For Immediate Release
On Saturday, May 24, BMO Day of Music presented by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), returns with a vibrant lineup of more than 70 free concerts celebrating a wide array of musical genres. Spanning eleven stages across downtown Vancouver and area, this sixth annual celebration invites music lovers of all ages to experience the transformative power of live music.
BMO Day of Music highlights the richness of Vancouver’s music scene, featuring performances from hundreds of local musicians and ensembles, including a free evening concert at the Orpheum with the VSO, led by Music Director Maestro Otto Tausk. Other concerts include performances by the Mohamed Assani Trio, Cookin’ With Brass, GO Taiko, the VSO School of Music’s advanced string ensemble Sinfonietta and Classical Chinese Ensemble Azalea, and many more.
“Every day at the VSO and VSO School of Music, we witness the remarkable difference that music makes in the lives of our audiences, students, and community,” says Angela Elster, President & CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience live music, and we invite you to join us on May 24 for twelve hours of free music across Vancouver. BMO Day of Music is the VSO’s thank you to our amazing community and is our largest community engagement event of the year — employing hundreds of local musicians, showcasing an incredible array of genres, and reaching over 25,000 people in a single day. We applaud BMO for demonstrating true corporate leadership and for helping us to make music accessible to everyone in our community.”
“BMO is excited to take part in this incredible day of free performances celebrating Vancouver’s vibrant local talent and bringing our community together through the power of music,” said James Kitamura, Regional President, B.C. & Yukon Region, BMO. “Providing people in living in the Metro Vancouver area with barrier-free access to arts and culture helps builds stronger communities and supports real progress for thriving local economies.”
Concerts will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at iconic Vancouver locations, including the Orpheum, the VSO School of Music, Helmcken Plaza in Yaletown, Christ Church Cathedral, TELUS Garden, Deloitte Summit, and Arts Umbrella at Granville Island.
In addition to performances, attendees can enjoy a variety of interactive and educational experiences including learning the guzheng, sitar and piano as part of the VSO School of Music’s Digital Learning Lab, Mini Music Makers classes for toddlers and parents, and much more. Full schedule and event details are available at dayofmusic.ca.
BMO Day of Music is made possible thanks to the generous support of title sponsor BMO, as well as TELUS, Downtown Vancouver, Arts Umbrella, Vancouver Civic Theatres, Deloitte, Morguard, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, and the Jane McLennan Fund for free and accessible programming.
Media Contact & Interview Requests
Advanced interviews are available with Angela Elster (President & CEO), Otto Tausk (Music Director), and local musicians taking part in the day’s festivities. To book an interview in advance or RSVP your outlet’s attendance for May 24, please contact:
Cameron MacRae
Vice President, Marketing & Sales
VSO & VSO School of Music
cameron.macrae@vancouversymphony.ca
604.696.4296
