Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the VSO Press Release:

Vancouver, BC – The month of May is jam-packed with a thrilling array of musical choices, beginning with Russian piano prodigy Alexander Gavrylyuk, playing Tchaikovsky’s rarely-performed Piano Concerto No. 2 (a piece that is not nearly as famous as its big brother, but just as exciting!). This Rubinstein Competition winner is without a doubt one of the top pianists of his generation, and he makes his VSO debut on this concert pair at the Orpheum and the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. Next up is another young piano genius, eighteen-year old Ran Jia, also in her VSO debut. She will be highlighted in this all-Mozart Bach & Beyond series finale at the Chan Centre, and Beltone Symphony Sundays series finale at the Orpheum.

Moving along, the final Vancouver Sun Symphony at the Roundhouse concert of the season features a new work by VSO Composer-In-Residence Scott Good titled …blood which flowed. The final Pacific Arbour Tea & Trumpets of the season is next, featuring local choir En Chor in an explosive concert of Musical Fireworks.

A spectacular London Drugs VSO Pops concert celebrates the beloved music of George Gershwin. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, Canadian pianist Jon Nakamatsu and vocalist Doug LaBrecque are featured in some of the most memorable and enjoyable music ever written, including the delicious Rhapsody in Blue. Next up is the season’s final concert for the little ones: Tiny Tots Let’s Have a Playdate with Let Your Music Shine with Lisa and Linda. Toddlers can play games to the classic music of Brahms. Older children can enjoy the fun Spectra Energy Kids Koncert How the Gimquat Found Her Song featuring renowned children’s entertainers Platypus Theatre. Through the captivating tale of an imaginary creature in search of her identity, this program explores the history of western music from Gregorian chant to the present day. With stops in Leipzig, Vienna, Berlin and New Orleans among many more, Gimquat and the children discover the music of the ages.

Last up in May is pianist Benjamin Hochman making his VSO debut, with VSO Conductor Laureate Kazuyoshi Akiyama in a concert that features a rare Mozart piano concerto and the passionate music of Russian master Sergey Prokofiev.

May is a month of concerts sure to thrill and excite Vancouver audiences, who will voraciously consume information about these extraordinary, world-renowned artists making their VSO debuts performing some of the greatest artistic works ever created in a remarkable month of concert events.

Directly from the Whistler Mountaineer Press Release:

Vancouver, British Columbia (April 14, 2009) – Once again British Columbians can enjoy the remarkable Whistler Mountaineer rail experience with the BC Residents Special. The rates start at $109 per adult roundtrip for parties of four or more. For parties of less than four, prices begin at $129 per person roundtrip. BC residents may take advantage of this exclusive online offer until May 29, 2009 and bookings are valid for travel between May 12 and October 6, 2009. This exceptional three-hour train journey is the perfect way to create unforgettable memories and makes a wonderful gift for anniversaries, Mother’s Day, birthdays and other milestone celebrations.

 

“After such a long winter, BC residents deserve a relaxing way to enjoy the warmer weather while experiencing spectacular scenery and fantastic service,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.  “It’s also the perfect time to host a party or enjoy a getaway before the hustle and bustle of the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics is upon us.”

 

The three-hour train trip provides a link between the world-class destinations of Vancouver and Whistler, BC, hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Whistler Mountaineer offers northbound and southbound departures, seven days a week and a choice between two experiences – Glacier Dome and Coast Classic. Accommodations and a variety of attractions may be added to any Whistler Mountaineer trip for the perfect vacation escape up to seven days in length.

 

Adult fares for the Coast Classic Experience are $109 per person roundtrip for parties of four or more and $129 for parties of three or less.  The Glacier Dome Experience is $199 per adult roundtrip for four or more guests and $229 for up to three guests.  Rates for children between

2 – 11 years old begin at $69 return, for the Coast Classic Experience and $149 return for the Glacier Dome Experience. The BC Residents Special is subject to availability at the time of booking and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Further restrictions may apply.

 

For full details and conditions or to reserve seats, book online only at www.whistlermountaineer.com from now until May 16, 2009 or until available seats are sold out.