History
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) was founded by the Vancouver Symphony Society in 1930, largely through the efforts of arts patron Elisabeth Rogers. Two previous un-related orchestras had operated under the name the "Vancouver Symphony Orchestra", the first of which was formed in 1897 by Adolf Gregory and lasted for only one season. The second VSO was formed in 1919 by conductor Henry Green and was led by F.L. Beecher (president) and Mrs B.T. Rogers (vice-president). That orchestra existed for two seasons before financial strains and the disappearance of Green forced the orchestra to cease activities in 1921.
In addition to their regular concert schedule, the VSO also served as the Vancouver Opera company's orchestra during the 1960s and 1970s, until creation of the separate Vancouver Opera Orchestra in 1977. During the late 1960s and 1970s the orchestra often appeared in joint concerts with the Vancouver Woodwind Quintet.
Throughout its long history, the VSO has had its successes and struggles. In 1979-80 the VSO had the largest subscription list of any symphony in North America. (Henigham, 2000) However, even with (or perhaps because of) a CBC recording contract, a quarterly magazine and an ambitious touring schedule, the VSO began to founder. In 1988 the VSO was forced to shut down for five months to regroup and deal with a $2.3 million deficit.
With local financial intervention, and a $500,000 federal grant, the VSO began to rebuild, focusing more attention on popular works and collaborations with contemporary artists. To this end, the VSO has continually appointed a composer in residence since 1996.
Since 2000, the VSO's music director is Bramwell Tovey. His initial contract was extended in December 2004 through the 2009-2010 season, and further extended in January 2010 through the 2014-2015 season. The VSO's conductor laureate is Kazuyoshi Akiyama, who was music director from 1972 to 1985. Jeff Tyzik is the orchestra's principal pops conductor.
The VSO and Maestro Tovey won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra), for their recording of the Korngold, Barber, and Walton violin concerti, featuring Canadian violinist James Ehnes. The recording won a 2008 Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year (large ensemble).
The VSO broadcasts 18 times annually on the CBC (6 concerts repeated 3 times each) including their now very popular Christmas concert.
The VSO launched the VSO School of Music on Sept 6, 2011. The VSO School of Music is dedicated to providing a music education experience to students of all ages and abilities. The VSO School of Music offers private music instruction and include the following lessons; piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, and vocal lessons.
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