Event Location: Orpheum Theatre

VAM Orchestral Festival

Class Description: Tickets $5 general at vam.ca/events 11am concert: Friendly Philharmonic/Junior/Intermediate Symphonies (https://www.showpass.com/vam-orchestral-festival-2024/) 3pm concert: Vanier Park Symphony & Adult Beginner Strings (https://www.showpass.com/vam-orchestral-festival-2024-2/) Join 5 of VAM’s orchestras and ensembles in a day of musical celebration. In the morning, the VAM Friendly Philharmonic, Junior, and Intermediate symphonies present works by Haydn, Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more, also featuring the Grand Prize Winners of the Concerto Competitions. In the afternoon, VAM’s adult ensembles the Vanier Park Symphony and the Adult Beginner Strings embody the joy of lifelong learning and perform works by Beethoven and a variety of other composers, featuring conductor and pianist Ian Parker as soloist for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. VAM's Orchestral Training Program is supported by: Adrienne S. Chan The Edith Lando Charitable Foundation The R & J Stern Family Foundation Vancouver Civic Theatres The City of Vancouver

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff

Class Description: Welcome the '24/25 concert series with the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. This opening concert is a tribute to the power of romantic music, featuring the virtuosic 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini' by Rachmaninoff, with the renowned Ian Parker as both soloist and conductor, bringing a unique blend of passion and precision to the stage. Immerse yourself in a tapestry of romantic fervour, featuring works by Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky, that speak of heroism, love, and the beauty of the human spirit. Ian Parker, piano & conductor Repertoire:

• Khachaturian Sabre Dance 
• Khachaturian 'Adagio' from Spartacus 
• Tchaikovsky, Romeo & Juliet Concert Overture 
• Rachmaninoff 'Paganini Variations', Ian Parker soloist & conductor

*Repertoire selections and performing artists are subject to change.   Tickets are non-refundable. VAM’s Orchestral Program is supported by: R & J Stern Family Foundation Edith Lando Charitable Foundation

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Music of John Williams

Class Description: Step into the heart of cinematic grandeur with the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. This captivating concert celebrates the genius of John Williams, whose scores have become the backbone of some of the most iconic films in history. Anticipate an afternoon filled with musical themes from celebrated movies such as 'Star Wars,' 'Indiana Jones,' 'E.T.,' and 'Jurassic Park,' among others. Join us for an afternoon where music and storytelling converge, bringing to life the legendary compositions that have defined a generation of cinema.  Ian Parker, conductor Repertoire: John Williams Tribute, Music from:

• Star Wars
• E.T.
• Jurassic Park
• Indiana Jones
• Special Bonus Tracks

*Repertoire selections and performing artists are subject to change.   Tickets are non-refundable. VAM’s Orchestral Program is supported by: R & J Stern Family Foundation Edith Lando Charitable Foundation

VAM Symphony Orchestra – Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

Class Description: Join us for a luminous afternoon with the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, as we present 'Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5,' a journey through the emotional landscapes crafted by one of classical music's greats. This matinee will feature the sweeping melodies and dramatic depths of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, a work that continues to captivate and inspire with its story of triumph over adversity. The concert will also spotlight the prodigious talent of the Kay Meek Competition winner, a rising star in the classical music world. Don't miss this blend of historical mastery and youthful virtuosity, promising an afternoon of profound beauty and exhilarating talent. Ian Parker, conductor Allen Ding (2024 Kay Meek Competition Winner), piano Repertoire:

• Tchaikovsky, Sleeping Beauty Waltz
• Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.5, Allen Ding soloist
• Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

*Repertoire selections and performing artists are subject to change.   Tickets are non-refundable. VAM’s Orchestral Program is supported by: R & J Stern Family Foundation Edith Lando Charitable Foundation

VAM Symphony Orchestra – The Planets

Class Description: Join the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra for the season's grand finale. The afternoon begins with Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved pieces in the violin repertoire, featuring the incomparable Jonathan Crow, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, taking center stage. The musical voyage continues beyond the earthly bounds as we embark on Holst's magnificent 'The Planets.' This epic suite takes us through the mystique and allure of the solar system, with each movement offering a unique musical depiction of the planets' astrological characters. Don't miss this thrilling conclusion to our concert series, where the timeless beauty of Mendelssohn meets the majestic scale of Holst's cosmos.  Ian Parker, conductor Jonathan Crow, violin Repertoire:

• Glinka, Overture to Ruslan & Ludmilla
• Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Jonathan Crow soloist
• Holst, The Planets

*Repertoire selections and performing artists are subject to change.   Tickets are non-refundable. VAM’s Orchestral Program is supported by: R & J Stern Family Foundation Edith Lando Charitable Foundation

VAM Orchestral Festival (VAMPJS/VAMJS/VAMIS/ABS/VPS)

Class Description: It’s a day of celebrating the joy of being in orchestra! Come to the Orpheum Theatre and enjoy performances by VAM’s Pre-Junior Symphony, Junior Symphony, and Intermediate Symphony orchestras as well as two ensembles from VAM’s Adult Learning Program - the Adult Beginner Strings and Vanier Park Symphony. 11:00 am Youth Orchestras (VAMPJS/VAMJS/VAMIS) Joseph Elworthy, conductor Enrelle & Keenan Ashong, violin Isabella Wang, violin Bonnie Wong, harp Buy Here 3:00 pm Adult Orchestras (ABS/VPS) Tawnya Popoff, Adult Beginner Strings conductor Joseph Elworthy, Vanier Park Symphony conductor Amanda Chan, piano Buy Here

VAM Symphony Orchestra: The Planets

Class Description:

Presented in collaboration with Canadian Music Competition Ambassadors Concert Series / Série de concerts des ambassadeurs

Inspired by the luminous night sky, Holst's The Planets swirls with the energy of the cosmos and invokes seven colossal astrological characters in one of the most loved works of the 20th century. Bringing the firmament underneath the opulent arches of the Orpheum, VAMSO's performance of this iconic British masterwork will include image projections provided by H. R. MacMillan Space Centre.

In a special collaboration with the Canadian Music Competition Ambassador Concert Series, this concert features past CMC winners Tate Zawadiuk (VAM alumnus) and Ian Parker (VAMSO Music Director & Principal Conductor).

Ian Parker, conductor Tate Zawadiuk, cello

Repertoire: P. I. Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker Suite P. I. Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme G. Holst, The Planets

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of foundation of the Canimex-Canadian Music Competition, this is one of the 200 exceptional projects funded through the Canada Council for the Arts’ New Chapter program. With this $35M investment, the Council supports the creation and sharing of the arts in communities across Canada.

À l’occasion du 60e anniversaire de fondation du Concours de musique du Canada-Canimex, ce projet est l’un des 200 projets exceptionnels soutenus par le programme Nouveau chapitre du Conseil des arts du Canada. Avec cet investissement de 35 M$, le Conseil des arts appuie la création et le partage des arts au cœur de nos vies et dans l’ensemble du Canada.

Canimex Group, CMC Main Sponsor Groupe Canimex, commanditaire principal du CMC

1:30pm: pre-concert performance by VAM Intermediate Symphony 2:00pm: concert start time

Cover image: Copilot Design

Online tickets are available until 12:00 noon on Friday, November 16. After this point tickets will be available at the door for cash or cheque, subject to availability. The Box Office will open at 1:00pm on Sunday, November 18.

Repertoire selections may be subject to change without notice.

Tickets are non-refundable.

VAM's Orchestral Training Program is supported by RBC Foundation & The R and J Stern Family Foundation.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Pines of Rome

Class Description:

A magnificent excursion awaits in Respighi's Pines of Rome, a stunningly vivid tone poem depicting pine trees that shelter playful children, loom over catacombs, stand moonlit on a hill, and flank a triumphant military march. Under the baton of conductor Kathleen Allan, these portraits of a timeless city are presented alongside the brilliancy of Ravel's Piano Concerto with pianist Henry From and a special appearance of VAM Choirs in "My Heart is Inditing", from Handel's iridescent Coronation Anthems.

Kathleen Allan, conductor Henry From, piano VAM Mary Buckerfield White Choral Program

Repertoire: O. Respighi, Pines of Rome M. Ravel, Piano Concerto G. Rossini, Overture to William Tell G. F. Handel, "My Heart is Inditing" from Coronation Anthems

1:30pm: pre-concert performance by VAM Choirs 2:00pm: concert start time

Cover image: Copilot Design

Online tickets are available until 12:00 noon on Friday, February 8. After this point tickets will be available at the door for cash or cheque, subject to availability. The Box Office will open at 1:00pm on Sunday, February 10.

Repertoire selections may be subject to change without notice.

Tickets are non-refundable.

VAM's Orchestral Training Program is supported by RBC Foundation & The R and J Stern Family Foundation.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Firebird Suite

Class Description:

Evoking the radiant verdure of an enchanted garden, VAM Symphony Orchestra brings the 2018/19 season to an exhilarating close with Stravinsky's vibrant, folk-inspired Suite from The Firebird. In an afternoon of monumental Russian masterworks, internationally renowned pianist and VAM alumnus Jon Kimura Parker - hailed by the New York Times as "an insightful, energetic soloist" - joins conductor Ian Parker and VAMSO for Tchaikovsky's formidable yet passionately lyrical Piano Concerto No. 1.

Ian Parker, conductor Jon Kimura Parker, piano

Repertoire I. Stravinsky, Suite from The Firebird P. I. Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 1

1:30pm: pre-concert performance by VAM Suzuki Program 2:00pm: concert start time

Cover image: Copilot Design

Online tickets are available until 12:00 noon on Friday, May 10. After this point tickets will be available at the door for cash or cheque, subject to availability. The Box Office will open at 1:00pm on Sunday, May 12.

Repertoire selections may be subject to change without notice.

Tickets are non-refundable.

VAM's Orchestral Training Program is supported by RBC Foundation & The R and J Stern Family Foundation.

Marian Schreiber Suzuki Festival Concert

Class Description: Free admission: Since 1969, VAM's reputation has been built on the success of our Suzuki program with some of North America's most experienced instructors of this proven methodology. One of the most primary principles of the Suzuki method is the importance placed in music as a shared experience, reflected in this culminating festival where many young musicians come together to share the fruits of several hours of practice and the uninhibited joy of budding friendships based on a creative pursuit.