On Feb. 23, 2023, the Vancouver Symphony Gala presented by Nicola Wealth will welcome guests back to the Vancouver Convention Centre West to celebrate the power of music and raise funds for the VSO and VSO School of Music (VSO SoM). “The gala is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we’re so thrilled to be back raising important funds to support our work serving communities across the Lower Mainland” says Angela Elster, President & CEO of the VSO and VSO SoM. “This year, we’re inviting our supporters to join us for a romantic evening in Paris, with a theme of ‘La vie en rose.’”
When guests arrive they will be treated to a special champagne reception, followed by a French-inspired dinner accompanied by fine wines. Silent and live auctions will take place throughout the evening, including exciting prizes like music-inspired art by Vancouver’s very own LYLE XOX (Lyle Reimer), travel, designer fashions and jewellery, dining experiences, and more. The evening culminates on an unforgettable note with dancing to the VSO, led by RBC VSO Assistant Conductor David Bui.
As part of the evening’s festivities, the VSO will also be presenting two Canadian music greats with the honour of VSO Gold Baton Awards, sponsored by Gold Royalty. 2023 recipients are soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee and jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Peterson’s widow Kelly Peterson will be in attendance to accept the award on her late-husband’s behalf, and Ms. Brueggergosman-Lee will be performing with the VSO. “Oscar and Measha have both made extraordinary and transformative contributions to the musical fabric of Canada, and we are so proud to honour their legacies as artists, educators and community ambassadors,” says Elster. Both artists will also be awarded a BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Rose Plaque as a Vancouver Favourite. Measha Brueggergosman-Lee also joins the VSO on Feb. 17 and 18, 2023 at the Orpheum for performances of Hector Berlioz’s La Mort de Cléopâtre.
For more information or tickets, please visit: vancouversymphony.ca/gala
$650 person, tables of ten $6,500, $495 for young professionals under 40.
A portion of tickets are tax creditable.
Media Availability
Advanced interviews with Angela Elster (President & CEO, VSO & VSO SoM), Gold Baton recipients Measha Brueggergosman-Lee and Kelly Peterson, or members of the orchestra are available upon request. Please RSVP your outlet’s attendance for day of on-site coverage on Feb. 23, including the champagne reception from 6 to 7 p.m.
Media Contact
Cameron MacRae
Vice President, Marketing & Sales
VSO & VSO School of Music
Office: 604.696.4296 Cell: 825.439.8761 Email: cameron.macrae@vancouversymphony.ca
33rd Annual Vancouver Symphony Gala
Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
Vancouver Convention Centre West
Champagne Reception: 6 p.m.
Dinner & Entertainment: 7 p.m.
Symphony Gala Committee
Bruce Munro Wright, OBC, Co-Chair
Kerrie Sayer, Co-Chair
Nezhat Khosrowshahi, OBC, Honorary Chair
Katie Bennett
Anita Cirillo
Kimberly Cudney
Feisal Dedhar
Harriett Guadagnuolo
Noel Hollett
Gerhard Maynard
Scott Robertson
Thank you to our Gala Partners
Presenting Sponsor:
Nicola Wealth
Super Sponsors:
Deloitte
Gold Royalty (Gold Baton Award Sponsor)
Newmont North America
RBC
Grand Sponsors:
CIBC
Christie & David Garofalo
Genus Capital Management
Pan American
Revery Architecture
TELUS
Maestro’s Circle:
Triovest
Concertmaster’s Circle:
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Capital Now Financial
Angela Elster
Fasken
The French Family & The Donnellan Family
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Odlum Brown
Omicron Canada Inc.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Sandpiper Group
Ryan & Kerrie Sayer
Synvest Capital Corporation
Bruce Munro Wright, OBC
ZLC Financial
Valet Sponsor:
Open Road Auto Group
Champagne Reception Sponsor:
McCarthy Tétrault
Silver Sponsor:
Image Group Inc.
