The Orpheum opens its doors to live performances by the VSO, featuring a guest appearance by Steven Page
Members of the public can enter a draw for tickets to small, socially distanced shows June 19 and 26
Remember this glorious place? The Orpheum will be hosting live, safe, socially distanced performances later this month by the VSO.
IT’S NEWS THE Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Civic Theatres have been dying to share: live shows are back at the Orpheum for the first time in over a year.
Four performances featuring concertos, chamber music, and a special appearance by Canadian icon Steven Page are happening on the morning and afternoon of June 19 and 26 in front of socially distanced audiences totalling 50 people.
Front-line workers, media, special guests, and VSO subscribers and donors will be invited to the performances, while members of the public can enter a draw for a limited number of tickets to attend. (See here to enter.)
Each of the four concerts has a different program, with highlights including a quartet for four violas including VSO’s new principal violist Hung-Wei Huang and a concerto for seven wind instruments and string orchestra by Swiss composer Frank Martin.
“There has been so much sacrifice this year on so many fronts, Angela Elster, president & CEO of the VSO, said in a release. “We are grateful to everyone who is working to bring us all through this pandemic. The VSO lives to connect people through music. We are overjoyed that are we now taking the first steps towards normalcy.”
The VSO and the VCT will be following all PHO guidelines and will ask audience members to maintain social distancing and wear a mask when inside the theatre. Other health and safety guidelines will be provided to guests before the concert.
The performances will be recorded for distribution at a later date.
The VSO responded swiftly to the onset and impact of COVID-19 with the formation TheConcertHall.ca, which has presented multiple performances since last spring. The organization hosted its second annual Day of Music this past May, with more than 100 musical acts and a 12-hour virtual performance that’s available for viewing all year. For all of the symphony’s pandemic success, people can’t wait to for the in-person shows to go on.
VCT director Natalie Lue said: “We have worked closely with the VSO throughout their season to keep the Orpheum active as a recording venue. Now, to begin welcoming our live audiences back is nothing short of a joyous occasion.”
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