The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was founded in 1919 by the Vancouver Symphony Society. The orchestra's early years were marked by financial instability and leadership changes; it disbanded in 1921 but resumed performances in 1930 under music director Allard de Ridder. The VSO performed at various venues, including the Georgia Auditorium and Queen Elizabeth Theatre, before moving to its permanent home, the Orpheum, in 1977. Throughout its history, the orchestra has been led by notable conductors such as Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Bramwell Tovey, and Otto Tausk. The VSO gained significant recognition with its recording of Barber, Korngold, Walton Violin Concertos featuring violonist James Ehnes, which won a 2008 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra) and a Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year (large ensemble). The orchestra has also collaborated with artists like Jann Arden and Spirit of the West.
