Adult Program

symphonic choir

Founded in 1930, our adult Symphonic Choir was the first of our ensembles! Also referred to simply as the Vancouver Bach Choir (VBC), this ensemble is one of the largest symphonic choirs in Canada. The VBFC Symphonic Choir explores a wide range of repertoire from the past to the present with passion and commitment. Under the baton of Maestro Leslie Dala, this ensemble continues its mission and tradition to share the vibrant and culturally diverse beauty of choral music with local, national and international communities. Through its series of concerts presented at the magnificent Orpheum Theatre, our Symphonic Choir furthers the mandate of commissioning and performing works by Canadian composers, performing with numerous world class musicians and presenting the world’s favourite symphonic choral works.

CANTABILE

Cantabile is a community-oriented chamber choir for adults, conducted by Cathrie Yuen, and rehearsing during the daytime. Performing in a variety of community spaces, members of Cantabile have the opportunity to not only develop excellent musical skills under Cathrie’s baton, but also benefit from a supportive and empowering choral community. If you are a singer of any age looking for a friendly choir which rehearses in the daytime on Wednesdays, please find more information about our Cantabile Choir here.

SARABANDE

Sarabande is an advanced chamber choir directed by conductor and composer Shane Raman. Performing in a variety of spaces, from the Orpheum Theatre to some of Vancouver’s coolest bars, this inclusive and diverse ensemble has lots of opportunity to grow as singers and to build community. If you are an experienced choral singer and prefer a chamber choir that explores a diverse variety of repertoire from Renaissance madrigals, to a cappella pop covers, Sarabande may be the fit for you. You can find more information about Sarabande here.

Concerts

Visit our EVENTS page for listings of all upcoming concerts. Our 2025-26 season will be announced soon… Find us on social media for spoilers!

AUDITIONS

The Vancouver Bach Choir symphonic choir is always looking for new members to join our program! If you are interested in auditioning please visit the Auditions page.

At the audition you will be expected to prepare a song or two, sight read, and vocalize. Vocal training and ability to read music is highly recommended.

REHEARSALS

Symphonic Choir rehearsals and Sarabande rehearsals take place on Tuesday nights from 7:30-10:00pm each week from September through May. Symphonic choir rehearsals are held in East Vancouver at the Martha Lou Henley Rehearsal Hall at Vancouver Opera (1955 McLean Drive, Vancouver, BC) or at First Christian Reformed Church (Victoria Dr)

Cantabile rehearsals take place on Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm at the Cambrian Hall (215 E 17th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5V 1A6) in East Vancouver.

FEES

There is a membership fee to join the choir. Financial assistance is available for those who pass the audition and contact the office about the assistance needed.

2025-26 Fees

Early bird (paid on or before Jun 30, 2025): $453.00*
After July 1, 2025: $473.00*

*Fees listed include the following non-refundable fees:

Membership fee: $40.00
Administration fee: $30.00
Fundraising commitment: $50.00 (more details on the registration form)
GST: $2.00

Payment Methods

Single payment by cheque, credit card, or e-transfer.
Monthly payment by credit card instalments or post-dated cheques, due by Aug 15, 2025.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance providing up to 90% of the tuition is available. Bursaries do not cover fundraising commitments, membership fees, and administration fees.

Withdrawal Policy:

Singers can withdraw at any time during the season. Withdrawals before the end of September get a full refund for tuition (the membership & admin fees, GST, and fundraising commitments are non-refundable). Withdrawals between October through January receive a pro-rated refund based on the classes attended. Any withdrawals from February onward are not eligible for refunds.

Late Fees:

Payments that are not set-up or paid by August 15 are subject to a $20 late charge per month.

CANTABILE ADD-ON

Symphonic or Sarabande Singers who also wish to sing with Cantabile may join for the discounted fee of $193 on top of their existing membership fees.

I joined the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus at age 8, shortly after it was founded. Throughout my childhood, weekly choir practice ingrained in me an appreciation for the beauty of music, and the pure joy of singing with others. Choir also taught me self discipline – sitting quietly on stage during a Symphony concert, for example. I always remember being treated like a professional. Right from day one, conductors worked with us children in the same way we saw them work with professional adult musicians. I’m sure that gave me valuable life skills that I use today.

K. Simpson
VBCC & VBYC member for 25 years!