The event will livestream Thursday, February 18th at 6:30pm PT in TheConcertHall.ca, the VSO’s new virtual home, presented by TELUS, and is expected to raise over $500,000 in support of the VSO and the VSO School of Music.
The Gala Concert features musical performances from Maestro Otto Tausk, the VSO and its members, as well as appearances from a host of special guests, including Itzhak Perlman, Measha Bruegergosman, James Ehnes, k.d. lang, Geddy Lee, Steven Page, Red Robinson, Stewart Goodyear, Bria Skonberg, Jens Lindemann and her honour Janet Austin, OBC, who will share their own stories of resilience. Vancouver’s own triple-threat Steve Maddock hosts the event live from the historic Orpheum Theatre, home of the VSO, in downtown Vancouver.
Tickets are on sale now ($100 to $1,000) with all proceeds supporting the VSO and the VSO School of Music. Delicious Gala-in-a-Box charcuterie and wine packages from the Lazy Gourmet and Marquis Wines can be added and delivered to attendees homes. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Tickets can be purchased at theconcerthall.ca/vso-gala.
Angela Elster, President and CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music, stated “This past year has been all about moving forward, reimagining ourselves and one other, and living our mantra ‘The Show Must Go On’. In order to facilitate a reinvention of our traditional marquee gala fundraiser, we reached out to our networks around the world. The response has been stunning with superstars including Geddy Lee, Itzhak Perlman, k.d lang, James Ehnes, Steven Page and so many dear friends and collaborators stepping forward. February 18thwill definitely be a night to remember as we unite people across our city, province and country in a celebration of music and resilience.”
Maestro Otto Tausk commented, “This has been a year of incredible evolution and learning. The orchestra and I are listening and performing in ways we never imagined. It’s been really challenging but also extremely rewarding. I can’t wait to share our work in this special Gala concert. On behalf of the musicians of the VSO, let me express my gratitude in advance to everyone who is supporting this very special Gala performance.”
Etienne Bruson, Chair of the VSO Board of Directors and Gala Co-Chair with Board member Jill Tipping, commented “The world has changed but the importance of music hasn’t. We see the need for music, now more than ever, to bring us together. We pivoted, and we are thrilled to bring this music and these artists into the comfort of your homes. The funds raised at our virtual gala concert will be vital to the ongoing success of the VSO and VSO School of Music. We are here, because we believe in creating experiences and we invite you to join us in inspiring and educating our future artists.”
CREATING THE VIRTUAL GALA EXPERIENCE
The VSO has partnered with Patrick Roberge Productions, Vancouver’s pre-eminent production house, to create a spectacular show. PRP Principal Patrick Roberge commented “Over this last year, we have had to completely reimagine live events. For the upcoming VSO Gala we have focussed on the music and the people that bring the music to life. Using live television technology, we are going to bring the Gala experience directly to your living room. We are thrilled to be working with the VSO to create this memorable Gala Concert”.
GALA-IN-A-BOX
An incredible gala event touches all the senses. To find the perfect food and wine pairing for a star-studded gala evening, the VSO invited the team at The Lazy Gourmet to create a “Gala-in-a-Box” that could tantalize audience members across the country. The result is a perfect platter for two, including a gorgeous bottle of wine provided by Marquis Wine Cellars, that will be delivered to audience members’ homes in advance of the performance. Traditional charcuterie as well as vegetarian and vegan options are available. The deadline for placing a Gala-in-a-Box order is 5pm on Tuesday, February 9th. The package for two is available for $150 add-on to any gala ticket.
EVENT SPONSORS
The VSO would like to thank in advance all of our incredible sponsors who help make both this event and all the VSO’s work in our community possible.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
VISIONARIES
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
| BMO Capital Markets |
PH&N Institutional |
TELUS |
CONCERTMASTER’S CIRCLE
| CIBC Capital Markets |
First Light Foundation |
Glotman Simpson |
| Consulting Engineers |
Image Group Inc |
The McLean Group |
| Omicron Canada |
TD Canada Trust |
WINE SPONSOR
GALA COMMITTEE
The VSO would also like to thank the 2021 Gala Committee members for their incredible volunteerism and support during a very dynamic season.
Etienne Bruson, Co-Chair
Jill Tipping, Co-Chair
Alexandra Mauler
Angela Elster
Ben Mink
Cathy Grant
Cheryl Hudson
Christin Reardon-MacLellan
Dana Montalbano
Gillian Hunter-Gibbs
Leanne Davis
Lis Welch
ABOUT THECONCERTHALL.CA
During this unusual and unforgettable season, without in-person concerts, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) continues to offer extraordinary music and to build new audiences – all via its new virtual home, TheConcertHall.ca, presented by TELUS. The VSO’s musicians and guest artists are beautifully recorded in 360-degree views, using state-of-the-art audio and video technology, while following strict social distancing protocols. Highlights of the season on TheConcertHall.ca, since its launch in October 2020 – 13 concerts to date – include Bach with James Ehnes, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, holiday programming for families, and VSO Music Director Otto Tausk, leading music by Beethoven, Mussorgsky and Sibelius, as well as contemporary works by Jennifer Butler, George Walker, and others. Covered by CNN, The Globe and Mail, Rolling Stone, CBC, The Vancouver Sun, The Georgia Straight and more, the VSO’s has helped lead the way in virtual performances throughout the COVID period. TheConcertHall.ca is just another step in the orchestra’s ground-breaking 102-year history.
ABOUT THE VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1919, the Grammy and Juno-award winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the third largest orchestra in Canada, the largest arts organizations in Western Canada, and one of the few orchestras in North America to have its own music school. Led by Music Director Otto Tausk since 2018, the VSO performs more than 150 concerts each year, throughout Vancouver and the province of British Columbia, reaching over 270,000 people annually. On tour the VSO has performed in the United States, China, Korea and across Canada. The orchestra presents passionate, high-quality performances of classical, popular and culturally diverse music, creating meaningful engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Recent guest artists include Daniil Trifonov, Dawn Upshaw, James Ehnes, Adrianne Pieczonka, Gidon Kremer, Renée Fleming, Yefim Bronfman, Itzhak Perlman, Bernadette Peters, Tan Dun, and more. For the 2020-21 special season, the VSO may be heard in its new virtual home, TheConcertHall.ca, presented by TELUS.
