Auditions for 2026-27 String Ensembles and Chamber Groups are now closed. If you have questions about joining a String Ensemble and/or Chamber Group, please contact our Registration Team.
The VSO School of Music’s youth string ensembles are a uniquely supportive and friendly space for young people to build ensemble skills, challenge themselves musically, and experience unforgettable performance, masterclass, coaching and social opportunities. The ensembles are known as much for their jovial camaraderie as their commitment to excellence.
String ensembles meet weekly on Saturdays to rehearse a variety of music including specialized arrangements tailored to each group’s level. They enjoy an array of opportunities, including side-by-side and pre-concert appearances with the VSO; masterclasses with international guest artists; concerts in the Orpheum Theatre and other celebrated venues around Vancouver; collaborations with the VSO School’s jazz and world music departments; coachings with VSO principal players; weekend intensive retreats and much more.
Ensemble Levels
- Minuetto: RCM 1-3, Suzuki book 1-3
- Preludio: RCM level 2-5, Suzuki book 2-4
- Intermezzo: RCM level 6-8, Suzuki book 5-7. Ages 9-13
- Concertante: RCM level 6-8, Suzuki book 5-7. Ages 11-16
- Sinfonietta: RCM level 9 (advanced) – ARCT. Suzuki book 7-10
Please note that these levels are guidelines only. There will be some overlapping and/or exceptions.
Youth String Ensemble rehearsal times and dates (2026-2027)
| Minuetto | Saturdays, 1:15-2:15 PM | $980 |
| Preludio | Saturdays, 2:30-3:45 PM | $900 |
| Intermezzo | Saturdays, 12:45-2:15 PM | $1,080 |
| Concertante | Saturdays, 4:00-5:30 PM | $1,080 |
| Sinfonietta | Saturdays, 9:15-11:15 AM | $1,440 |
Instructor for Intermezzo & Sinfonietta is Carla Birston; Nadia Petriw for Minuetto, Preludio, & Concertante.
VSO School of Music Strings Retreat
As part of our ensemble program, the students will also participate in the String Retreat. During the camp students will partake in ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, camp activities, and games planned by the student ensemble leaders. Camp is a very fun and educational experience that always becomes a highlight for our students in the ensembles.
This program is part of The Tovey Centre for Music
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