This is a past local hangout
West Coast Symphony Orchestra- French Fantastique!
- Initiated by:
- Mark
- Christ Church Cathedral
- 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
- Let's meet out front at 7:15. I'll be there by 7PM
Details
The last performance in December was a big hit with 6 of us. This time I am open to 11 (including myself) in our group. Any and all are welcome but with a limit of 11 we should be able to sit together. Let's meet there outside at 7:15 so we can get seats together and get to know each other before the event starts at 8pm. It finishes at 10:30PM Photo is of actual orchestra and venue. If you have never heard of the West Coast Orchestra they are like the 'farm team' to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The musicianship is outstanding, the venue and acoustics are beautiful. Tickets are by donation and the recommended amount is $20-30 but 'pay what you can' is fine too. Highly suggest you buy in advance as it usually sells out. As some of you know a close long time friend of mines wife, Louise, is the 1st Violin. She's happy to come over during intermission or after the concert to have a chat. She made a Spotify playlist of the concert series as well that I've shared. It sounds great! Below is a link to West Coasts website, Eventbrite for Tix (and the itinerary for the evening) and the Spotify playlist of their itinerary. Tix & Itinerary: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/west-coast-symphony-orchestra-concert-tickets-483328397247 West Coast Symphony Website: http://westcoastsymphony.ca/ Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10VN5NAbkH3x57DLTtw4DZ?si=dipwEgArQhe0G6awPGUBvA&utm_source=copy-link
Mark
I listened for fun about 10 minutes of each and yes, Brahm blows Bach away. Aha! Thanks to my friend there is a double entendre dad joke here. Bach's is all strings and harpsichord only. No "blowing" instruments. Brahms, however is a big full orchestra with woodwind, brass, percussion, and a solo piano. Thereful with the brass/woodwind instruments it literally blows.
Laura
Hi! When I booked my tickets, there was a field to enter a donation amount, and another box to select the number of tickets. I put in a donation amount and chose 2 tickets. Eventbrite then sent me a receipt for 3 tickets. I think the system counted the donation as a 'ticket'. Did anyone else have this happen? I don't want to hold an extra ticket by mistake. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday.
Mark
Laura-At the door when the look at tickets and take donations just mention you have an extra ticket. That way they know there is an extra seat available for those waiting in line for standby. It's not a big deal. I had extra tix in the past and just told them at the door. Please feel free to bring bottled water. There is an intermission for about 15 min but since Covid no refreshments available. I'm spoken with my friend Louise and she's happy to come over during intermission to say hi and answer a question or two. She's 1st violin and will usually be walking out last before the conductor and will be sitting and performing at the front on stage left.
Mark
I'll be there for 7pm waiting out front of the outside doors probably wearing a long grey raincoat and grey boots. There is a small lobby inside to wait until they open the inside doors for seating. Those doors usually open around 7:20. My goal is to hopefully divide us into 3 rows sitting on the end of a row. That way before the performance and at intermission we are close enough to each other to chat. If you're running behind please let us know so we can save you a seat. See you soon!
Mark
Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight. A gentle reminder to 'buy' your ticket in advance (donate any amount, high or low, whatever you're comfortable with) I'll be outfront from 7-7:15 and the inside doors usually open around 7:20. If running behind plz leave a message here (or text me if I've given you my number) to let us know to save you a seat. A neighbor and her BF I'm giving extra tix too may or may not sit next to us as well. Do yourself a favour and listen to the Spotify playlist. You're all in for a treat and you'll see what a great value this is and why I'm a regular. See ya soon and look outside! Sun! Go enjoy it.
Mark
Thanks for coming out everyone. I enjoyed hosting and definitely will host their next one at The Orpheum with the Vancouver Bach choir.details are on their website for April 8th. Also has a few question for Louise about how and if they are paid. I will cut and paste her comment below. Enjoy the snow!
Mark
Louise: "Great question! The orchestra is made up of a mix of amateur and professional musicians. But you're correct: the musicians don't get paid to play with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra. In fact, we *pay* to play - we pay a membership fee that helps keep the orchestra financially afloat. We depend primarily on revenue from concerts - i.e. your donations when you come to our concerts - in order for us to keep going. Yes, Bujar is paid a stipend for his work with us. No, Paul (director who spoke) does not get paid - like us he pays a membership fee. Our Board is also 100% voluntary positions. Thank you again for coming and for bringing so many people! I hope you enjoyed the second half as well and had fun! :)"
Joanne
I saw this bumper sticker recently. Had to share! :) "Honk if you think Concerto No. 1 in D Minor by Johannes Brahms blows away J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-Flat Major." Ha ha! I don't know the individual pieces by had a chuckle. :) Enjoying the playlist. Thanks for organizing!