Going to the Orpheum to watch the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is always a special experience. Built in 1927, The Orpheum might be the most beautiful building in Vancouver and is one of North America’s great vaudeville era theatres (with a world-class organ to boot). But how can you JACK up the Orpheum? Well, how about with a symphonic tribute to the music of Prince courtesy the VSO!?

 

Thank you @vsorchestra for a wonderful Prince tribute last night at the Orpheum! We ???? Prince.

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Last night the VSO teamed up with vocalist Mackenizie Green and a group of supremely talented musicians (including Prince’s former NPG bassist Andrew Gouche) to pay tribute to the Purple One and it was as funky as a symphony can get! They plowed through Prince’s biggest hits including “Purple Rain, “Delirious”, “Diamonds & Pearls, “Little Red Corvette”, “1999”, “When Doves Cry” and more and the crowd danced along essentially the entire time (only taking breaks during the small handful of slower songs).

Green stole the show and kept the energy sky high. He had Prince’s energy, sexuality and signature sound down pat. It was also a special treat to hear bassist Andrew Gouche reminisce about his time playing with Prince and what an honour it was to collaborate with the icon. Check out their performance of the song that had EVERYONE out of their seat, “1999”.

 

How great does that sound with the brilliant VSO playing along? It’s also a testament to Prince’s incredible songwriting abilities that his music could be so seamlessly interpreted by a symphony orchestra. Superb job done by conductor Bill Rowson and every member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Especially the guy rocking the wood block!

The VSO plans on hosting more of these tribute performances in the future so if you see one for your favourite artist, we highly recommend you check it out.

Filed under: Orpheum, Prince, Vancouver, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra