The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is cool for a bunch of reasons, and not just in the “fancy people in suits playing violins” kind of way.
- They’re Musically Legit
The VSO is one of Canada’s leading orchestras, and has been for over 100 years. They’re tight, talented, and can shift from Beethoven to Bowie without breaking a sweat. Under Music Director Otto Tausk, they’ve pushed boundaries with bold programming and collaborations that go beyond the usual classical crowd.
- They Don’t Just Play the Classics
Yeah, they do Brahms and Mahler, but they also score live films, do video game symphonies, and partner with indie bands, jazz artists, and even comedians. The VSO knows how to keep things exciting.
- They Make Classical Music Accessible
Through events like Symphony at Sunset (a massive free concert on the beach), education outreach, and family-friendly shows, the VSO breaks down the “elitist” wall around orchestral music and invites everyone in. Kids, newcomers, and even your dog is welcome (if you count outdoor concerts).
- Their Venue Is Gorgeous
The Orpheum Theatre, their main home, is one of the most stunning historic venues in Canada. It’s all gold leaf, velvet seats, and dramatic chandeliers. Basically, the kind of place where even just sitting down feels glamorous.
- They’re Experimenting with Tech
The VSO embraced streaming and digital concerts with their VSO Online platform, making orchestral music more accessible to people who might not want to (or can’t) attend live shows.
- They Collaborate with Cool People
The VSO has performed with people like K.D. Lang, Tanya Tagaq, Chris Hadfield, and musicians from all kinds of genres. While they are preserving tradition, they’re also evolving with the times.
In short, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is cool because it makes big, emotional, brilliant music feel relevant, exciting, and alive, and it does so without taking itself too seriously.
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/
Check out their 2025/2026 season:
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca