Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra

The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (VMO) is a high-caliber Canadian training orchestra performing in the Lower Mainland area of Vancouver, BC, Canada. The VMO was founded in 2003 and have played in various venues across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver. VMO is a non-profit organization that is strongly committed to providing opportunities for young musicians to develop their professional music career. Each season, the VMO prepare various concerts and events where young musicians work with local artists in professional settings. VMO hopes that through these experiences, the young musicians can realize and nurture their potential in the world of performing arts. For those musicians who wish to develop their abilities as soloists, VMO arranges recitals and other performances throughout the season so that they can showcase their talent.

History

The plan to begin the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra was conceived in March 2003. In August 2003 VMO was formed by a Board of Directors, a musical committee and sixteen professional and aspiring professional musicians.

VMO's goal was to create opportunities for talented young musicians to perform for live audiences; these are opportunities these young gifted musicians may not have otherwise had. VMO felt there was untapped potential in people caught between being professional musicians and music students. Many of these young musicians need a stepping-stone to embark on their professional musical career.

Objectives

# To provide opportunities for young musicians to perform and to provide them with educational experiences in music.
# To educate and increase the public's understanding and appreciation of the arts by providing musical performances of an artistic nature in public places, churches, community centres and educational institutions.
# To provide instructional seminars, classes and workshops on topics related to musical performances.

Music

VMO performs music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. VMO also performs contemporary and popular music in special concerts with opera companies, choirs, and traditional folk music groups.

Artistic Staff

Kenneth Hsieh, Music Director & Conductor

Risa McDonell, Assistant Conductor

Michael Conway Baker, Composer-in-Residence

Ellen Wang, Artistic Advisor

Dominic Woo, Concertmaster & Violin Soloist

Li-Ling Liang, Associate Concertmaster & Violin Soloist

Administrative Staff

Kathy Mak, Manager

Pearl Hsieh, Public Relations

External links

[http://www.vmocanada.com VMOCanada.com]