Andrew Crust conducts Elf in Concert at the VSO, December 20 and 21
Audiences can watch the beloved Christmas film on the big screen while musicians perform John Debney’s original score live
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Elf in Concert at the Orpheum on December 20 and 21 at 7 pm
SOME OF THE most memorable moments in the 2003 blockbuster comedy Elf, widely hailed as one of the best Christmas films of all time, revolve around music.
Take, for example, when Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) saves the day by leading a crowd of carollers through an impromptu rendition of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”, generating enough Christmas spirit to power Santa’s sleigh. Or when lovably naive Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) hears Jovie singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in a department store’s employee showers and starts harmonizing along. (Hilarious? Yes. A little creepy? Also yes).
What better way to experience the film’s laughs during the holidays than by watching it on the big screen while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a live rendition of John Debney’s beloved original score? Elf in Concert will be at the Orpheum on December 20 and 21. Tickets are selling fast for both evenings of the show, which is part of the Movie Nights with the VSO series.
The concert will be conducted by Andrew Crust, who served as associate conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra from 2019 to 2022 and is now music director of both the Lima Symphony Orchestra in Ohio and Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout all of December, the VSO is hosting the Symphony of Giving in partnership with Covenant House Vancouver. A display in the lobby will be set up for guests to donate various personal-care items to youth in need during the holidays.
Emily Lyth is a Vancouver-based writer and editor who graduated from Langara College’s Journalism program. Her decade of dance training and passion for all things food-related are the foundation of her love for telling arts, culture, and community stories.
Related Articles
Juno Award-winning artist Evans performs jazz, R&B, and pop music with natural charm and improvisational style
Concert reimagines works by early-Baroque composers William Byrd, Henry Purcell, and Thomas Tallis in Cree and Ojibway
The artist has performed for soldiers on the war’s frontlines
Annual Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs fundraiser features a piano recital by Leslie Dala with wine and chocolates
The program features works by Gabriel Fauré and Jean Françaix for a certain “je ne sais quoi”
Belle Spirale Dance Projects and the Campbell Kahre Varty Trio collaborate on the intimate performance
Youthful German ensemble features brothers Erik, Ken, and Mark Schumann, along with Veit Hertenstein
The volunteer board president was 97 years old
The up-and-coming artist is former associate conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Performers include local ensemble Adanu Habobo, dancer-drummer Kwashie Kuwor, marimba master Kurai Mubaiwa, and more
Italian artist joins the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Schubert’s Third Symphony and other works
Program sets music from guest conductor Hyejung Jun’s native Korea side by side with Western compositions
Early Music Vancouver’s presentation of the work features accompaniment on the Romanesque harp
Local musician says audiences can expect “original music filled with excitement, romance, and adventure” when the band plays the Kay Meek Arts Centre
Morris Panych directs the acclaimed opera set in an airport departure lounge, inspired by the true story of an Iranian refugee
Multifaceted young artist brings a modern-funk sound to the 65-string bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument
Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern are the powerhouse singer-songwriters behind the Juno-nominated musical duo
The family-friendly public performance will be conducted by maestro Julian Pellicano
Program also features North American premiere of Philippe Schoeller’s Sereno Sole and Bartók’s Divertimento for Strings
Concert to feature pianist Jane Coop and violinist Joan Blackman with VSO principal musicians Hung-Wei Huang and Henry Shapard
Random scenes and songs that stood out across music, theatre, opera, and dance