Attended Holiday in Concert at VSO last month and was quite disappointed in the overall performance expected. Dynamic contrasts were often underdeveloped; climactic moments felt restrained. Very disappointing. read more

First off, I have to say I have no live experience with Symphony Orchestras. I do however love classical music, my love of classical music mostly stems from CBC Radio 2... I can't claim to be well versed in who plays what and I can't tell you by listening who the composer is. I can tell you that my lovely +1 took me here for date night and I absolutely loved it (thank you my love!). We were privileged to be there to watch conductor Xian Zhang; that woman is an absolute powerhouse and was magnificent to watch! I giggled quietly so many times (and I am not a giggler, that generally doesn't happen to me); the music, the musicians, the conducting - the whole thing just made me brilliantly happy. Also performing was Marc-Andre Hamelin an iconic Canadian pianist with truly remarkable talent.... wow, so impressive! I dream of going back again. It was romantic, impressive, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable. The Orpheum was a perfect place to witness the magic that is the Symphony, so buy a ticket, dress yourself up and get there! read more

I can't claim to have expertise in symphony orchestras, but this experience is out of this world. I've gone a couple of times, and I am continually astounded by the precision, beauty, and flow of the pieces they play. Amazing experience, and I would recommend that anyone who can go, should go. read more

Well, first off I love the kid concert series. Loved it as a kid, and I would probably still love it as a grown adult. The performances the VSO puts on makes me want to become a member of the orchestra- I kid you not. I want to pick up any oboe, violin, man I'd even learn the timpani or the bass!!! I want to play in the orchestra you guys are so good at playing live it makes me want to be a full time orchestra member. Miss the symphony of light. Love that the TD all access pass has been upped to age 35 now- all those students and under 35 can enjoy VSO shows without worrying about their mortgage, car payments or tuition. :) or those who also love eating out. Anyway- check it out. It's classy and usually people wear their Sunday's best to VSO shows read more

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Every time I attend a VSO concert, I come away with my soul refreshed! It is a great way to spend an evening and when compared to other activities, is actually very well-priced! If you have never come to a performance, it should be on your list of things to experience very soon! You will be glad you did!! read more

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra - Beethoven Cycle: Bronfman Plays Beethoven - Performing Arts Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Gotta hand it to their marketing dept, or maybe their Accounting, but as soon as you buy a lottery, they'll keep on sending you cute reminders lol. After 2 years, I've given up. read more

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5 stars for the VSO, and 0 stars for the audiences: Most of the patrons arrived suitably dressed for a feed at a Swiss Chalet, and not-in this instance-for an evening of Beethoven's "Emperor" piano concerto, played by Alexander Melnikov. Latecomers arrived just before the Adagio un poco mosso movement, and the orchestra and audience was then forced to wait while these flaneurs settled themselves into their seats. During the Adagio movement, it was as if the concert hall had been transformed into an invalid's ward due to all the coughing and hacking. All the coughing had caused such a disturbance during the first movement that the conductor gave an impromptu lesson in concert hall etiquette to the audience whilst the latecomers were being seated before the second movement commenced. As it presently stands, audiences are reminded to not take photographs, not clap between movements, and to turn their cell phones off during the performance. With the present state of moral degradation in Canada, I can comfortably predict that in the not too distant future concert goers will have to sit through a introductory civics class before being granted the privilege of access to the concert hall. From the state of the audience I witnessed the other evening, they are still bottlenecked at rudimentary toilet training. A whole new layer of horror has recently been added to the VSO. Producers unwilling to justify investing in concerts that rely on large sums of risk capital: there's little incentive to invest in concerts that will frustrate and baffle the mass audience's need for reassurance. Instead of a night of Shubert, the culturally stunted can be lulled by music from "The Godfather" films, or regaled by music from Warner's "Bugs Bunny and Tweety" television program. read more

I love VSO concerts. I didn't actually know how decently priced they are until I compared to other cities. SF dress circle tickets are $125 most often, Seattle about the same, whilst the concert I went to yesterday was half that price, and it featured Midori. Yes, that Midori. The technical virtuoso with the soul of an angel, who looks like she was put on the Earth to shred bows in the space of a symphony movement, who is going to get scoliosis given her crazy posture but at least she wasn't thrashing about, that Midori. Last year's concert where they had the Seoul Philharmonic come on as well was just amazing. The concerts are held in the Orpheum, which is a lovely classic hall. It feels like you're sitting in an opera house with a lot of rococo and baroque architecture feel, and the coziness of the lights makes you feel very much peaceful. It's a big contrast from the ultra modern feeling of the Chan Centre, but both are great auditoriums in their own right. Tonight's concert was unique because the principal violist (for the viola) fell ill midway through the concert and had to leave the stage. Someone had to fill his space and basically sight read his passages because they usually got the other viola part, and it took about half a movement of Shostakovich's Symphony #1 but then the orchestra was perfectly composed yet again. The steady hand of Bramwell Tovey guides the orchestra with the experience and forcefulness of a patrician grandfather, yet his gentle flourishes and deft waves of the hand also belie a sensitivity that was much imparted on Tristan and Isolde, Shostakovich and the Brahms violin symphony that Midori played. My concern was more with the audience than the orchestra actually, even with the illness. At the end of Brahms' first movement, Midori relaxed, and the audience exhaled as a whole since she had wound us up. Then no later than two seconds came and out arose a whole reverb of coughs! It was like everyone had held in their flu symptoms just to hear this amazing orchestra. Needless to say, there was much less of a pause between the second and third movements. What a lovely concert, though! And in such a charming concert hall. read more

I really like the VSO. I've been a few times now, and every time is wonderful. They've done a really great job trying to attact a younger audience, everything from having discounted group tickets to having more modern and contemporary artists partner for shows to participating in the Vancouver Inspiration Pass. They're doing everything right. I also like the location - the Orpheum is beautiful and is laid out perfectly for the VSO. I wish there were more washrooms around, it always seems nearly impossible to make it back to my seat in time during intermission. If you haven't been, you should go. It's certainly enjoyable and a great idea for an evening out. It's not just for couples too, there were several families that went with their young kids - the age range is impressive. I hope it's a sign that the VSO is thriving well in the city! read more

So way back when, I was a band geek (trumpet). Plus played piano as a kid. So I (somewhat) know music well, kind of. I haven't been to a symphony concert in years and this was my 1st VSO experience. I went to the opening weekend with featured Jon Kimura Parker playing Rachmaninoff. As expected, the crowd consisted of a "sea of greys" as Jenna L puts it, but an enthusiastic bunch they were. The stars of the show are the mass of violins. Each violinist swaying passionately with each movement, it's hard to take your eyes off them. The pianist, Jon Kimura Parker, was stellar. Always amazes me how they can remember such long, intricate pieces of music and play it uniquely. Check their calendar. They have some great artists throughout the season. read more

Did you know that if you are a post-secondary student, you can get a VSO access pass for free that allows you to go to most VSO performances in the best available seat for only $10????? That IS the best concert deal in town, as the website advertises. I happened to stumble on this and then decided to go to a VSO Pops series concert: A Century of Broadway. That is definitely the best $10 I ever spent on entertainment! The music was amazing, and I love the Orpheum! The VSO is really a group that can play anything. We got to listen to songs from famous musicals in the early 1900s all the way to Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. Fantastic!!! read more

I can't actually say anything bad about the VSO. Been to many shows all top notch. This review deals with the company they have partnered with to promote and sell their most recent set of intimate shows. I had purchased 2 VIP tickets for a show scheduled for Feb 10. The tickets purchased through the "fever" app. The show had to be changed for covid reasons and my schedule does not permit me to attend the new date. I contacted fever and asked for a refund. They didn't reply until several follow up emails. Once I got a response, I was advised my tickets were now cancelled and I would get a voucher good for 9 months. I asked for a refund again. Since then they have not responded to my emails, they have cancelled the tickets I had and I have not received any voucher. Please VSO.. cut all association with this company. I beg you. Anyone reading this... Please don't use fever. read more

Love the VSO and the Orpheum is beautiful! If you're 30 and under, sign up for the TD All Access pass. It's a fab deal. I'll be back :) read more

Amazing orchestra and totally worth the time and money for sure. Promise you won't regret it or be disappointed. Amazing music choices and professional musicians with great conductors!! read more

I try and go to the Symphony any time I have a chance, which is about once a month. If you're under 30, you can get 2 - $15 tickets so it's GREAT!!! That's right, $15 for any seat in the house!! It's basically a steal. read more

Last nights Casablanca was a disappointment. Limited orchestra activity and generally a mediocre pairing of movie vs orchestra. Both suffered. Try doing Rock groups (I.e music of Queen, LED Zeppelin. Beatles as they do in Phoenix. )Hugely successful and encourages younger patrons. Didn't really think the combo was successful. read more

Sunday afternoon concert feat. Augustin Hadelich was purely genius. His techniques and understanding of lyricism are simply amazing..... I was so impressed! The Orpheum is such a classic looking venue with beautiful chandelier and glittering walls.. With my access pass I also get a massive discount on tickets, often paying $10 something for a concert. On Sunday afternoon concert though, you will see "sea of greys". One thing that bothered me throughout was the "my ass in your face" man who sat next to me. People.. Please please please whatch which direction you rears are facing, and if they are not pointing south, but in any other direction, then ensure they are not in someone's face........ This also applies to your feet and their directions if you want to cross your legs! GAH! Anyways, I very much resisted an attempt to tap his butt with a program to let him know his back is in my private bubble but decided I give him another chance (which he repeated anyways). So much for my ranting, but I am sure it happens often...But I shall not take away a star for my wonderful experience otherwise. read more

Sorry to have to write a bad review. I was in Vancouver for a couple of days and wanted to hear the Vancouver Symphony. I googled "Vancouver Symphony" and saw that the historic Orpheum Hall was a couple of blocks away from my hotel. I was using an iPhone and the text was very small and I had to zoom in and out to navigate. I google mapped it just to make sure of the location and bought two tickets online 130 dollars for the Friday April 24 concert. When I arrived at the concert hall at 7:15pm the hall was dark and there were signs on the door saying that a concert had been cancelled - but this wasn't the concert I wanted to attend. I called the Vancouver Symphony and got an automated message to call back during normal business hours from 9-7pm weekdays. Now that I have returned to my hometown I called the Vancouver Symphony to figure out what happened to the concert: they said it was actually at the Chan Centre at UBC. I wish I had known this so I could have walked to Chan Centre. The website was misleading because although it does say the Chan Centre, the address at the bottom is 500 Seymour Street. This is also the same location that shows up in a google search. I feel the symphony should have given me a refund for these tickets. I spoke to a very polite woman at the Symphony who said it is not the policy of the Symphony to offer refunds for past concerts. Having experienced their intransigence in this matter, I am sure that I would never again attempt to buy tickets the Vancouver Symphony. This whole transaction has left a very bitter taste in my mouth. read more

I've seen a few productions here over the years. I appreciate the classical music and the roots that it has built for modern music, however, I am appreciating more that they're making more of an effort to recruit some of the younger fans and pop culture fans. I've seen the Danny Elfman show case, Bugs Bunny and the movie themes productions. Depending on the production tickets have always been hit and miss, however, affordable for the most part. It is nice to dress up and enjoy a night out at the Orchestra. read more

The Proms - May 17th 2018 I have to confess to being rather disappointed at the program of music. Being an event that typically celebrates all things British, I found the choices bemusing. It started with the Canadian National Anthem, which was great - although the British National Anthem was not played at the event at all. They should have opened with one and closed with the other perhaps It seems to me that there is a wealth of music that could have been played that was ignored. No Benjamin Britten, no Henry Purcell, no traditional songs like sea shanties. No Jerusalem. No Rule Brittania (incredibly). No Henry Wood. You get the picture. Having said that, the renditions of Elgar compositions (Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance) were fantastic. The Elgar stuff is pretty much all that they played that you would expect to hear at The Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. It also seemed to be a "promote the Tovey family" event, with both daughters of the conductor doing solo work, presumably chosen over the skilled orchestra members for nothing more than their family connection to their father Bramwell. Jessica Bramwell did a great job though, but it was a long piece by Mendelssohn, with no connection to Britain that I could discern - why not the Hebrides overture for example? Anyway, the execution was, as usual, excellent, just next time, bear in mind what the audience is actually going there for - Britishness, not Brahms. Oh, and at 90 minutes or so, the concert felt very short for the money. read more

This is a world class orchestra, with some tremendous accomplishments and a definite "we can do this" attitude. I heard them at the Bell Centre in Surrey this week, with the Vancouver Bach Choir. Two incredible works by Poulenc were superbly performed. Larry Knopp provided a remarkable interpretation of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. The orchestra really deserves more recognition -- and more people attending. Bring your kids -- and their friends and introduce them to the wonders of the VSO. Guaranteed enjoyment and at $10 a ticket, one of the best deals in town. read more

I came here tonight to see the VSO: Fifty years of James Bond and I was taken back in time to the first James Bond movie in 1962's Dr No. to 2012's Skyfall ....listening to the uber talented Vancouver Symphony Orchestra playing music from all the James Bond movies. From the James Bond theme song, Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, Casino Royale (1967), On her Majesty's Secret Service, Thunderball, Dr. No , Tomorrow Never Dies, The Spy Who Loved Me, Skyfall, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, and License to Kill. The singers, Capathia Jenkins and Ron Bohmer were amazing. Their voices were incredibly talented and mesmerizing. The conductor, John Morris Russell, was such a great host and you can see the passion in his conducting. Mr. Russell was charming and injected the perfect amount of humour in between sets. Just watching him alone was a great show. The orchestra also played theme songs from spy inspired shows such as Mission Impossible, Theme from Shaft, Avengers, Pink Panther and Austin Powers. Bravo! It was quite a enlightening experience listening to music that I heard as a child and listening to it again as an adult from the VSO at the beautiful Orpheum. If this show comes back to the Orpheum, I am definitely taking my mom and dad to it. They will really appreciate the music from the 60s and 70s and would love the live singing from the vocalists. Paid $25 for a single front row ticket but would pay double or triple now knowing how talented the VSO are. Thank you VSO! read more