16-Year-Old Vancouver Singer Richard Li to Lead Charity Concert at UBC
A 16-year-old Vancouver singer is preparing a classical music fundraiser at UBC, and he is running the production as well.
Bass-baritone Richard Li will present Aubade with Joy on Sunday, October 18, at the Chan Shun Concert Hall. The show features opera, art songs, an orchestra and two choirs.
Presented by Firefly Youth Network, the concert aims to raise $20,000 for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Mighty Music program. It also marks five years since Li started performing and volunteering with the youth-led group.
At a Glance
| Event | Aubade with Joy — Richard Li’s Solo Classical Vocal Charity Concert |
| Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Time | 7–9 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. |
| Venue | Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts |
| Address | 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC |
| Tickets | $30 regular; $100 VIP (listed prices include applicable fees) |
| Beneficiary | BC Children’s Hospital Foundation — Mighty Music program |
| Fundraising goal | $20,000 CAD |
From Art Songs To Opera
The concert moves through works sung in English, German, Italian and Chinese. The first half features art songs, including pieces by Schumann, Strauss and Huang Zi, according to the programme shared by organizers.
Later, the focus shifts to opera. The programme includes Mozart arias, with The Marriage of Figaro among the planned works. Soprano Erin Ilett will join Li for duets from Don Giovanni and The Merry Widow.
That balance gives audiences a chance to hear Li in smaller vocal selections before the larger dramatic passages. It also leaves room for group performances between his solo numbers.
Three Oriental Philharmonic ensembles will contribute: the Student Orchestra, Philharmonic Choir and Chamber Choir. Guest performers and Li’s musical mentors will also join the programme, according to the announcement.
How a Youth Volunteer Came To Lead a Concert
Firefly Youth Network started in Vancouver in 2021 with fewer than 10 young members. Li began volunteering at its community charity shows while developing an interest in singing. He now serves as co-president and leads the artistic direction of this concert.
Founding president Gabriel Wang and artistic director Dong Wang encouraged his move into classical vocal training, organizers say. They also describe his early challenges with speech. Within Firefly, he found a supportive group and opportunities to perform.
Li later earned the Judges’ Distinction Award and three first prizes at the American Protégé International Vocal Competition. The press release says those results led to a performance at Carnegie Hall. It also identifies him as a BC representative at the Canadian Music Competition national finals.
His training has included the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Vocal Program and a Vancouver Opera mentorship program. This time, his responsibilities stretch beyond rehearsals and singing. Li conceived the concert, oversees its production and sets its artistic direction.
Firefly has grown to more than 100 young members, according to the organization. Its projects include performances for seniors, music outreach at BC Children’s Hospital and youth arts activities in San Francisco.
Supporting Music Therapy At BC Children’s Hospital
The group’s $20,000 fundraising goal targets the Mighty Music program through BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Organizers say Li chose the cause after receiving care at the hospital himself.
Music therapy at BC Children’s Hospital gives young patients ways to create and listen to music during their care. The hospital lists songwriting, singing, instrument learning and music-assisted relaxation among its activities. Accredited music therapists tailor support to patients and families.
For Li, the project brings two parts of his life together: singing and giving back to the hospital community. Rather than only taking the stage, he has helped build a concert around the cause.
Tickets, Arrival And Donations
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert runs from 7 to 9 p.m. The hall sits inside the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on UBC’s Vancouver campus.
UBC’s official ticketing system lists regular seats for $30 and VIP seats for $100. Those prices include applicable taxes and fees. Buyers can check seating and current availability through the UBC ticket page.
Those who cannot attend can also donate through BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s official website. The general donation page does not specifically identify this concert, so donors should check how to direct a gift to Mighty Music.
Anyone planning to attend can check the Chan Centre event listing for the latest event information before heading to UBC.
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