Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature cookbook recipe:

Squash Soup with Smoky Bacon from the Chatelaine Modern Classics Cookbook.

To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

Directly from the Donnelly Pub Group Press Release:

DONNELLY GROUP PUBLIC HOUSES

THE NEW OXFORD: 1144 Homer Street Yaletown

A tongue-in-cheek nod to both the world-renown University of Oxford and British sporting culture, the New Oxford sits proudly on the edge of Yaletown, a welcome addition to Vancouver’s notoriously trendy neighborhood. Vintage touring bikes line the ceiling, leading the eye to a looming portrait of literary genius, misfit and Oxford alumni Oscar Wilde. A long view of the room which runs the width of the entire city block reveals rustic gray millwork, classic pub-style furniture and black & white photos of various other notable Oxford grads. A 50 foot long cantilevered bar serves as the room’s centerpiece, leading visitors to a into ‘study’ motif, complete with taxidermy, original-print hardcover books, vintage sporting gear and even more comfortable seating.

Hours: 11am-1am 7 days a week
Capacity: Sit down 100 / Stand-up 150
Size: 3000 sq ft
Kitchen: Brunch, Lunch,
Dinner & Late Night
Other: Private room
AV Capabilities: 10 HDTVs, 1 DVD player,
2 large projection screen

Directly from the Bistrot Bistro Press Release:

Want to share your BB experience with friends?

Here’s how: Give them an elegant electronic gift card in any denomination with no expiration date. Available to purchase during regular hours and also from 2pm on certain days. Please call ahead to ensure our presence.

New Years Eve

We will be jazzing this New Year’s Eve. As in previous years, we offer both 6pm and 9pm seatings.

Jazz duo Jennifer Scott and René Worst will be performing at both seatings  www.jenniferscott.ca

THE MENU

Dill and salmon tartar with cranberry crisp

Or

Sautee shitake mushroom duck confit salad

Filet mignon served with béarnaise sauce

Or

Maigret of duck with hazelnut and amaretto sauce

Or

Shrimp and scallop saffron beurre blanc

Glazed carrots and gratin Dauphinois

Cheese Platter   Baguette (9pm seating)

Before the New Year’s resolutions

A decadent chocolate cake served with a glass of Champagne

$55 food and glass of bubbly 6PM

$65 Food and glass of bubbly 9PM

Plus

$15 for entertainment both seating

Prices per person excluding taxes. A 15% gratuity will be applied

GK Media Inc is pleased to present three new Simply West Coast recipes:

Swingin’ Prawn Cocktail, Sun-Soaked Ceviche and Rustic Soya Maple Glazed Cedar Salmon.

To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

Directly from the DB Bistro Moderne and Lumiere Press Release:

From db bistro moderne and Lumière: Full Menu of Delicious Ways to Give, Share, Save and Celebrate this Holiday Season

Restaurant events & hours thru Jan 2

November 24, 2010 - Vancouver, BC - As our sister restaurants db bistro moderne and Lumière enter their third year in partnership with Chef Daniel Boulud, we are nicely settled in to the rhythms of the city and its prolific holiday culinary traditions. “Vancouverites love to celebrate just about everything around the dining table, especially during the holidays,” says General Manager Chris Gonzalez. “So, our team of world-class chefs, sommeliers and maitre d’s conceived of a glorious line-up of themed events, special menus, incentives and gift-giving ideas to make the holidays more delicious, affordable, and stress-free.”  Holiday events and hours summaries follow, but for complete details visit the event pages of the restaurant websites at dbbistro.ca and lumiere.ca

db bistro

Six Delicious Deals in Six Fabulous Nights - ongoing
Every night, Tuesday thru Sunday, db bistro moderne offers a different, delicious incentive to catch-up with old friends, family and flames (or spark new ones):
•  Twofer Tuesdays - $19 Burger & Beer Combos (choice of burger/frites paired with craft brew).
•  Pig Out Wednesdays – Pork and Riesling braised sauerkraut special ($24).  Changes weekly.
•  Get Baked Thursdays - Tableside Apple Tarte Tatin for Two, date night priced at just $15.
•  Cote de Boeuf Fridays - Decadent 45-day dry-aged, 40 oz bone-in Prime Rib Eye to share.
•  Bottomless Weekends - Bottomless Champagne Cocktails with weekend brunch.
•  Classic Sundays - Classic & hearty French bistro ‘comfort food’ served every Sunday at dinner.

db bistro

Classic, Jazzy French Bistro Affairs - Nov 24, Dec 15
Get lost in time and the smooth, velvety tunes of award-winning jazz artist Jackée Guillou.  Chef de Cuisine Nathan Guggenheimer offers a special $35, three-course, prix fixe menu to celebrate the season and your occasion. Jackée and her fabulous trio perform in sets from 6-9pm on Wednesday November 24th and Wednesday, December 15th.

db bistro

Three-Course Prix FIxe Dinner Special - ongoing

We make holiday entertaining budgeting easy with a set-price choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. Traditional Coq-au-Vin, Bouillabaisse Provencale, and Roast Potato Gnocchi highlight an ever-changing $42 per person menu of seasonal offerings - made more special by the holidays.    Optional wine pairing by the glass of bottle.

db bistro & Lumière
20% Off Gift Cards - Dec 1 thru 10
db bistro moderne and Lumière gift cards - redeemable at both restaurants - go on sale for 10 days only starting December 1st, ending December 10th.  That’s kind of like free money!  Plus - special tax benefits may apply to gift cards purchased for clients and employees.

Lumière

Early-Bird Prix Fixe Dinner Special - ongoing
In keeping with our tradition of promising extraordinary Grand Relais & Chateaux class quality inapproachable west coast style, Grand Executive Chef Dale MacKay rewards early-bird diners with a fabulous three-course, Five Diamond dinner, with choice of menu items for just $65 per person. Sommelier Drew Walker offers three optional wine pairings for $28. Perfect for early business dinners or pre-game and pre-theatre (Vancouver Opera, Nutcracker) dining. Offered from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

db bistro

Maison Chapoutier Five Course Wine Dinner - Dec 7
Celebrate the holidays and seven generations of extraordinary winemaking as Chef Guggenheimer and Sommelier Van Hullebush present a fabulous five-course pairing of seasonal cuisine and Maison M. Chapoutier wines.  The $75 per person price tag make this the best wine  dinner value in the city.

Lumière

Champagne Dinner to Introduce Cuvée Daniel - Dec 14
Grand Chefs Dale MacKay and Daniel Boulud are planning an extraordinary and festive four-course menu to celebrate the introduction to Vancouver of Cuvée Daniel, Chef Boulud’s private brand of Champagne from Pierre Paillard’s celebrated vineyards in Bouzy, Champagne, France.   Also featured will be Champagnes from the venerable houses of Taittinger, Henriot and Nicolas Feuillate.  $165 per person.  Seating limited to just 40, so reserve early.

db bistro

Christmas Eve  - Dec 24
Enjoy a-la-carte dinner service plus Holiday Specials and a festive Prix Fixe dinner menu. Prix Fixe offered for $48 per person, plus optional pairings by the glass or bottle created by Sommelier Van Hullebush.   Hours 5:30pm-11:00pm.    Closed Christmas Day
Boxing Day - Dec 26
Offering regular a-la-carte brunch and dinner service plus Holiday Specials created by Chef Guggenheimer.  Plus, festive wine pairing by the glass or bottle.  Brunch hours: 11am-2:00pm, Dinner hours: 5:30pm-11:00pm
New Year’s Eve - Dec 31
Two seatings.  Early seating between 5:00pm and 6:30pm to faciliate a second seating commencing at 8:00pm.   Chef Guggenheimer offers a special five-course prix fixe menu for $99 per person, or regular and feature items selected from the a-la-carte menu.  Optional wine pairings by the glass or bottle.
New Year’s Day - Jan 1
Serving brunch from 10:30-2:30 and serving dinner from 5:30-11:00pm.  Regular a-la-carte service plus festive specials.

Lumière

Christmas Eve - Dec 24
Executive Chef Dale MacKay, Pâtissier Extraordinaire Celeste Mah, and Maitre d’ & Sommelier Drew Walker offer a gorgeous Christmas Eve four-course Prix Fixe menu for $98 per person, plus optional wine pairings. Lumière will be closed Dec 25-28, re-opening Dec 29.

New Year’s Eve - Dec 31
Two seatings.  The first seating is offered between 5:00pm and 6:00pm to allow for a leisurely dinner before the second seating commences at 8:00pm.  A three-course prix-fixe menu is offered for $110 per person during the first seating, and a full tasting menu with champagne toast is offered for $210 per person during the second seating.  Seating is limited to 45 per event so be sure to book early.

Note that all quoted prices do not include tax and gratuity.  And finally, db bistro moderne and Lumière are always committed to client comfort and safety and to that end are more than happy to assist in the advance arrangement of safe passage via taxi, towncar or limousine, to and from the restaurants.  Please inquire at time of reservation.  For more information visit the events pages of the db Bistro Moderne and Lumière websites at www.dbbistro.ca and www.lumiere.ca, or contact General Manager Chris González at 604.739.7115

Directly from the Dirty Apron Cooking School

DIRTY APRON DELICATESSEN NOW OPEN AT 540 BEATTY STREET
Roast of the day, take home meals, gourmet sandwiches, deli meats and cheeses, produce, groceries and more

Vancouver, BC, November 25th, 2010 - The Dirty Apron Delicatessen, now open at 540 Beatty Street, will offer downtown-dwellers hot lunches, gourmet sandwiches, take-home carvery meals, deli meats and cheeses, produce, groceries and fresh flowers. Reminiscent of the general stores of old, the Delicatessen is housed in a historic brick and beam building in Vancouver’s Crosstown neighbourhood within the wildly popular Dirty Apron Cooking School.

Sandwich lovers will rejoice in the creations of Chef Nico Schuermans, whose pulled pork with Japanese mayo, pickled carrots, bean sprouts and cilantro on French baguette is a fresh take on a Vietnamese sub. Other sandwiches like chicken with chipotle mayo and roast tomatoes, prosciutto with fig and Cambozola cheese, hummus with avocado, mint carrot and pomegranate molasses, or the roast beef with chorizo, chimichurri, and charred tomato salsa are also sure to satisfy. Nico will also be offering a Roast of the Day and gourmet sides for healthy take-out family meals, the a perfect weeknight answer to that “what’s for dinner?” question.

In the grocery aisle, don’t miss Chambar Pastry Chef Eleanor Chow’s incredible toppings, previously only available as a delectable waffle side at Café Medina up the street. These indulgent sauces include flavours like white chocolate pistachio rosewater, raspberry caramel, milk chocolate lavender, dark chocolate and fig orange marmalade. If sweets are your thing continue to the freezer section for Eleanor’s homemade ice creams of vanilla bourbon, milk chocolate, and lemon buttermilk sorbet.

Far from your average deli, the Dirty Apron also offers organic fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, milk, yogurts, handcrafted dressings, pre-packed marinated meats, and anything else your epicurious heart desires.

The Dirty Apron Delicatessen is open from 10AM to 8PM, seven days a week. For more information please visit www.dirtyapron.com/deli.

Don’t miss the December 9th, 2010 newsletter.  There will be 1 giveaway prize.

One winner will receive a copy of the new Ocean Wise Cookbook.

In order to have a chance to win you have to sign up. Sign up here.

Directly from the West Coast Christmas Show Press Release:

Vancouver television production company, Paperny Films, will be attending the West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace at Tradex in Abbotsford this weekend for an HGTV Canada TV casting call-out for the brand new television show coming to HGTV called ‘Consumed’. “We are currently in the process of looking for Lower Mainland families/couples, who would be interested in participating in our show. We have already filmed an episode with one family, and are currently in the process of filming our second and third families, with subsequent families being casted and filmed up until the late spring of 2011″ says Paperny Films spokesperson Maja Klempner.

“The television series we are producing is called “Consumed”, and it’s going to air on HGTV Canada in the summer of 2011. The show will feature a total of 13 Lower Mainland families/couples who have too much clutter in their homes and who are seeking professional organizational help to get their homes back in order. The host of our show is professional organizer, Jill Pollack, who has been featured in numerous magazines and TV shows. Jill will be working directly with our featured families/couples, who will be undergoing a 30-day ”de-cluttering experiment”. During this 30-day period, families will be left with only the bare essentials and our film crew will be filming the process each family goes through of what it’s like for them to live with less. At the end of this 30-day period, all their belongings will be coming back and families will be able to decide whether they indeed need all their stuff and what they would like to do with it, i.e. keep, toss, donate or recycle it. We will help each family re-organize their home with the things they decide to keep.”
Come to the West coast Christmas show to meet the Paperny Film production crew and a chance to try out for one of the. new ‘Consumed’ show families!

The West Coast Christmas Show takes place this weekend at Tradex in Abbotsford.

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

UPCOMING EVENTS AT HAMILTON STREET GRILL

Hamilton Street Grill Presents: Red Rooster Winery

Monday, December 6th or Tuesday, December 7th 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Three Wines, Three Appetizers, $25 per person

This is a perfect secret santa gift take someone from the office out for a fun and casual event, or, bring the office staff as a casual Christmas party.

In keeping with our usual popular monthly format, you will enjoy a sampling of three Red Rooster wines, each paired with a different savory, wine-inspired food taster, while learning from a wine expert
who will take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting.

Reserve by credit card at 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net

Join Us For New Year’s Eve

Once again the Hamilton Street Grill will be doing a multi-course dinner with wine for New Year’s Eve
(as they have for the past few years).

Just $85 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity. This amazing night will start at 8:00 pm and continue until we ring in the New Year!

Reservations at 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net

Directly from the Tracycakes Press Release:

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY TO TRACYCAKES BAKERY CAFE

Daily selection of holiday cupcakes, cookies and gift boxes now available.

November 23, 2010 (Abbotsford, B.C.) - Tracycakes Bakery Cafe is pleased to get a head start on the Christmas season by offering a scrumptious selection of holiday cupcakes and cookies baked fresh daily at all cafe locations.

This year’s cupcake selection includes festive flavours like Gingerbread, Eggnog, Mint Medley, Chocolate Snowball, Winter Wonderland, ‘Tis the Season, Creme Caramel and Oh Holly Night. All cupcake flavours are baked in house using the best quality ingredients to create moist delicious cakes, filled with unique flavours and topped with the buttercream icings and whimisical toppings. Cupcakes come in two sizes - regular ($3.25 each, $14.50 for six or $29 per dozen) or babycake ($1.40 each, $11.95 per dozen).

In addition to cupcakes, Tracycakes has brought back its popular Christmas cookies in beautifully wrapped cookie gift boxes ($10 & $15) - the perfect present for friends, neighbours and co-workers. Tracycakes’ Christmas cookies are also available in a large platter size ($45) ideal for the home or office party. This year’s cookie selection includes various shortbreads, biscotti, chocolate cherry cookies, bird’s nest cookies, tarts and more.

Tracycakes will also be celebrating the holidays with the annual Jazzed Up Christmas High Tea on December 11th in Abbotsford and December 18th in White Rock and Fort Langley. Guests are invited to enjoy a special high tea service complete with English sandwiches, scones, dainties, Christmas cupcakes, coffee and tea ($16 per person) while listening to the sounds of piano jazz Christmas music. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Tracycakes also offers catering, large party reservations and space for private parties. Gift certificates in all denominations are available.

About Tracycakes Bakery Cafe

Tracycakes Bakery Cafe is a bistro-chic cafe known for having “Canada’s most retro-delicious cupcakes” in over 40 varieties. Now with three locations in Abbotsford, White Rock and Fort Langley, the cafes serve a sweet and savoury combination of delicacies in an atmosphere that is rich in beauty and ambience. Tracycakes is a charming place to connect with friends, family and colleagues over lunch, a snack, high tea, and most importantly, a sweet treat. Tracycakes offers catering, space for private parties and custom cupcakes for all life’s celebrations. At Tracycakes, “every bite is an occasion”! www.tracycakesonline.com

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

‘Tis the Season for BC Residents on Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler Sea to Sky Climb

Book the Winter BC Resident Special for as little as $119 Cdn per guest round-trip for four or more

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (November 22, 2010)  - Rocky Mountaineer offers BC residents an exclusive opportunity to give the ultimate holiday gift this season with the Winter BC Resident Special, a breathtaking three and a half train journey on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb between Vancouver and Whistler.  Starting at just $119 Cdn per adult round-trip for groups of four or more, this limited time holiday special is available from November 22, 2010 until December 24, 2010, for travel departures from May 20 to September 28, 2011.

“The Winter BC Resident Special offer is a unique gift the whole family can enjoy and a great opportunity to take in the thrill and excitement of a time honoured tradition,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “It’s the perfect addition to anyone’s holiday list and makes for an ideal gift that offers stunning scenery, colourful stories and lots of adventure.”

Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route provides an exclusive look at some of the most spectacular views in BC including cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and brilliant Pacific waters from a unique train perspective. Travelling between the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver to the all-season resort town of Whistler, this tour is perfect for a weekend getaway, a thrilling adventure, family excursion or all of the above. Whistler Dome Service has guests travelling in a single-level, glass-domed coach, boasting panoramic views of the passing scenery, in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Travellers enjoy a hot breakfast or afternoon tea service at their seats. Whistler Classic Service offers a traditional rail coach environment with large picture windows and assigned seating. Guests enjoy the freedom to move around the train at their leisure and access to the open-air Heritage Observation Car to watch  the passing scenery unfold.

The exclusive Winter BC Resident Special is subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates of $119 Cdn round-trip/adult ($79/child aged 2-18) are based on bookings of four or more people in Whistler Classic Service. For an additional $90/adult ($60/child aged 2-18), guests can upgrade to Whistler Dome Service. For reservations made with less than four people, the rates are $139 Cdn round-trip/adult ($89/child aged 2-18). This limited time offer can be booked from November 22 until December 24, 2010 for travel departures from May 20 to September 28, 2011, daily except Tuesday and Wednesday. Further restrictions may apply. For more information or to take advantage of the limited time Winter BC Residents Special, call Rocky Mountaineer directly at 1-888-687-RAIL (7245) or go to www.rockymountaineer.com.

Further restrictions may apply. For more information or to take advantage of the limited time BC Residents Special, call Rocky Mountaineer directly at 1-888-687-RAIL (7245) or go to www.rockymountaineer.com.

About Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers 45 unique Canadian vacation packages and four distinctive rail routes, rich in history and natural wonders, through British Columbia and Alberta. This world renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West and is the best way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the past 20 years, Rocky Mountaineer has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has welcomed more than one million guests onboard from around the world. In 2010, Rocky Mountaineer received its fifth World Travel Award for “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” and was acknowledged for the first time for “World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product of the Year”. Rocky Mountaineer has also been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trip” and by the Society of American Travel Writers as “The Best Train Experience in the World”.

For more information about Rocky Mountaineer, please visit rockymountaineer.com.

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature cookbook recipe:

Gingerbread Cookies from the Chatelaine Modern Classics Cookbook.

To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

Directly from the Provence Marinaside Press Release:

Art Show & Sale in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
Music by DJ Derek D & Chicago Jim
Thursday December 2, 2010
5:00pm to 10:00pm
@ Provence Marinaside
1177 Marinaside Crescent
www.provencevancouver.com

Directly from the PICA Newsletter:

PICA Holidays…

The holidays are approaching and it’s time to give our students a well-deserved break.  The Institute, including Bistro 101 and our popular bakeshop, Bakery 101, will be closed on Saturday, December 18th and will reopen on Monday, January 3rd.  During this years closure we will be doing some renovations and look forward to welcoming you back in the new year with a new look for 2011.

Love Food?  Write About It!

Local food writer and publisher of Scout Magazine, Andrew Morrison, returns to our classroom in the new year to teach a second session of ‘Food Writing in the Modern Media Landscape’.  Blog away the rainy days of winter, or encourage the aspiring writer in your life to take to the web in 2011.  This five-week class starts Monday, January 24th.

A Great Year for PICA Students and Alumni

2010 proved to be an exciting year for PICA students and alumni.  Current student, Whitney Wright, was awarded the opportunity to represent Canada in the 2nd Annual International Student Tapas Competition in Valladolid, Spain in November.  She competed against twelve other culinary students from around the world.  Also this month, graduate Dan Walker, Chef and Owner of Weczeria in Saskatoon, won his local Gold Medal Plates competition.  This victory means Chef Walker will travel to Kelowna to compete in the 2011 Canadian Culinary Championships against some of the country’s other great Chefs (including local Chef Robert Clark of C Restaurant).  Finally, we are pleased and proud to have heard that Quatrefoil Restaurant in Dundas, Ontario was named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurant in EnRoute Magazine.  Quatrefoil is alumni Georgina Mitropoulos’ restaurant with her husband and business partner.  Congratulations to our students and alumni!

Give the Gift of Bev-ucation!

With the growth of our local wine industry and craft beer options, interest in some of the world’s favourite fermented beverages has never been greater.  Whether the interest is personal, or professional our Serious Beer and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) classes will give students a deeper appreciation of their ales, spirits and wine beyond the bottom of the glass.  With classes starting early in the new year, a ‘bev-ucational’ experience is the perfect gift for your favourite aspiring connoisseur.

The Twelve Days of PICA…

We’ll spare you our out-of-tune singing voices and just give you our great holiday gift ideas for the foodie or for your favourite aspiring cook!  From keychains to mugs to cooking classes to gift cards there are lots of ideas to be found at Vancouver’s culinary centre.  Visit our online boutique or stop by our bakeshop, Bakery 101!  A reminder that due to the holiday closure, any online orders placed after December 17th will ship in the new year.  All of our cooking and beverage class purchases can be made online at any time.

If You Can’t Chop Like a Chef, Shop Like a Chef!

Ever wandered around the Granville Island Public Market and wondered what that strange purple spiked fruit was?  Join one of our knowledgeable Chef Instructors on an informative and fun ‘Plugged-In Market Tour’ and learn how to shop like a Chef.  Dates are offered throughout the year with an optional lunch and flight of wine to follow!

http://www.picachef.com/index.html for all the course information.

Directly from the VSO Press Release:

The VSO’s December Concert Listing

Vancouver, BC – The month of December at the VSO kicks off with the gifted cellist Johannes Moser performing Schumann’s beautiful Cello Concerto under the baton of Julian Kuerti, son of famed pianist Anton Kuerti. Also in the program is one of the most thrilling pieces of music ever written, Stravinsky’s epic, exciting Firebird.

Next up is PLAY! A Video Game Symphony, a unique and very special presentation that pairs the extraordinary orchestral music written for video games with a live orchestra and choir – all backed by clips of the games themselves. Performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Bach Choir, one of game music’s most distinguished figures, conductor Andy Brick, it features award-winning music from a catalogue of blockbuster video game titles, including Halo, Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, the world premiere of Civilization V, and many more.

The December favourite, A Traditional Christmas, is a true celebration of the Holiday spirit, with carols, heart-warming music traditionally associated with Christmas, and plenty of audience sing-alongs. VSO Music Director Bramwell Tovey leads the orchestra in Lower Mainland’s most beloved holiday music tradition, taking place in six different communities across Metro Vancouver. Vancouver’s very own Bard, Christopher Gaze, narrates.

Little ones will love the chance to move and sing along to frosty favorites and famous pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with children’s entertainers Let Your Music Shine with Lisa and Linda. In this celebration of the sounds of the season, toddlers will join the March of the Toys, do the Skaters’ Waltz, and play imaginary drums to the 1812 Overture.

December comes to a close with the timeless classic, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, beautifully interpreted by Concertmaster Dale Barltrop and the VSO. Also on the program, local actor Alessandro Juliani (most recently of Bard on the Beach fame) narrates Telemann’s version of the famous story of Don Quixote while the orchestra performs the beautiful score.

CONCERT INFO

Musically Speaking

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 8 PM, ORPHEUM THEATRE

Julian Kuerti conductor

Johannes Moser cello

Mozart                La Clemenza di Tito: Overture

Schumann              Cello Concerto

Rimsky-Korsakov       Le Coq d’or: Introduction and Wedding March

Stravinsky            Firebird Suite (1919)

Stravinsky’s Firebird is one of the most thrilling pieces of all time. And gifted cellist Johannes Moser performs Schumann’s beautiful Cello Concerto under the baton of Julian Kuerti, son of famed pianist Anton Kuerti.

Visit Johannes Moser at www.johannes-moser.com

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $21.50 - $59 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Video Screen Sponsor: TELUS

Special Video Screen Presentations Created and Produced by: Columbia Academy

Radio Sponsor: CHQM-FM

Specials: PLAY! A Video Game Symphony

Monday, December 6, 8 pm, ORPHEUM THEATRE

Andy Brick conductor

Vancouver Bach Choir

Performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and a full choir, PLAY! A Video Game Symphony features award-winning music from a catalogue of blockbuster video game titles, including Halo, Metal Gear Solid, Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and many more. Stunning graphics on large screens above the orchestra accompany the exciting scores, highlighting memorable moments from the video games.

www.play-symphony.com

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $29- $68 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Concert Sponsor: PLAYNOW.COM

Specials: A Traditional Christmas

Thursday, December 9, 7:30 pm, St. Andrew’s Wesley CHURCH, Vancouver

Friday, December 10, 7:30 pm, St. Andrew’s Wesley CHURCH, Vancouver

Saturday, December 11, 4 pm & 7:30 pm, St. Andrew’s Wesley CHURCH, Vancouver

Thursday, December 12, 4 pm & 7:30 pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey

Wednesday, December 15, 4 pm & 7:30 pm, South Delta Baptist Church, delta

Thursday, December 16, 7:30 pm, Michael J. Fox Theatre, BURNABY

Friday, December 17, 4 pm & 7:30 pm, Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

Saturday, December 18, 4 pm & 7:30 pm, Kay Meek Theatre, West Vancouver

Bramwell Tovey conductor

Christopher Gaze host

UBC Opera Ensemble

EnChor

The Lower Mainland’s most beloved Holiday Music Tradition! This season, VSO Music Director Bramwell Tovey leads the orchestra in a celebration of the Holiday spirit, with carols, heart-warming music traditionally associated with Christmas, and plenty of audience sing-alongs! Christopher Gaze narrates.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $36.50 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Presenting Sponsor: YVR Vancouver Airport Authority

The VSO’s Traditional Christmas Concerts have been endowed by a generous gift from Sheahan and Gerald McGavin, C.M., O.B.C.

Tiny Tots: Holiday Hooray!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 10 AM, 11:30 AM, AND 1:30 PM, PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 10 AM AND 11:30 AM, TERRY FOX THEATRE

Let Your Music Shine! With Lisa and Linda.

Move along with famous pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and sing along with frosty favourites. In this celebration of the sounds of the season, join the March of the Toys, do the Skaters’ Waltz, and play imaginary drums to the 1812 Overture.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $15- Adults $7- Children

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Premier Education Partner: TELUS

The VSO’s Tiny Tots series has been endowed by: Mary and Gordon Christopher

Specials: The Four Seasons

Friday & SATurday, DECember 17 & 18, 8 pm, ORPHEUM THEATRE

Dale Barltrop leader/violin

Alessandro Juliano narrator

Corelli             Concerto Grosso in D Major

Telemann            Don Quixote Suite

Vivaldi             Four Seasons

Vivaldi’s timeless classic the Four Seasons has been considered one of the world’s most popular pieces of music for two-and-a-half centuries. Hear the Four Seasons beautifully interpreted by Concertmaster Dale Barltrop and the VSO.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $37.50- $66 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Surrey Nights: The Four Seasons

MONDAY, December 20, 8 pm, Bell performing arts centre

Dale Barltrop leader/violin

Alessandro Juliano narrator

Corelli                Concerto Grosso in D Major

Telemann               Don Quixote Suite

Vivaldi                Four Seasons

Vivaldi’s timeless classic the Four Seasons has been considered one of the world’s most popular pieces of music for two-and-a-half centuries. Hear the Four Seasons beautifully interpreted by Concertmaster Dale Barltrop and the VSO.

The VSO’s Surrey Nights Series has been endowed by a generous gift from Werner and Helga Höing

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets: $39 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434