APRIL 8, 2025 (VANCOUVER, BC) — The Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra(VYSO) celebrates the close of its milestone 95th season (2024/25) with a special anniversary concert on Sunday, May 18 at 2pm at the Orpheum. Founded in 1930, VYSO is a premier training program for youth from 8 to 18 years old. The upcoming concert features all 280 current musicians from across the four orchestra divisions, making it a rare opportunity to see the full range of one of Canada’s most historic youth orchestras. Marking her return to the VYSO for the special occasion is guest soloist and alumna Joanna G’froerer, the Principal Flutist of the prestigious National Arts Centre Orchestra.
“Our 95th anniversary is not just a celebration of our rich history, but a testament to the enduring impact the VYSO has on young musicians and the greater Vancouver community,” says Ashton Lim, Executive Director of VYSO. “For nearly a century, we’ve fostered artistic excellence and invaluable life skills, shaping well-rounded individuals who carry the lessons learned here throughout their lives. The VYSO experience is about more than just music; it’s about building lasting friendships, learning discipline, and cultivating creativity.”
Artistic Director and Senior Orchestra Conductor Jonathan Girard adds: “We’re excited in the 95th Anniversary Concert to showcase all four orchestras, who will create an unforgettable experience that reflects the strength and unity of our organization. Audiences will be treated to the artistry of incredibly dedicated young musicians whose passion is clear in every note.”
Celebrated theatre actor and director Christopher Gaze will introduce the program, which will include combined pieces from the foundational Debut and Junior Orchestras: Coast Salish Anthem arranged by William Rowson pays tribute to Indigenous musical traditions, and the theme from How to Train Your Dragon brings a much-loved fun and whimsical piece to life. The more advanced Intermediate and Senior Orchestras will perform the cinematic Sky Chase by the late Bramwell Tovey, who composed the piece specifically for the VYSO. Joanna G’froerer will perform Flute Concerto, Op. 8 by Otar Gordeli alongside the Senior Orchestra.
G’froerer’s performance carries special significance for the VYSO family, as the daughter of the late Brian G’froerer, a distinguished horn player formerly with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and himself a VYSO alumnus. In addition to his time as a student, Brian later returned to the VYSO as a dedicated brass coach, sharing his expertise with younger generations.
The anniversary event will also feature a photo slideshow with memorable moments from the past 95 years of the organization’s history.
Tickets start from $19.75 and are on sale now at www.vyso.com.
