Vanstring

Vanstring Chamber Music is a volunteer orchestra formed by members from Vancouver’s largest string academy, the Cecilia and Kevin Music Conservatory. All members have passed the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10, and more than half have achieved performance level.

The orchestra rehearses every Saturday at 8:30 PM under the direction of Kevin and Michael. They perform weekly at senior homes, with all arrangements made by the students themselves, from contacting venues to planning performances. Both instruction and facilities are provided at no cost.

Since its establishment in 2009, Vanstring has never missed a rehearsal and has performed over 500 times across the Greater Vancouver area, including nearly all senior homes and hospitals. The orchestra has been invited to significant events such as the Spring Festival Gala, the North American Golden Panda Film Festival, specials on Phoenix TV and CCTV, and performances at Carnegie Hall. In 2019, 2021, and 2022, they raised nearly CAD 30,000 for charity.

Over the past fourteen years, nearly a hundred members have pursued university education, with two-thirds attending Ivy League institutions in the U.S., including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, and MIT. Most importantly, every graduate continues to engage with music at university, ensuring it remains an integral part of their lives.

“Reaching out with my hand, the world becomes more wonderful.” And it continues…