Riopelle Symphonique Presented by the Audain Foundation

Join the VSO to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle with Riopelle Symphonique presented by the Audain Foundation. For one night only, this stunning multimedia odyssey will take Vancouver audiences through the groundbreaking artist’s works and inspirations. Featuring original music by legendary singer songwriter Serge Fiori and composer Blair Thomson, the concert brings together the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Bach Choir, conducted by Adam Johnson onstage at the Orpheum in Vancouver.

An experience in five movements

Following a successful series of concerts in Montréal and Québec City in 2023, this original musical composition revisits the works and life of one of Canada’s most prolific visual artists of our times, Jean Paul Riopelle. Together, the musical creation and visual environment evoke key periods of the artist’s life, from his early experimentation in Montréal, his rise to glory in post-war France, his profound reverence of nature and the Great Canadian North, to the closing chapter of his life — a time marked by his return to his beloved island of Isle-aux-Grues, nestled in the St. Lawrence River.

A deep dive into the world of an outstanding creator

An original concept and production of GSI Musique, in partnership with the Riopelle Foundation, Riopelle Symphonique is a multisensory experience that combines symphonic music with the visual and performing arts.

Student Art Collaboration

Adding to the uniqueness of the event and the celebration of Jean Paul Riopelle’s legacy on the Canadian arts scene, and his passion for arts education, is a pre-concert showcase of student artwork. In a first of its kind collaboration, visual arts students from Arts Umbrella and composition and performance students from the VSO School of Music have created art inspired by Riopelle. Canvas works from 10 advanced art students at Arts Umbrella will be on display pre-concert in the Orpheum lobby, with VSO School of Music students playing their Riopelle-inspired works in a prelude performance. Doors open at 6:30pm, prelude concert begins at 7pm.