The Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society (VCHTS) has made an important step in its goal to create a cultural precinct for Vancouver.
Recently announcing that it has retained Diamond Schmitt, a Toronto-based national architectural firm, to undertake a feasibility study relating to its plan for a proposed new performing arts facility in Vancouver. Planned to include a modern concert hall, recital hall, and opera/ballet hall, all with superb acoustics and designed to inspire audiences and artists alike, it is supported by 14 performing arts organizations; Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, Ballet BC, DanceHouse, Vancouver Recital Society, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Vancouver Bach Choirs, Early Music Vancouver, Chor Leoni, Vancouver Chopin Society, Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Youth Choir, City Opera Vancouver, Coastal Jazz and Blues Society.
Suzanne Anton KC, Chair VCHTS: “The many performing arts organizations in this initiative are united in their belief that we need new acoustically superb facilities in Vancouver, to form a cultural precinct which will become an outstanding part of downtown Vancouver. I am thrilled we are at this first step in getting our project underway.”
The organizations, with potentially more joining in the future, all have an urgent need for additional and improved facilities. The creation of the cultural precinct will not only provide new performance venues for these organizations, but also create new capacity at venues like the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, The Annex and others throughout the city as the existing facilities are reimagined over time to meet the needs of the broader performing arts community.
Councillor Peter Meiszner, councillor representative on Vancouver Civic Theatres Board notes, “Having recognized the need for new arts facilities in Vancouver for many years, I’m very excited to see this important first step being taken. These new theatres and halls will be transformative for Vancouver’s arts community, and I’m excited about the positive impact they will have on our community.”
The feasibility study will encompass an Indigenous and public consultation, business case, and possible locations. It is the beginning of an ambitious and complex process, with the goal of building facilities to showcase the wealth of talent found in Vancouver’s performing arts organizations.
Mayor Ken Sim says, “I am thrilled to see the Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society kick off this exciting first step in their plan. Developing new performing arts facilities is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible talent we have right here in Vancouver and elevate our city as a global centre for the arts. This initiative is about more than just the arts – it’s about solidifying Vancouver as a world-class city for both visitors and residents alike.”
This is just the first step on the road to the Vancouver cultural precinct, we can expect to hear more from the Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society as the study is completed.