While the current season is temporarily interrupted due to COVID-19 precautions, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) looks to the future and its 2020/21 season. The recently announced season will be Otto Tausk’s third as Music Director. From Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and MahlerFest, the season has highlights for everyone. Some of the more contemporary concerts welcome Stuart Copeland from The Police, Paul Shaffer, West Side Story and much, much more.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra fills its season with works that appeal to the tried and true classical fan as well as those who are new to the symphony. With so many shows the calendar can be filled with music.
Here’s just a few more highlights:
- September 18-19, 2020: Music Director Otto Tausk opens the season with the return of Violinist James Ehnes in Sibelius’ rich and soulful concerto in Ehnes, Sibelius & Strauss
- September 25-26, 2020: Tausk Conducts Beethoven’s 9th to complete the Beethoven 250 celebration
- October 9 – 10, 2020: Hear Leonard Bernstein’s electrifying score performed live by the VSO while the newly re-mastered film, West Side Story plays on the big screen.
- October 2-3, 2020: Stewart Copeland: Police Deranged features Legendary rock star and composer Stewart Copeland, founder of one of rock’s most beloved bands, The Police
- November 6 – 7, 2020: The Oscar award-winning Hollywood classic film Singin’ in the Rain with the VSO performing the score live
- December 13 – 17, 2020: A Traditional Christmas returns, refreshed and rejuvenated with singing, storytelling, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- December 18 – 19, 2020: Back by popular demand, Home Alone — Film with Orchestra returns, featuring renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score to celebrate the holiday season
- January 14, 2021: The legendary Itzhak Perlman returns to Vancouver with the popular Bruch Violin Concerto in January
- January 29-30, 2021: The musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years comes to life in Rocketman — Film with Orchestra
- March 28, 2021: Day of Music, the VSO’s new tradition of inviting all of Vancouver to participate in a free day of musical celebration.
- March 26-27, 2021: Paul Shaffer in Symphony features longtime music director to late night host David Letterman, as he shares symphonic renditions of his favourite tunes plus anecdotes from a remarkable career in showbiz
In addition to the many, many evenings of symphony at the Orpheum, the VSO also invites guests to take in Thursday afternoon Tea & Trumpets and Sunday Symphony performances. The VSO goes on the road to neighbourhoods around Metro Vancouver with Surrey Nights, North Shore Classics, and Classical Traditions at The Chan Centre. Younger audiences aren’t left out either with Kids Concerts aimed for children 5 and up, and Little Kids Concerts (formerly Tiny Tots) for children 0-4 years being invited to clap and move along to the music.
Find out all of the 2020-21 season’s line up and the assortment of subscription bundles at vancouversymphony.ca