Event Location: Orpheum Theatre

VAM Orchestral Festival

Class Description: Tickets $5 General Admission Seating 11am concert: Friendly Philharmonic/Junior/Intermediate Symphonies (https://www.showpass.com/vam-orchestral-festival-2025/) 3pm concert: Vanier Park Symphony & Adult Strings (https://www.showpass.com/vam-orchestral-festival-2025-2/) 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 Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and more, also featuring the Grand Prize Winners of the 2024/25 Orchestral Concerto Competitions. In the afternoon, VAM’s adult ensembles the Vanier Park Symphony and the Adult Strings embody the joy of lifelong learning and perform works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven and a variety of other composers, featuring conductor and pianist Ian Parker as soloist for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. 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

2026/27 VAM Symphony Season Pass

Class Description:

Experience the Magic of Music with the 2026/27 VAMSO Concert Series!

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: Ian Parker Plays Gershwin

Class Description: Experience an afternoon of wit, energy, and timeless melodies featuring the music of Bernstein and Gershwin. Bernstein's sparkling Candide Overture sets the stage for Gershwin's beloved An American in Paris, a colourful musical postcard inspired by the sights and sounds of the City of Light. The journey continues with Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, performed by acclaimed pianist Ian Parker. Blending classical tradition with the rhythms and spirit of jazz, this iconic work showcases Gershwin at his most inventive and expressive. Join us for a celebration of two of the twentieth century's most influential composers and the music that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Program and Featured Artists:

• Bernstein - Candide Overture (5’00)
• Gershwin - An American in Paris (20'00)
• Gershwin - Piano Concerto in F (35’00)
  • Featuring: Ian Parker, piano

*Repertoire selections and performing artists are subject to change. 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: Legends of the Console

Class Description: From the heroic adventures of The Legend of Zelda and the whimsical charm of Animal Crossing, to the epic landscapes of Skyrim, the emotional storytelling of The Last of Us, and the timeless melodies of Super Mario, this concert celebrates some of the most beloved video game soundtracks ever created. Whether you grew up saving Hyrule, building your island paradise, exploring distant galaxies, or racing through Mushroom Kingdom adventures, this concert promises a nostalgic journey for gamers and music lovers alike. Join us as we celebrate the power of music to transport us to extraordinary worlds—one quest, one memory, and one melody at a time. Complimentary family activities begin at 1:00 PM

•  Family photo booth
•  Face painting for kids

Program:

• Suite from Video Games Live (Halo, Civilization IV, Bounty Hunter, Kingdom Hearts)
• Legend of Zelda
• The Last of Us
• Saikyou Sakurano Uta (Xenoblade Chronicles 2)
• World of Warcraft
• Icy Battle Ballet (Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope)
• Game Overture (Super Mario World Main Theme, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Castlevania, SimCity)
• Undertale
• Animal Crossing
• Dragonborn (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
• Octopath Traveler

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: Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Class Description: Experience an afternoon of sweeping melodies, dazzling virtuosity, and symphonic brilliance. Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 opens the program with vibrant folk-inspired energy, celebrating the rich musical traditions of his homeland. The spotlight then turns to violinist Isabella Wang, winner of the Kay Meek Competition, performing Sibelius’ powerful Violin Concerto in D minor. Renowned for its soaring lyricism and technical demands, the concerto remains one of the most celebrated works in the violin repertoire. The concert concludes with Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, his final orchestral masterpiece. Filled with rhythmic vitality, lush orchestration, and moments of haunting beauty, this captivating work showcases the composer’s unmistakable voice at the height of his creative powers. Program:

• Enescu - Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 Op. 11 (12'30)
• Sibelius - Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 (35'00)
  • Featuring Isabella Wang, violin (Kay Meek Competition Winner)

• Rachmaninoff - Symphonic Dances Op. 45 (40'00)

  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: Kerson Leong Plays Tchaikovsky

Class Description: Join us for the season finale as the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra celebrates the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. The afternoon opens with selections from the enchanting Swan Lake and the sweeping romance of Romeo and Juliet, showcasing the composer’s gift for unforgettable melody and dramatic storytelling. The season concludes with internationally acclaimed violinist Kerson Leong performing Tchaikovsky’s celebrated Violin Concerto in D Major. Renowned for its soaring lyricism, dazzling virtuosity, and emotional depth, this beloved masterpiece provides a fittingly brilliant finale to the concert season. Program:

• Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake Suite (3’00)
• Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet (20’00)
• Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D major Op. 35 (37'00)
  • Featuring Kerson Leong, violin (Guest Artist)

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 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.