From the first swell of strings to the final standing ovation, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of orchestral music.
It’s immersive, it’s emotional and it’s entirely unrepeatable on screen. Now for over 50 years, the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra (VAMSO) has been delivering that experience to Vancouver audiences with heart, artistry and incredible value.
Whether you're a longtime symphony-goer or curious to try a new experience, VAMSO makes it easy to fall in love with classical music. With affordable tickets, a welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly weekend shows, their just-announced 2025/26 season makes classical music approachable without compromise — offering context, storytelling, and timeless work that resonates with all ages.
Featuring a vibrant mix of beloved masterworks and bold new finds, audiences can expect stirring symphonies, dazzling solos and the kind of goosebump-worthy moments that only happen in a live setting. Highlights include Beethoven’s Eroica, Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 6, and a magical, family-friendly concert featuring Disney and DreamWorks favourites, including music from Frozen, The Lion King and more—all performed at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre.
What makes VAMSO truly special, however, is the calibre of its musicians.
Far more than just a student ensemble, VAMSO is a launchpad for the next generation of world-class musicians. Over the years, the Vancouver Academy of Music has nurtured exceptional students who have gone on to further their training at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Juilliard, the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale University and Harvard University. Many VAMSO alumni now populate the world’s finest orchestras, from the famed London Symphony Orchestra to the renowned Berlin Philharmonic.
Now is an opportunity to experience world-class classical musical talent without the premium price tag, offering enriching performances that welcome music lovers from all walks of life.
Early-bird pricing is now available, where you can grab tickets to all four concerts starting at just $35, at vamso.ca.
Enter for a chance to win
Thanks to our partnership with VAMSO, you could skip the box office and win the ultimate musical experience—a prize package worth over $850!
The VAMSO Grand Prize includes:
- 4 Season Passes (valued up to $350) for the 2025/26 VAM Symphony Orchestra season at the Orpheum — that’s a ticket to all 4 concerts for you and three guests!
- A $500 gift card for a Michelin-recommended dining experience at Bacchus Restaurant in the Wedgewood Hotel, just steps from the Orpheum.
Total Grand Prize Value: Over $850 CAD
You can enter via the contest entry form below. For additional chances to win, visit Vancouver Academy of Music at their website for 10 bonus entries, and visit their Facebook and Instagram for another 25 bonus entries each.*
Founded in 1969, the Vancouver Academy of Music is a non-profit institution that champions a lifelong love of music through education and performance. From early childhood classes to adult learners, the academy welcomes all ages and skill levels, creating a space where everyone, from beginners to emerging professionals, can thrive.
From sweeping symphonies to soul-stirring moments, this season is packed with reasons to attend. But more than just great music, VAMSO offers something deeper: a chance to connect with artists, fellow concertgoers and a timeless art form.
Ready to make music part of your plans this year? Head over to vamso.ca for the full 2025/2026 season lineup, ticket info and more.
*The contest is open to British Columbia residents 19+ and closes on September 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. PST. The contest winner will be contacted via email on this date.
