'We're going to have the biggest birthday party ever': VSO top brass reflect on 100-year history

In 1919, Vancouver was a young city, barely reflecting the busy metropolis of today.

It was the year the first train pulled into the new Canadian National Railway station that faces Main street, the year the eastern part of False Creek was completely filled in, and the year the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra [VSO] was officially founded — after several previous failed attempts.

Then, two years into the symphony's existence, its first conductor, Henry Green, vanished in the middle of the night without a trace, along with all of the VSO's money.

Despite its unsteady debut, the VSO has flourished, and on January 26 it celebrates its 100th birthday.

"We're going to have the biggest birthday party ever," said Otto Tausk, the newly appointed — since September— music director of the symphony.

"It's great to be with this orchestra at this special moment. I'm very proud to be part of this celebration."

Ahead of its time

As the orchestra looks forward to the celebration, it also offers the VSO's first female president, Kelly Tweeddale, an opportunity to reflect on the role women have played in its history.

In fact, the orchestra was founded by Mrs. B.T. Rogers, wife of sugar magnate Benjamin Tingley Rogers, Tweeddale said.

"[She] was just a phenomenal source of ingenuity."

Tweeddale said throughout its tenure, the VSO has always been a progressive establishment.

She adds that not only were woman a large part of the volunteer base, but they made up around 40 per cent of the inaugural orchestra.

Making the symphony accessible for all

When Tausk, originally from Holland, joined the VSO, he decided he wanted to bring the music closer to the audience.

"I think music is such a wonderful thing and I think everybody can enjoy music, but not everybody gets in contact with it," said Tausk, which is why he created the three-part-series Inside the Symphony.

It included three one-hour performances where Tausk would analyze and break a piece down with the audience before performing it, in order to create a more casual experience than a traditional night out at the orchestra.

Day of Music

To mark the anniversary, The VSO has organized a host of free family activities as part of its Day of Music.

It will include more than 1,000 musicians, performing 12 hours of music, on 10 different stages across the city.

And there will be opportunities for those itching to release their inner musician with free lessons, workshops, instrument petting zoos and more.

"We've been here for so many years and have enjoyed making music and this is our gift back," said Tausk.

Tweeddale says the event will also feature many up-and-coming Vancouver artists.

"There is a vibrancy here we think that maybe people here take for granted and we're going to shine a big spotlight on it," said Tweeddale.

You can listen to the full interview below;