Families will be treated to an array of free or low-cost concerts across the Lower Mainland for three years, thanks to a $1-million grant to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO).

“Tonight's free concert at Sunset Beach is just one example of how this funding will help make amazing entertainment more accessible and affordable for people in their communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “I’m proud to support cultural events like this, and I can't wait to hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in such a fantastic outdoor venue.”

The 2018-19 season marks VSO’s 100th anniversary. In recognition of the VSO’s 100th anniversary, the B.C. government provided a $1-million grant to VSO's Tomorrow Starts Today Fund to support two programs for three years: $450,000 for the continuation of its Day of Music and $550,000 to support its Making Music Accessible and Affordable initiative.

“I’m so happy to have the VSO back with the Symphony at Sunset in my West End neighbourhood again this year,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End. “Making the arts more affordable and accessible helps ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy and participate. What great news for our community!"

This funding will help an estimated 50,000 people enjoy VSO’s free concerts this year. The VSO’s goal is to double the number of people able to attend free concerts over the next five years.

“We’re thankful to the B.C. government for contributing to our Tomorrow Starts Today fund to help make music more affordable and accessible,” said Kelly Tweeddale, president, Vancouver Symphony Society. “We now ask the community to join the Province to take advantage of the one-to-one matching opportunity that will help remove barriers to attendance through all types of musical programming in a wide range of performance venues.”

Quick Facts:

• Additionally, in 2018-19, the B.C. government provided nearly $1.5 million to VSO through the BC Arts Council and $78,000 through Amplify BC, the Province’s music fund.
• Founded in 1919, VSO is Canada’s third-largest symphony orchestra.
• Each season, VSO performs over 170 concerts, featuring more than 50 guest artists, to an audience of more than 250,000 people.

Learn More:

Find out about events with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra:
www.vancouversymphony.ca