Love this theatre, it's a magificent historic building and a lovely place to experience the Vancouver Symphony. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in the guided tour ($11 ish) and I enjoyed it, a neat behind the scenes view and some great old stories. The architecture was interesting and the guides were friendly and interesting. read more

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What a wonderful luxury experience to spend rainy Sunday afternoon listening beautiful music. Who doesn't like musical legend, John Williams's scores? I was grown up watching lots of 80's and 90's movies and this was the great opportunity to join sound immersive experience with the orchestra. And it's only $19 The catch is this concert artists are still students from Vancouver Academy of Music. But they are great. They had lots of audiences and I was happy to help those kids(some are adults) as well. Everyone are happy. Before I booked online, I checked the seat map by the third party website. They have slight "width" difference. I choose wider seat on aisle and it was very comfortable. There was no price difference. I hope it helps you next time. read more

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The Orpheum is so full of history. A beautiful building hosting some amazing talent. We were there to attend the VSO playing live to the 2016 James Bond movie Casino Royal. An absolute masterpiece. So much fun, such an amazing orchestra. A thrilling evening. read more

Orpheum - an old movie projector in a museum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

the orpheum is the most beautiful concert hall in vancouver. i've been to the orpheum to watch the vso perform, attended handel's messiah, and today, as a proud aunt of a 2024 high school grad. what a classy venue to celebrate a graduation commencement ceremony. the concert hall is opulent, it's ornately decorated with gold accents, red curtains, and sophisticated lighting. this venue is elegant and grand, with an intricate ceiling featuring a large, circular central design with ornate patterns and a magnificent chandelier. surrounding the central design is a colourful mural depicting various figures and scenes, adding a vibrant and artistic touch to the elegant architectural details of the ceiling. the lighting highlights the artwork, enhancing the overall splendour of the space. there's two large tv screens on either side of the stage for close ups, seats, however, could use an update. read more

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I visited The Orpheum to see a performance (Kathy Griffin's Laugh your Head Off stand up comedy world tour) back in June 2018 and wrote this review at that time. First of all, The architecture inside is really amazing. Almost feels like ive been teleported to an old European city theatre from downtown Vancouver. Kudos to the building designers. The location of the theatre is great. It's 2 city blocks away from the mall. Paid underground Parking is close by. I came to see a stand up comedy show earlier this year. They got one guy at the front of the door to check that you actually got a ticket, and another person that's just inside the doors to scan the tickets. The lobby is very large and feels like a ballroom in a fancy rustic European hotel. There are some fancy chairs similar to ones in palaces placed around the area. When you sit in them your body will literally sink because there is so much cushioning. It feels marvelous. I wish I could get one for my home! There are Huge hanging chandeliers on the ceiling. They are stunning. Overall the lobby Is really nice and just a Great place to take selfies! There are a few concession stands in the lobby. The prices are fair. The prices and snacks are similar to what you find to a movie theatre except they have liquor as well. The washrooms are roomy and can easily take dozens of patrons after a performance. Design wise, Its kinda bland compared to the rest of the building. There was a lack of paper towels unfortunately. Surprisingly The ushers are mostly very elderly people. Think grandmas who should have retired a decade ago. They are sweet though. I asked a kind usher some basic questions about the upcoming performance but she strangely drew a blank. Guess they don't know everything! The actual auditorium design inside is breathtaking. The ceiling has a beautiful mural design you'd think Michaelangelo painted it himself. You'd be admiring the intricate design for a long time. A couple negatives though. The stage acoustics are not very good for monologues. On this visit I was watching a stand up comedian, Kathy griffin, and some of her words were lost to the echoes to the stage. Perhaps the acoustics are not very kind to nasally voiced comedians. Also, The floors were kinda sticky. As I lifted my shoe under the chair my foot was a little stuck to the ground. The seats in the auditorium also could be more comfortable. They are fabric cushioned and the legroom could have more space. but it was good enough. This particular performance lasted a whopping 3.5 hours with no intermission and I did not have any discomfort on my caboose by the time it was over. Overall, the orpheum is an awesome and unique building in Vancouver and I hope I get the opportunity to visit it again. 4.5 out of 5 stars rounded up to 5. read more

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As far as I know, this is one of the oldest and most ornate theatres in Vancouver. Being a young city, we are eclipsed by the historic buildings of much older cities, but the Orpheum takes you back to a time of grandeur that you won't see in its contemporary counterparts.. As the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), there are events taking place at the Orpheum year-round. If you're a lover of the orchestra, stop by the box office to try your luck at scoring rush tickets to an event happening on the same day. If you prefer to make plans, book your tickets online or join the VSO mailing list to find out what they have coming up. read more

Orpheum - Tonight: Michael Bolton - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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First time I've been to the Orpheum. Was really looking forward to this concert. Had front row tickets. The building itself on the inside is stunning. But I found it was a really good thing. I knew all the songs, because you could not understand anything anybody was saying or singing. My poor husband was his first time hearing the band didn't know the songs and was completely lost all night. Very disappointed in the sound quality considering this was the home of The VSO. read more

Orpheum - The Struts - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This is the best venue for listening to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, in my opinion. The acoustics are phenomenal and the place is historic with ornate furnishings. Box office opens one hour before the concert. There are garages available nearby, but if you are looking for street parking, always try Richards Street. read more

Saturday night on the Granville Mall can only mean - show time! The Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa are here at the Orpheum performing on their tour of North America. This venue is classic, beautiful, crisp, lively, great sight lines to stage, bright clear lighting, with all its splendor - has stood the test of time (even with various renos over the years). It is an eclectic walk into a different time when you enter the Orpheum! I could go on & on but you get the picture - it's an amazing venue for live entertainment! Home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, whom I have yet to see, the Orpheum has hosted countless gigs over its stellar career. I can remember Public Enemy performing here way back in 1990!!! 'Yeeeaaahhh boooyyyyy' ..... yikes! At capacity it holds just under 3000 people & it was full house tonight! I had not seen the SGC since 2004, so I was so looking forward to tonight! It was an amazing trip in harmony & the choir took us in spirit - back to South Africa! Their deep soulful sounds brought back memories of growing up in Africa! If you get the chance to see them on this current tour - do so!!! read more

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Went to the Orpheum for the first time last night for the Marianas Trench concert. I can't believe how gorgeous this venue is! I love how it has such a grand "regal" feel as soon as you walk in. The smell of popcorn in the air also just made me so happy. The staff here are such a delight when they greet you at each check point. There's someone to make sure that you get to the right section, the right door, and then another one to make sure you get to the right seat. How great are these guys? Love them! We had a seat in the orchestra section which gave us a perfect view of the stage and it felt like we were still very much a part of the "vibe" even thought we were maybe 15 rows back. Would be so happy to come back here for another show! read more

Orpheum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I go to a lot of VSO concerts, especially when they feature soloists, mostly violin. It is an older venue and I have nostalgic memories from my childhood. There was one concert here that influenced my decision to pursue violin performance as a career. They have featured many great artists here such as Pinchas Zuckerman, Lang Lang, Karen Gomeyeo, Tasmin Little, Chad Hoopes, James Ehnes, Juliette Kang, Judy Kang, Emmanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Augustin Hadelich, Philippe Quint, and many others. I had many enjoyable nights at the Orpheum and for that reason, it holds a place in my heart. They have an awesome program for students who are 35 years and younger. It is called the TD all-access pass. You can get up to 2 tickets for $15 each, plus admin fee of $2. So if you want a spectacularly cultural experience, why not check it out? read more

Orpheum - VSO season opener - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I had the chance to come to this venue to watch Star Wars while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra played the music. It was such a treat to see a full orchestra play and the sound was amazing. The venue had beautiful chandeliers and intricate paneling from the walls as well as the ceilings. read more

Orpheum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Of all things, my fiancé and I flew to Vancouver for a MAGIC SHOW. He bought me tickets to see my favorite magician, Shin Lim. It was also a good excuse to get out of our city and explore another one. We had a fantastic dinner before walking to the Orpheum. Beautiful, spacious, and clean venue. What's also important to me is how friendly security and other staff are. In stereotypical Canadian fashion, everyone was much more approachable than theaters in the US. Finding our seats and navigating the crowds were also positive experiences. Not sure the next time I'll be back in Vancouver, but I'd love to return to the Orpheum! read more

Bria Skonberg, songstress and trumpeter, together with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. And a drummer who was extraordinary. read more

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There was a comedy fest here and one of the comedians said something that always brings me back to another time, which would be high school, yes my convocation was here, hours of waiting in a black gown with that square hat while you wait for your name to be called up, and seeing all the parents and family members sitting in the crowd, that is the sense I get everytime I come here, of yesterday, and even today things in here haven't changed, maybe a new coat of paint but other than that, not much. It's a classy place, and you wouldn't think of it if your weren't from this city as it leads out to what people call clubbing district! Home of the VSO, this place is great for music/sound, it was built for this. I have been here for many types of shows ranging from stand up comedy, speeches, Christmas specials and concerts and it's a great place to catch this kind of stuff, even sitting up in the rafters there are some good views wherever you are sitting. There are multiple entrances either on Smithe or Granville, and I can say that the Granville entrance is definitely more regal, you'll know once you go through that and compare it to the other. One warning I have to give is for the washrooms, especially if your a woman, prepare to wait, if there is a break between whatever show you are attending, just go, it maybe a few flights of stairs but plan your route to the 'loo'! This is still a premiere venue for anything with sound/music, way above places like Rogers Arena.. that were built for sports. It's not super big, which plays to the audiences benefit on seating, your never too far from the stage. There's a good outer area before, and in the middle of the show for drinks and to mingle to stretch your legs. It's a classy venue, and even if your not enjoying whatever event you are at, look up at the ceiling and enjoy the architecture of this place. read more

Orpheum - Here's my view sitting near the back of the bottom section. - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Been here on different occasions either for my sister grad or even my own graduation cermony to performances. The surround sound of the place is good. The seats are not that comfortable but really depends on how long you sit. The AC is on pretty high in the summer or spring time and the heat on moderate in the winter time. The place is very artistic and detail. If you look carefully at the design and pattern, you can guess it was hand carved on the spot not machine made. But I guess back then there wasn't machinery. There are a few wear and tear in the inside. Orpheum is quite nice and yes it does give you that fancy feel. read more

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I recently went on a 90-minute guided walking tour of this grand ol' theater, built in 1927 and designated as a National Heritage Site. These tours are totally free (reserve a date at Eventbrite.com) and take place during the summer months on Thursdays and Saturdays. Wow, I cannot recommend these tours enough! I learned SO much about this beautiful, historic building, and of the history of entertainment in Vancouver, and the entertainment district in the city here, and of various architectural styles and more. The 90 minutes passed in a flash and I left with a greater appreciation for this theater and Vancouver in general. Ever want to go on stage and see the theater from the perspective of the performer? Want to learn fascinating and obscure facts about this theater (including how it's haunted? How the stunning ceiling is suspended from above by thousands of wires, and how they ensured all these wires were of the same tension? How they fabricated and installed the grand lobby? Why there's a small main entrance on Granville Street but the theater mostly is located on the Seymour and Smithe sides? The factoids about the grand chandeliers? Stories about Tony Bennett and the theater's acoustics? And SO MUCH MORE). Want to go behind the scenes, in off-limit areas of the theater, above the ceiling, in the projection room and more? Learn about this theater's vaudeville days, and its days playing silent movies with the accompaniment of its amazing grand old Wurlitzer organ? Learn about those gold stars inlaid on Granville Street and the photos of the Hall of Fame entertainers on the walls? I could really go on and on, but really, if you can go on this free tour, you'll really appreciate this stunning theater so much more. Oh the stories it could tell! Presently home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the building hosts performers as diverse as, well, Tony Bennett to the rock group Alice in Chains, and every kind of group in between. The acoustics are wonderful and crisp, the seats are tiered perfectly and comfortable, the venue is large but still feels intimate. Our group's tour guide was Rob, and he was great (all the guides are Hall of Famers - yes, those gold star folks. Accomplished BC stars). I already know that, when my parents visit the city again, I'm taking them on this tour. I'd happily go again and I know they'd LOVE it. read more

I love the size of the venue. It is intimate and there's not a bad seat in the house. The sound is great. The decor is charming. Lots of wandering space to stretch your legs during intermission. read more

Orpheum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Went here for the VAN's carnival of animals. Safe to say it was superb! The place itself was very grandiose. The stage was very eye catching and pretty. I like that the snack/beverage bar is fairly big to accommodate for large crowds, same goes for the washroom. read more

Orpheum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Beautiful!! Such amazing architecture and don't even get me started on the performance! Wow! I love the Vancouver orchestra. I was lucky enough to catch their last show Sunday before Christmas while I was in town and it was so cheerful. I felt the holiday spirit and their talents are incredible! I came here a year before that and also saw Jasón Silva do an existential talk here, very well organized for events! read more

The Orpheum is by far one of my favourite concert/performance venues in town. The building is gorgeous, the acoustics are amazing, and the VSO plays there. What more do you want? What's that? You want to hear some complaints? I only really have one but I'm not sure it counts: there's not enough leg room for me anywhere, but at 6'5" tall thats a problem pretty much everywhere I go. read more

Orpheum - VSO getting ready to perform. - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Over the years I have seen many performances here. To name a few: Lang Lang Naida Cole (she is now retired) VSO Jose Carreras It's beautiful inside and the sight lines and acoustics are wonderful. Nuff said. read more

Ritzy and posh, the Orpheum is the classic ballroom space that hosts everything from big name Jazz Festival bands to high school graduation ceremonies. With deep circular seating wrapped around an enormous center stage, there's also several large overhanging balconies that all provide an amazing view (but may require binoculars). The lobby is vast and beautiful, with marble archways and well-dressed hosts and security agents. It's a very nice nook to spend mingling during the intermission, drinking wine and feeling cultured. This is the go-to venue for big name acts who can charge a little extra from their dedicated fans and still sell out a moderately large space. Always a little pricey, it gets bonus points for hosting my two favorite things in this world, Al Green and Kids In the Hall. read more

Orpheum - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Enjoyed taking the historical behind the scenes tour. The theatre is a joy to be in -amazing it only took 10 months to build. The pictures are from the tour which takes 1.5 hours and a bargain at $10 CAD pp read more

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With its old-school façade, coming here for an evening out lends the whole event a retro feel of refined ornamentation, when going out was more than just donning a pair of dirty jeans and going to the movies. The lights outline the word "Orpheum", brightening the dark street and drawing the gaze of passersby upwards. The Orpheum has played host to a number of different cultural events throughout the years. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera perform shows here regularly, as do more contemporary acts like Alanis Morissette (yeah, she's still kicking around). read more

Orpheum - From website - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The Orpheum is a gorgeous old venue, however it is probably best suited to classical and instrumental genres of music - what with it's seating room only and it's rule obsessed, cranky, older docents. It was disappointing to stand in a huge line for drinks only to be told (via finger wagging even!) that we were not allowed to bring them to our seats. The show was a double bill, with the band I was most interested in seeing playing first. Nobody stood up! The girl at the end of our row tried to and a docent chased her back to her seat! I wanted to dance but was instead reduced to doing some sort of ridiculous bouncing in my seat. The docents didn't calm down until the second band invited everyone to stand up (unfortunately the second band was bland and derivative, so we left three songs in). Lessons: 1) don't buy overpriced drinks moments before the show begins 2) heckle the band to invite you to stand up 3) be prepared to "dance" in a foot of space between chairs (if allowed to stand up in the first place) read more

I've performed and spectated at the Orpheum countless times, and I've grown a deep connection with the moldings and the chandeliers that make the whole theatre so majestic. Located in the heart of Downtown, but so distant from the bustling streets, you gotta love it. The Orpheum is host to almost every type of spectacle there is to be seen, from rock to classical music concerts to dance performances this is really where it happens. The Orpheum is not just a venue, it's a great part of Vancouver's history. They provide tours - check on their website - and many opportunities to get involved. Home to the VSO, you can catch their concerts often and they usually have lots of promotions and specials on ($15 tickets for students!). Most tickets for other shows can be purchased at Ticketmaster, you can also check the listings on the board right outside the front doors. The theatre is also very accesible, with plenty of Skytrain/Canada Line and bus options that run around the area. Great way to spend a weekend with the family and embrace some of the most beautiful places in Vancouver. read more

Beautiful building. No problem getting quickly before the show. Went here with my husband for a Fray concert. We enjoyed it and hope to see more concerts here. I find it rather rude for people to be angry at a nice building for not letting patrons (who could potentially be drunk or dancing) bring their beer or wine in plastic cups into the show. We bought bottled water and had no problem. The issue is that alcoholic drinks #1. stain #2. smell and #3. are served in cups without lids. I don't think you have to be getting drunk to enjoy a concert. If you need liquor that badly drink it during the 45 min intermission or something. This building houses other events other than rock/alternative concerts and shouldn't get trashed because of a few rowdy individuals. So I think this policy is fair to keep it nice and clean for everyone. No one's dying from dehydration from lack of beer. Water is allowed. Give them a break... read more

The Orpheum is one of the only venues in Vancouver that you can hear the bands over the incessant chatter of the concert goers. If youre really interested in the music you dont need to express it by flailing your new moves in a crowd of sweaty inebriated fans.The place is quiet and enthusiasm is condoned when appropriate! Also, you dont actually NEED to dress nicely to attend a show, although formal dress is definitely encouraged. The acoustics are clear and the sightlines are well defined. The art always adds to the performance rather than detracts. This is probably the only legitimately classy venue in the city. read more

Absolutely stunning venue. The interior is amazing, and the ceiling mural is so cool! My group and I were running a tad behind, so the ushers were basically running us to our seats before the symphony started which I thought was annoying, but I understand. There's water fountains, which I thought was cute. I would definitely come back up to Vancouver for another show, the Orpheum was great and located near restaurants/bars for a pre or post-funk. read more

What a gem in the downtown area. Loved coming here for the children's concert series every (Sunday?) as a young tot. To think that live CLASSICAL (they spice it up sometimes with Pokemon themed nights, modern mixes, opera guest singers... Etc) music is still performed in such an acoustic theatre? Lovely building all around. Top notch classical performances (seen 300+ here). I love the velvet seats, the architecture, standing in the atrium, the red staircase and the feel of a night (or morning or matinee) at the Orpheum for a VSO concert. Bravo, bravo time and again. read more

Always fun to see a show here! I love that they pay their bartenders well and have done away with tipping. Woohoo! Also, thumbs up on the 3 different local craft beers I was able to get here (not on tap, but still makes me happy!) read more

I got to see The White Stripes here in 2005, Queens of the Stone Age in 2007 and my son walk across the stage as he graduated from High School in 2010. All very different events with one common theme: a beautiful venue with amazing acoustics. Everyone's written about how lovely it is and really you need to see all of the amazing detail in person. I'm pretty sure that when QOTSA and The Distillers got here they must have wondered what their booking agent was thinking. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a show that I want to dance to although I'll admit that The White Stripes seemed to fit perfectly with this backdrop. At least you know the sound is going to be amazing! read more

Gorgeous venue, absolutely gorgeous. I came here twice to watch the VSO perform Stravinsky's Firebird and Rite of Spring. The first time I sat on the balcony and the other time was at the lower orchestra. No matter where you sit, you can hear the front very clearly. The theater itself is really beautiful. Seriously, they should do operas here, makes the atmosphere even better! read more

Great Venue! Went to see SWV, Genuwine, and Toni Toni Toni when they performed on July 1st. The show was great despite the lack of attendance lol. Great sound system, and the acoustics in this theater are stellar! A beautiful old style building with gold and warm colors, the only downside for the "alkys" was that you can't bring any drinks in the theater. u must consume in the lobby area. Oh well. I hope to see more shows up in this bitch soon :) read more

This beautiful old theatre is both an importance piece of Vancouver's heritage and a great place to see a show. It was first built in 1927 and then completely refurbished in the late 1970s. The result is a theatre with an ornate interior like no other venue. The acoustics are also very good, and it works well for every kind of music event from symphony concerts to rock shows. When I was little, my parents dragged me and my sisters to see family pops symphony concerts, and I was at least happy then that there was so much to look at in terms of those great arches behind the stage. More recently, my friend treated me to a Blue Rodeo concert here last winter and it was the perfect setting for their intimate yet rockin' set. Unlike most theatres too, the lobby is enormous. When everyone races to the bar or to the bathrooms at intermission, you at least don't feel all crowded in, even if you have to wait in a lineup. Of course, because it's so big and there are so many doors and stairs and passageways, you have to remember the way back to your seat! read more

Great for sit-down shows, not so great for dancing. I went here to see Ben Harper and the acoustics in this place are freaking amazing. At one point he put down the mic and kept singing and the room vibrated with his booming voice, awesome! However, I wouldn't go here if the band or person I want to see was super energetic. I've heard of people dancing here but I don't really see how its possible. However, if a super chill act decides to play here, i'd be more then happy to return to the Orpheum. read more

The service was absolutely awful. I've never been treated so poorly in my life. I can't recommend this place to anyone I hope everyone in Vancouver avoids it and tries everywhere else. Worst venue ever!!!!! read more

Beautiful venue! Not a bad seat in the house and we were lucky enough to have 8th row seats to the Nora Jones concert! Perfect, intimate venue for her read more

We had a nice wedding reception here and the lighting and live music was just beautiful. The surround sound really shows up here and you did not here echoes from music or people talking. It is even next to the Starbucks for a good caffeine boost. It can get a little cold so bring a light jacket There are many bathroom locations, but all are after a long flight of stairs. read more