Yesterday we had the opportunity to experience the VSO performing Bravo Beethoven! at the Orpheum. This is something you will not want to miss if you are looking to introduce your children to classical performance. Geared toward younger children, I noticed adults as well as older youth thoroughly enjoying themselves and entranced in the music.

Conducted by Evan Mitchell, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performed a beautiful selection of Beethoven’s compositions. In between the music, actors would come on stage to perform an emotional dialogue that guided us through Beethoven’s life and challenges.

Prior to the concert we had been speculating on which pieces they would play, and we weren’t disappointed. Everything that we heard was familiar to the children, from opening with the strains of his rousing 5th, to the brilliant piano solo rendition of Elise, to closing with the 9th Symphony, with a Turkish march and a stunning violin solo nestled in there too. The hour long show kept the audience involved and entertained.

I have to add that it was a fabulous outing. We had crisp sunny weather here, so the walk from the skytrain was lovely. Following the performance, we had a variety of venues to choose from for a leisurely late lunch. The Orpheum has so much history, it is really a must-see if you want to get to know Vancouver. Built in the 20’s as a vaudeville house, it was restored and re-opened in the ’70’s, and has been the permanent home of the VSO for the past 30 years.

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