The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), VSO School of Music, and TD Bank Group (TD) present a week of free community programming in Vancouver this September. These special events aim to celebrate accessibility, cultural connection, and the power of live music.
Free Events with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
- Connecting Communities Concert
- Wednesday, September 23 at 7:30pm at The Orpheum
- RSVP online
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.
- The Path Forward
- Sunday, September 27 with Family Zone 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Concert and Fashion Show 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Orpheum
- No RSVP Required
The Path Forward is 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 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 headline the evening.
Browse and shop vendors including Touch Of Culture Legends House Of Design | Indigenous Fashion, Ann’s One Way merchandise ART, and Turtle’s Learning Circle (TLC). Enjoy bites from Tradish Cafe and bannock from Queen Bannock Bakery.
“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.”
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.