Current Openings
The VPO welcomes both amateur and professional musicians. We are looking for players who practice regularly and have experience playing in an orchestra. To be able to play the repertoire that is typical to a VPO season, we recommend musicians have training at a university entrance equivalent level (e.g., RCM Level 8) or higher. All ages are welcome. If you are interested in playing with the VPO, email us at: Include:
- Your instrument(s)
- Highest level of music education completed (e.g., high school, university, RCM/ABRSM/Suzuki level, etc.)
- A brief overview of your experience playing in an orchestra
If a position is not immediately available, we will add you to our substitute player list for future opportunities. Our needs are assessed on a per-concert basis throughout the season. Positions become available if the repertoire requires a large orchestra or if our regular members are absent.
Auditions for some positions may be required. New members, particularly string players, may be asked to attend a rehearsal to assess fit (if you are right for us and if we are right for you!).
Rehearsals & Concerts
Rehearsals take place weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30 – 10pm. Dress rehearsals are on Friday evenings before each concert. Rehearsals take place at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 West 33rd Ave. @ Granville St., Vancouver.
The VPO performs a five concert season. The season runs from early September until the end of May/early June. Concerts occur mostly on Saturday evenings with an occasional Sunday matinée concert. Most concerts take place at Shaughnessy Heights United Church. Occasionally, they will be at other venues throughout metro Vancouver (e.g., Capilano University, UBC Chan Centre).
Attendance Policy
Players are expected to attend all rehearsals for a concert, although 1-2 absences are permitted at the discretion of the section leader. Absences must be reported to the section leader as soon as possible so efforts may be made to find a substitute player for the missed rehearsal. Players are encouraged to play as many concerts in the season as possible.
Membership Fees
The VPO is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization and membership fees are essential to supporting our annual operational costs. Regular Member fees are payable at the beginning of each season and include the benefits of a guaranteed seat for each concert as well as first priority when registering to join for the following season. Occasional/substitute players pay a per concert fee and do not have a guaranteed seat.
REGULAR MEMBERS (annual fee includes all concerts)
Adult $150
Student/Senior $75
OCCASIONAL/SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS (per concert fee)
Adult $30
Student/Senior $15
