Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and TD announce
two free community events at the Orpheum
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), VSO School of Music, and TD Bank Group (TD) are proud to present a week of free community programming this September, featuring two cornerstone events that celebrate accessibility, cultural connection, and the power of live music.
TD Connecting Communities Concert – September 23, 2026
On Wednesday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m., the VSO and TD welcome audiences to the Orpheum for the annual TD Connecting Communities Concert. Conducted by VSO Resident Conductor Trevor Wilson, the Grammy and Juno award-winning VSO will perform a dynamic program of classical favourites and film music. Complimentary tickets will be distributed with local charities serving communities across Vancouver.
“TD’s generous support helps make the joy of symphonic music accessible to communities across Vancouver,” says Angela Elster, President & CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music. “We are grateful for their partnership in creating memorable musical experiences through affordable and accessible programming.” This concert is made possible through a generous $100,000 gift from TD, which also supports The Path Forward later in the week.
“We’re proud to work with the VSO to help more members of our community experience the power of live orchestral music,” says Catherine Dangerfield, Vice-President and Pacific Region Head, TD Wealth. “At TD, we believe music has the unique ability to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging across diverse backgrounds. Together with the VSO, we’re helping make these experiences more accessible so more people can feel included, inspired and connected to their community.”
The Path Forward – September 27, 2026
On Sunday, September 27, the VSO Indigenous Council, VSO, and VSO School of Music present The Path Forward, a free community celebration of Indigenous culture rooted in the teachings of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The event includes a Family Play Zone (4:00–6:00 p.m.), followed by a concert hosted by Darnell Stager featuring Carnival of OUR Animals, gifted songs from local Nations, and special performances by Indigenous artists Nova Wolf, Wes Nahanee and Proud Little Warriors. A fashion show by designer Pam Baker with music by DJ O Show will be featured at this event.
“The VSO Indigenous Council was created as a space for relationship, cultural expression, and collaboration through the shared power of music,” says Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Chair of the VSO Indigenous Council. “The Council brings together rights holders from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations—whose traditional and unceded territories encompass Vancouver—alongside representatives from the diverse Urban Indigenous community. Together, we have worked to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous voices, cultures, and artistic traditions to be heard and celebrated. Through relationships with Indigenous performers and cultural groups, collaborations between VSO musicians and traditional singers and drummers, Indigenous fashion showcases, and the creation of new musical works, we are bringing different artistic traditions together in respectful and powerful ways.”
“As we reflect on the profound impact of this special VSO community event, The Path Forward, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the VSO’s Indigenous Council and to TD. Your unwavering commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is not just inspiring; it is essential to our collective journey,” says Elster. “Together, we are creating a space where music and culture unite, fostering understanding and healing within our community. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and dedication.”
Both events are supported by TD, with additional support for The Path Forward from the Jane McLennan Fund and Metro Vancouver’s Regional Cultural Grant.
About Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1919, the Grammy and Juno Award-winning VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences — performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
