The Path Forward – A FREE, Day-Long Celebration of Local Indigenous Cultures
and Collaboration with the VSO
The 2nd annual celebration returns to the Orpheum
on Saturday, June 24, 2023
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, the VSO Indigenous Council and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will host The Path Forward, a free community celebration at the Orpheum. This event honours Indigenous People’s Day and reflects a culmination of two years of conversations and creative dreaming with the VSO Indigenous Council members and their communities in the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
For a second year, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to co-present this vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture through music, story, dance, fashion, and poetry. “We are inspired by how The Path Forward and other creative projects led by the members of the VSO Indigenous Council authentically bridge our entire community through compelling artistic works,” says Angela Elster, President and CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 24 between 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM at the Orpheum. No ticket is required, and this year marks the first year that admission is free to The Path Forward.
1:30 – 4:00 PM — The Orpheum lobby spaces will be filled with Indigenous vendors showcasing art and fashion.
4:00 PM — The VSO takes to the Orpheum stage to showcase performance collaborations with the Coast Salish Territory of the Musqueam; Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, including Carnival of OUR Animals — a Coast Salish reimagining of Saint-Saëns beloved Carnival of the Animals written in collaboration with Knowledge Keepers from each of the three host nations — and a special VSO performance of both Chief Dan George’s Coast Salish Anthem as well as a new orchestration of the Musqueam Paddle Song. Hosted by the amazing Geena Jackson, the audience is sure to be amazed by the world-class Vancouver Symphony Orchestra with special guest artists including DJ O Show and Rhonda Head.
5:00 PM — The vendors continue to showcase their gorgeous art for all to enjoy, appreciate and purchase.
5:30 PM — Pam Baker’s Touch of Culture Fashion Show will take place in the West Coast Energy Hall in the Orpheum lobby.
6:00 PM — Guests will be invited back to the Orpheum stage for a Pow Wow Finale.
Five years ago, the VSO convened an Indigenous Council as a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The Council’s founding members were Chastity Davis, Chair; Alexander Dirksen, Métis/Youth; Lillian Howard, Elder; Orene Askew, Squamish; Dennis Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh; Karen Gerbrecht, VSO Musician; Suzanne Anton, VSO Board, and Angela Elster, VSO and VSO School of Music Staff. The Path Forward was imagined and developed by this creative group. The VSO Indigenous Council is currently being chaired by Dennis Thomas (Whoanoak) and its membership includes, Orene Askew (DJ O Show), Charlene Grant, Rosie Jonnie Mills, Cristian Markos (VSO Musician), Yvanna Mycyk (VSO and VSO School of Music staff), Angela Elster (VSO and VSO School of Music staff).
About the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
www.VancouverSymphony.ca
Founded in 1919, the Grammy and Juno-award winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the third largest orchestra in Canada, the largest arts organization in Western Canada, and one of the few orchestras in the world to have its own music school.
Led by Music Director Otto Tausk since 2018, the VSO performs more than 150 concerts each year, throughout Vancouver and the province of British Columbia, reaching over 270,000 people annually. On tour the VSO has performed in the United States, China, Korea and across Canada.
The orchestra presents passionate, high-quality performances of classical, popular and culturally diverse music, creating meaningful engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Upcoming guest artists for the 2023/24 Season include Yo-Yo Ma, Steven Isserlis, Vadim Gluzman, Meow Meow, Louis Lortie, Augustin Hadelich, Leonard Slatkin, and many more. Recent guest artists include Daniil Trifonov, Hilary Hahn, James Ehnes, Jan Lisiecki, Renée Fleming, Yefim Bronfman, Itzhak Perlman, Joe Hisaishi, Tan Dun, and more.
Media release provided by Cameron MacRae, VSO & VSO School of Music image courtesy of VSO website.
