Decoys: A Concert About Birds (But Not Really)
Birdwatching, art song, and how two musicians turned their love of feathered creatures into a poetic performance
As the final event in Vancouver Opera’s 2024–2025 VOICES Series, Decoys: A Concert About Birds (But Not Really) brings a poetic close to a season of community-driven storytelling and song. In this whimsical show, Vancouver Opera choristers Heather Molloy and Henry Chen—both passionate birders—combine art song, personal stories, and bird photography to explore how paying close attention to the natural world can deepen our understanding of music, metaphor, and each other, they are joined by collaborative pianist Perri Lo.
All photos in this article are by Henry Chen and Heather Molloy
The idea for the upcoming VOICES show, Decoys: A Concert About Birds (But Not Really) started with a conversation. When Vancouver Opera’s Ashley Daniel Foot noticed a stream of bird photos on social media from musicians Henry Chen and Heather Molloy, something clicked.
“We connected over our mutual love of birds,” says Molloy. “That turned into a conversation about how many musicians are also birders. From there, the idea for a bird-themed concert took flight.”
What Is Birding?
Birding—also known as birdwatching—has soared in popularity since the pandemic. But as Chen and Molloy explain, it’s less about gear and more about presence.
“To us,” says Chen, “birding is simply about noticing. It’s not about having fancy equipment—it’s the conscious effort to appreciate birds where they live.”
Sometimes that means hiking out to a sanctuary. Other times, it’s spotting crows and chickadees on the way to the grocery store.
Their Paths to the Pond
Chen and Molloy arrived at birding from different directions.
Growing up in Taiwan, Chen’s childhood was filled with birding trips led by his amateur ornithologist mother. “Our road trips were always birdwatching trips,” he laughs. “There were binoculars in the glovebox and a scope in the trunk.”
Molloy’s introduction was more accidental: a friend’s layover led to a half-hour visit to Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Ladner. “That short visit was a revelation,” she says. “It made me want to return—and eventually led me here.”
Feathered Favourites
Molloy’s passion? “Weird sea ducks. Scoters, Eiders, anything that looks like they were cobbled together from a bucket of spare parts. I’m also partial to Harlequins and the punk-rock glam of Lady Mergansers"
Chen, meanwhile, loves the tiny Swinhoe’s White-eye back in Taiwan, and the curious, friendly Black-capped Chickadees here in Canada. “One of them ate from my hand,” he says. “It was the first time I felt truly welcomed by nature in Vancouver.”
Want to Start Birding?
“You don’t need anything fancy,” says Molloy. “Just walk outside. Look and listen.”
Chen adds: “There are some great free apps like Merlin and Audubon for bird ID, but skip the sound playback unless you’re using earbuds. It can disturb birds if played aloud.”
Some local libraries—Burnaby and Richmond, for instance—offer free birding kits with binoculars and guides. Vancouver Public Library doesn’t (yet), but perhaps that will change with community interest.
Decoys: The Music
The concert features solos and duets for voice and piano, a slideshow of their bird photography , and brand-new music by local composers Glenn Sutherland and Alfredo Santa Ana (with text written by Colin Browne.), Heather and Henry will be joined by collaborative pianist Perri Lo.
Expect English art song, German lieder, French chanson, and some unexpected musical guests. “We chose pieces that don’t just mention birds,” says Molloy, “but use them as metaphor—love, loss, freedom, flight.”
Also, yes, they collect wooden duck decoys.
Why Birds?
“Birds let us project our emotions,” says Chen. “They become symbols for what we’re feeling: hope, grief, longing.”
From BBC documentaries to ancient songs, birds have long inspired artists—and that legacy continues with Decoys.
Whether you’re a devoted birder or just bird-curious, Decoys invites you to sit still, listen closely, and maybe see a little of yourself in the wings.
Limited FREE tickets are still available here.
Heather Molloy has appeared on operatic stages across Canada, including Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera and Manitoba Underground. She is an advocate for new music and has debuted several new Canadian works, including the Vancouver premiere of Bramwell Tovey’s opera, “The Inventor”. Other debuts include the world premiere of “Missing” by Brian Currant and Marie Clement, and “Stickboy” by Neil Wisensel and Shane Koyczan. She also workshopped the creation of a new Sign Language opera with Insideout Theatre. Outside of performing, Heather has worked on the teams of various arts organizations, and is currently the Manager of Centre Services at the Canadian Music Centre BC. She is thrilled to be working on this project with her partner, Henry.
Henry Chen is a Vancouver based baritone who has performed across the Lower Mainland and Canada. He is a regular member of the Vancouver Opera Chorus and recently performed on the mainstage in Johnathan Dove’s Flight singing the role of the Immigration Officer. He is very excited to join his partner Heather Molloy in presenting their passion project.
lovely to read and great photos!