VMO Canada

Introduction to the Orchestra

WHO ARE WE?

The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (VMO) is a non-profit society, registered charitable organization that is committed to providing performing opportunities for Young Professionals alongside with Seasoned leading professionals who act as mentors from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. The Orchestra is a full professional orchestra under the American Federation of Musicians/Vancouver Musician’s Association since 2009. The prime focus is to provide performing opportunities in a professional schedule and setting through repertoires that are commonly asked on auditions for major orchestras. Professional mentors lead their section through rehearsals and performances, in addition to occasional sectional rehearsals, where difficult excerpts are worked on. Soloists who are selected to perform with the orchestra are leading soloists in the Canada, as well as young emerging talents who otherwise deserve a platform to showcase their talents. Soloists and mentors, who are engaged from abroad showcase their talents in addition to providing cultural exchange through masterclasses, seminars, and sectional rehearsals. A young Assistant Conductor is engaged with the orchestra and is given ample podium time during rehearsals and in performances to gain experiences in working with a professional orchestra. He/She is also expected to work with the music director in giving pre-concert talks and presentations to the public. The orchestra is actively promoting New works by Canadian Composers, and has engaged a Canadian composer-in-residence on a two to three years term, commissioning two to three new works per year. The orchestra also does innovative outreaches to engage and encourage young families to attend orchestral concerts, as well as regular educational outreaches to elementary and secondary schools to provide workshops, presentations and seminars to ensure the growth and continuation of the next generation of musicians and audiences. The Orchestra also does collaborations with other organizations to do performances of large choral works, Opera, Ballet, Pop Concerts, and dance. Learn more about the VMO

WHAT HAVE WE DONE, BRIEF HISTORY AND SOME HIGHLIGHTS

The VMO held its first concert in summer of 2003 at Shaughnessy Heights United Church to a full audience with 16 orchestral members performing string orchestral works by Vivaldi, Bach, and Tchaikovsky. Since then the orchestra has grown to 58 orchestra members per year performing works from the baroque and classical period to large scale works from the romantic and contemporary period. Before becoming an orchestra under the American Federation of Musicians/Vancouver Musician’s Association (2009), the orchestra was performing up to 12 concerts per season. 

From 2004, regular performances were given at the Michael J. Fox Theatre and Shaughnessy Heights United Church. In the 2008-2009 season, the VMO received its first government support for the BC 150 celebration. In 2009, the VMO collaborated with the Goh Ballet through the inaugural local produced “Nutcracker” Production. The VMO has served as the orchestra for the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) when the gala and finals were held in British Columbia in 2015. Since 2013, the VMO has proudly put on a free outdoor concert at the Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver, which attracts over 7000-10000 spectators each year. In 2017, the VMO celebrated its 15th Anniversary year, having moved majority of its concerts to its new home, the Chan Centre for Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia. The Opening concert was met with an astounding success, with a first half, new world premiere commission by Composer-in-residence, Trevor Hoffmann, and a second half featuring the Vancouver Bach Choir, Four outstanding Canadian soloists, through Beethoven Symphony 9 to a sold out house. The Concert was extremely well received and attended by many celebrities and dignitaries including: Dwayne Johnson (Actor)/Lauren Hashian and family, Consulate General of eight countries, government officials, and leading community leaders. 

The VMO until today has presented many renown soloists including: Libby Yu, Henri-Paul Sicsic,, Yu Kosuge, Tamaki Kawakubo, Mari Endo, Kaoru Kondou, as well over 100 young emerging Canadian soloists. In addition, the VMO has collaborated with charity organizations including: BC Children Hospital, BC/Canada Cancer Society, Stem Cells Research, St. Paul Hospital Foundation, most recently in addition to many other charitable organizations, including outreaches to senior care home as well as new immigrant and refugee society where it puts on free performances. Since 2015, the VMO is also proud to have put on 10-15 educational outreaches to elementary and secondary schools through several innovative presentation/performances/seminars/workshops. 

The VMO is now in it 18th season and hopes to continue its activities as strongly as it has for the past many years.

WHERE TO PURCHASE TICKET

There are many ways to purchase your VMO concert tickets.

The easiest and most convenient way is to use our online ticketing system, powered by Eventbrite.

For those who prefer offline payment, you can visit any of our ticketing outlets. You can also call us at 604.876.9397 or email us at [email protected]

WANT TO SEE MORE?

Photos and videos are the best way to get yourself familiar with our music, musicians, concert halls and more.

CONNECT WITH US

Are you using social media? So is the VMO! We want to make sure you have the opportunity to connect with us, and most importantly, with each other. Whether it’s to share reviews, or to communicate with like-minded music lovers, you can find us listening on Facebook and Twitter.

Support THE ORCHESTRA

But did you know that the price of your ticket only covers a portion of the total cost to operate the VMO? This is why the VMO, a non-profit registered organization, must rely on support from our patrons, sponsors and other funding sources to support the work our young talented musicians produce on our stages. Learn ways to support the VMO