in the themes of the season, and some of it just wonderful music that we love to play. We perform a combination of songs and instrumental pieces and of course, we'll showcase our huge collection of instruments.
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Gathered by the Fire
First performed in November, 2016, "Gathered by the Fire" is a concert built around the theme of the dark days of winter, when, in ancient times, communities came together to share stories and music to help survive the harsh realities of an unforgiving season.
Myth, legends and the spirit world figure prominently in tales read by guest narrator and local singer Paul Boughen, accompanied by evocative music from those far-off times.
The Auld Alliance
First performed in May, 2016, "The Auld Alliance" features music from Scotland and France, throughout the centuries, with narration.
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The so-called Auld Alliance was formed between Scotland and France in the 13th Century and lasted for over 400 years. We explore, with vignettes, how this alliance shaped the history of France and Scotland, accompanied by music from both countries over that period.
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