Vancouver Opera Orchestra

Accompanying the Nutcracker Live at Each Performance

Vancouver is fortunate to be home to one of only two professional opera orchestras in Canada. The Vancouver Opera Orchestra was established in 1977, replacing an orchestra made up of members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Comprised of the region’s leading freelance players, the VO Orchestra has developed into a fine ensemble that has taken the specialized and demanding art of pit performance to a very high level. Several of the current roster of musicians were in the pit for the orchestra’s inaugural performances, in 1977, of Massenet’s Le Roi de Lahore, starring Joan Sutherland and conducted by founding Music Director Richard Bonynge. There have since been two music directors: David Agler (1992-1999) and Jonathan Darlington (2002 to the present).

Adonis Daukaev Drosselmeyer

Right from the curtain rising through the following two hours of the outstanding production, surprise and delight followed one after another.

Vancouver Sun

Frequently Asked Questions

When do tickets go on sale for The Nutcracker?

Tickets usually go on sale in the late Summer each year for the following December. You can check the homepage of this website to check if they are currently on sale.

Are there discounted tickets for Seniors, Children, Students or large groups?

There are discounted tickets for Seniors (65 years and up) and Children (0-12 years old) available on the Ticketmaster.ca site. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more, please contact us via Nutcracker@GohBallet.com for details.

What is the policy on late seating?

Show policy is latecomers will not be seated until Intermission. Exceptions will be considered in cases of inclement weather, parking issues and/or box office delays. Please try your best to be on time.

Can a small child sit on my lap during the performance?

For fire and building safety reasons the theatre does not allow children in laps, and each person in the theatre must have a ticket. We recommend the show for children 3 years old and up.

I am bringing a child to the ballet and I am afraid that they will have trouble seeing over people’s heads. Is there anything that I can do?

Yes – Booster cushions are available at the theatre for free to help children view the ballet without obstruction.

What should I wear?

Although there is no dress code, it is recommended that you dress out of respect for the dancers. Most patrons wear “business attire” (men: coat and tie, women: dresses or dress pants) or “dressy casual”.

Does the theatre have an elevator?

Yes — the theatre has an elevator and ushers are happy to assist you in finding your section and seats.

Is handicap-accessible seating available?

Yes. There is handicap and wheelchair accessible seating at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For more information contact Ticketmaster 1.855.985.5000 for more information and to purchase your tickets.