SYMPHONIC ENCOUNTERS
The VSO’s open rehearsal program, Symphonic Encounters, takes students and teachers behind the scenes to discover what it takes for the musicians, conductors, and production team of the Vancouver Symphony to prepare for a world class concert.
In addition to the rehearsal, we also offer the following activities for you and your students:
Meet the Artist: During the break, VSO Music Director Otto Tausk or the visiting guest artist will be available to answer any questions students may have about a career in music or the rehearsal process.
Orpheum Tour: A 40-minute tour of the Orpheum Theatre is available as an alternative to sitting in on the second half of the rehearsal. Space is limited, so advance booking is required.
Please note that the suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults.
ORDER SYMPHONIC ENCOUNTERS REHEARSALS ONLINE
READ FIRST:
- Groups may choose to pay the full balance at the time of purchase or a non-refundable 10% deposit in order to secure space at your preferred concert. Best-available seating is then assigned to groups in order of receipt of full payment; once the full balance is received (deadline of three weeks in advance of the performance), your group will be assigned seating.
- The maximum number of tickets available for purchase online for Symphonic Encounters events is 349. If you would like to purchase more than 349 tickets, please place an order online, and then contact education@vancouversymphony.ca to add more tickets to your order. In your message, please specify the TOTAL number of adult and student tickets required. This will ensure your whole group will be seated together.
- Please disregard the seat numbers displayed in your cart when you check out. Seating for Symphonic Encounters rehearsals will be assigned approximately two weeks prior to the concert. Seating is assigned in the order of full payment.
- To complete and mail in a form instead, please download the order form and follow the mailing instructions on the form.
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2019-2020 REHEARSAL DATES
October 18, 10:00AM – 12:30PM
TAUSK CONDUCTS DVORÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
Gorgeous folk songs and music from the New World combine in this cornucopia of well-known melodies. Plus Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a work rendered famous by none other than the VSO in the soundtrack to Oliver Stone’s film Platoon.
November 22, 10:00AM – 12:30PM
MOZART REQUIEM AND SCHUBERT UNFINISHED
Maestro Tausk tickles our curiosity with two famously unfinished works that beg the question: what might have come next? Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 seems perfect in its abbreviated imperfection. Perhaps he knew that, leaving the work to write a number of other pieces. Mozart’s haunting final work was left sketched but incomplete at his death, commissioned by a mysterious count.
January 17 , 11:00AM – 2:00PM
SINGIN’ THE BLUES FROM BILLIE HOLIDAY TO BOB DYLAN
Juno-winning Chilliwack native Bria Skonberg is the real deal. From Billie Holiday to Bob Dylan, this rising star multi-award winning vocalist and trumpeter puts her spin on classic American music earning her accolades far and wide. With a voice compared to Anita O’Day and trumpet chops reminiscent of Louis Armstrong, New York-based Skonberg brings her energy and fantastic music to the VSO for two nights only.
February 7, 11:00AM – 1:30PM
CARMEN: SOUNDS OF SPAIN
Maestro Tausk takes us on a musical tour of Spain with two works from Manuel de Falla and Bizet’s beloved Carmen Suite No. 1. Rising Canadian- Tunisian vocal star Rihab Chaieb will captivate you and de Falla’s comic ballet will have you dancing in the aisles. Viva la música!
March 6, 10:00AM – 12:30PM
THE BEETHOVEN EXPERIENCE: BEETHOVEN THE MODERNIST
As accolades pile up around the world, Alina Ibragimova continues to humbly and steadfastly go about her craft making music immediate and accessible. Hear her VSO debut in Shostakovich’s riveting first Violin Concerto. Plus, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 with Tausk and the VSO. What could be better? Part of the Masterworks Diamond series.
FAQ
Here’s some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Vancouver Symphony’s Symphonic Encounters open rehearsals.
What is the admission fee?
All tickets are $10.50 for education & community groups. For all other pricing please contact education@vancouversymphony.ca.
How do schools register?
There are several ways to register for a Symphonic Encounters open rehearsal:
Order online (credit card only)
Download the order form online and mail (credit card or cheque payment)
Complete the order form (mailed to schools in September) and mail it with your deposit or full payment
Mailing address: Education, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 500-833 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G4
Telephone reservations will not be accepted.
For what age range are the open rehearsals most appropriate?
Symphonic Encounters is an open rehearsal series, which means that attendees quietly observe the orchestra preparing for a regular season concert. Our suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults. Please contact the Education Assistant if you require any further advice on this matter.
Will all of the listed repertoire be rehearsed at the open rehearsal?
We cannot guarantee that all of the listed repertoire will be rehearsed during the open rehearsal.
Are there programmes?
Programme notes are available online three weeks in advance of each rehearsal date. There are no programmes available on the day of the rehearsal.
Where are the rehearsals held?
All rehearsals are held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Please use the Smithe Street entrance of the building upon arrival.
How early should we arrive?
Doors open 30 minutes before the listed rehearsal time and we request that everyone be seated inside the auditorium 10 minutes before the rehearsal begins. Late comers will not be seated until an appropriate break in the rehearsal.
How long are the rehearsals?
Approximately 2.5 hours. There are usually two pieces rehearsed per session, each one for about 1 hour with a 20-minute break in the middle.
When is payment required?
Full payment is required no later than 2 weeks before the rehearsal. You have the option of paying in full at the time of your registration or sending a non-refundable deposit to hold your preferred date with the balance to arrive 2 weeks prior to the rehearsal.
How are seats assigned?
All seating is in the balcony of the Orpheum Theatre and is assigned on a FIRST PAID IN FULL – BEST SEATING basis. Sending a deposit will hold the date for you and we will assign your seats upon receiving your complete payment.
Refunds?
Refunds are not given except in the event of a cancellation by the VSO.
Can we take pictures of the orchestra?
Sorry, no cameras, video or tape recorders are permitted in the hall.
Other Questions?
If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Vancouver Symphony’s Education Department at 604.684.9100 or contact us by email at education@vancouversymphony.ca.