Since the early 1960′s the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching lives through the shared experience of live music. Its early beginnings were a result of the coming together of two string orchestras – the Dunbar Community Centre Orchestra conducted by Jean Glazer and the Jewish Community Centre Orchestra conducted by Jerry Glass. The addition of wind players in the mid-1960’s created a full symphony orchestra. In 1966 the symphony was incorporated as the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and in 1972 it became the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra.
Since it’s early days the VPO has been honoured to work with a number of talented and dedicated Music Directors.
In 1965 Leonard Camplin was appointed Music Director and worked with the orchestra until 1972. In the years that followed the VPO had several conductors, notably Jerry Domer who directed the ensemble for eighteen years between 1976-1993. During this time, the VPO established a solid repertoire and presented four or five concerts a year.
The late Wallace Leung was the VPO’s Music Director from 1996-2001. Mr. Leung had also been the orchestra’s first assistant conductor. Under his inspired direction, the orchestra grew in strength and moved forward musically. His sudden death was a tragic loss, both to the VPO and to the musical world which was deprived of a young man of great promise. The Wallace Leung Memorial Assistant Conductor Internship was created to provide an opportunity for an emerging young conductor to gain experience working with a full-sized symphony while being mentored by the Music Director.
The search for a new conductor revealed an impressive range of talent. Filling the position was Jean Castelao who conducted the orchestra who conducted the VPO from 2003 to 2006. The next conductor to join the VPO was Jin Zhang who continues to lead the orchestra in exciting and challenging programs today.
Over the years the VPO has provided opportunities for professional musicians and gifted young performers to work with us as soloists. The orchestra has partnered with community choirs and presented joint concerts with other orchestras. From 1998 to 2004 the VPO collaborated with the UBC Opera Program to mount a fully staged opera each year at the Chan Centre.
Today, the VPO is a full symphony orchestra made up of over 50 accomplished amateur musicians. The orchestra’s longevity can be attributed to the extraordinary efforts and determination of its founders, members and many committed individuals who supported the orchestra over the past 40+ years. We look back and applaud their foresight and dedication.
