A Historic Icon of Art and Culture
Since its grand opening in 1927, The Orpheum has remained one of North America’s most beautiful and storied performing arts venues. Once a lavish vaudeville house, this National Historic Site now stands as the majestic heart of Vancouver’s cultural scene. With its soaring ceilings, ornate gold leafing, and the breathtaking crystal chandelier, the theatre provides an unparalleled atmosphere of elegance and inspiration.

World-Class Acoustics and Artistry
Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, The Orpheum is the proud home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and a preferred stage for international music festivals. Its grand concert hall, designed to deliver pristine sound to over 2,600 guests, creates an intimate connection between the performer and the audience. Whether hosting classical masterpieces or modern international exchanges, The Orpheum transforms every performance into an unforgettable experience.

A Stage for Global Excellence
More than just a venue, The Orpheum serves as a bridge where tradition meets innovation. It has hosted legendary artists and rising talents from around the globe, making it the perfect setting for international collaborations and world-class youth music festivals. Here, music doesn’t just fill the air—it resonates within the very walls of history.

Quick Facts for Visitors
Design Style: Spanish Renaissance and Baroque revival.

Capacity: Over 2,600 seats.

Status: Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979.

Location: Vancouver, BC (The “Grand Old Lady” of Granville Street).

Part of One of the World’s Leading Universities
“Excellence in Music within a World-Class University”

The UBC School of Music is housed within the University of British Columbia, one of the world’s top public research universities and a global leader in higher education.
Founded in 1946, the School of Music represents UBC’s commitment to artistic scholarship and creative innovation, offering a comprehensive academic environment where musical training is integrated with the resources and intellectual culture of a major university.

A Distinguished Center for Music Education and Research
“Where Artistic Training Meets Academic Depth”

As Western Canada’s oldest university music program, the UBC School of Music provides rigorous education in performance, composition, musicology, theory, music education, and conducting.
Its students benefit not only from conservatory-level training but also from the interdisciplinary opportunities and academic breadth that only a major research institution can offer.

The School’s facilities include:
• The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts — one of North America’s premier concert halls and a landmark of UBC’s campus
• Roy Barnett Recital Hall — the core venue for student and faculty performances
• Research labs and music technology studios supporting innovative scholarship and artistic development

A National and International Influence
“Educating Artists, Scholars, and Cultural Leaders”

Graduates of the UBC School of Music have built impactful careers around the world—performing in major orchestras and opera companies, teaching at universities, composing for international stages, and contributing to Canada’s cultural development.

The School actively nurtures Canadian creativity through premieres, commissions, and collaborations with composers, ensembles, and arts organizations.
In addition, UBC’s research leadership in areas such as music education, Indigenous studies, and music technology has positioned the university as a significant contributor to global artistic and academic conversations.

A Cultural Bridge between UBC and Vancouver
“Connecting Campus, Community, and the Arts”

The UBC School of Music plays a central role in the cultural life of Vancouver and British Columbia.
Through partnerships with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, opera companies, festivals, and community organizations, the School strengthens connections between the university and the wider artistic community.

Its performance season—featuring orchestral concerts, opera productions, choral programs, contemporary works, and faculty recitals—draws audiences from across the region and reflects the diversity and creativity of the Pacific Coast.

A Vision for the Future of Music and Scholarship
“Tradition, Innovation, and Global Perspective”

Today, the UBC School of Music continues to extend its influence as a leading center for musical study within a globally recognized university.
Blending artistic tradition with forward-looking research, the School provides a dynamic environment where students gain the skills and perspectives needed for the modern arts world.

UBC is not only a university—it is a cultural force.
And within it, the School of Music stands as a vibrant hub for future performers, composers, teachers, and artistic thinkers.