Vivek Shraya to Perform with Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in Special Concert
Multidisciplinary artist Vivek Shraya is set to make her debut with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on January 30, 2026, in a performance that will feature songs from her critically acclaimed 2017 album Part-Time Woman. The concert represents a significant milestone for Shraya, who has built a diverse career spanning music, literature, and visual arts.
A Series of Firsts for the Versatile Artist
This performance marks several firsts for Shraya, including her initial collaboration with a 66-piece orchestra. While the Calgary Philharmonic has previously worked with pop artists, this will be the first time the orchestra performs Shraya's material. The artist has decided to add an extra layer of complexity by including cover songs she has never performed before, making the preparation particularly challenging.
"I'm revisiting that album but I'm also doing a slew of cover songs I've never ever sung before," Shraya explained in an interview from her Toronto home. "It's extremely daunting, only because I just really want to do a good job. It's an hour-plus show and it's musicians I've never played with before."
Connecting Music to Personal Journey
The timing of this performance holds special significance as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Shraya coming out as trans. Many songs on Part-Time Woman were written during her transition period, making this concert a meaningful reflection of her personal journey. Shraya plans to expand on this narrative by including cover songs by female artists who inspired her during her formative years.
"Not to give away too many spoilers, but (Shania Twain's) The Woman In Me was one of those songs," Shraya revealed. "I remember being in my parents' bedroom and watching the video on the country music station for the first time. I didn't have the language for my own gender."
A Multifaceted Career
Shraya brings extensive experience to this orchestral collaboration. A former associate professor in the University of Calgary's English Department, she has established herself as a:
- Songwriter and musician
- Playwright and producer
- Visual artist
- Author of novels, memoirs, and children's books
- Senior editor at Random House Canada
Her one-person semi-autobiographical play How to Fail as a Popstar was adapted into an award-winning web series for CBC Gem, demonstrating her ability to navigate different artistic mediums successfully.
Technical Challenges and Artistic Growth
Shraya acknowledges the technical challenges of transitioning from her usual performance style, which typically involves tracks and occasional live keyboard, to working with a full orchestra. "Live instrumentation is a whole different beast," she noted, emphasizing her commitment to delivering a polished performance despite the steep learning curve.
The Calgary Philharmonic musicians are known for their adaptability with new material, though these one-off concerts typically offer limited rehearsal time. Shraya's decision to include unfamiliar cover songs adds additional complexity to an already ambitious project.
This concert represents not just a musical performance but a significant artistic evolution for Shraya, blending her pop sensibilities with classical orchestration while honoring her personal and creative journey over the past decade.
