Looking for a special family outing that combines beautiful music, culture and inspiration? Families are invited to experience the 2026 Vancouver International Music Festival-Competition (VIMFC) Gala Concert on Sunday, October 11, at Vancouver’s iconic Orpheum.
Presented by the Canada International Arts & Music Society (CIAMS), the Gala Concert will celebrate talented young musicians from Canada and around the world. Families in the community can attend with complimentary tickets.
The Vancouver International Music Festival-Competition provides young musicians with an opportunity to perform, learn and connect with musicians from around the world.
At the 2026 Gala Concert, audiences will have the chance to hear the Top 3 Winners from each of four major categories:
Performers range in age from under 8 to 35 years old, making this a particularly inspiring event for young music students and families.
For children who are learning an instrument, attending a concert featuring other young musicians can be a wonderful way to see where dedication, practice and a love of music can lead. For families who simply enjoy music, it is also an opportunity to experience a live performance in one of Vancouver’s most celebrated venues.
The Gala will take place at The Orpheum, located at 601 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver.
The historic theatre provides a memorable setting for an afternoon of classical music, and the event offers families an opportunity to introduce children to the experience of attending a live concert in a beautiful performing arts venue.
Whether your child plays piano, violin, guitar, flute or another instrument — or simply loves music — the afternoon is designed to celebrate the dedication and achievements of emerging musicians.
CIAMS has reserved a limited number of complimentary tickets for community members and families.
Each member can request up to six complimentary tickets, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.
After completing the RSVP, complimentary tickets will be sent directly to the email address provided.
📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
📍 The Orpheum, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC
RSVP for Complimentary Gala Tickets
The Gala is presented by the Canada International Arts & Music Society (CIAMS), a charitable organization dedicated to music education, cultural exchange and opportunities for emerging musicians.
Founded in 2017, the Vancouver International Music Festival-Competition brings together young musicians through concerts, workshops, competitions and international cultural programs.
Events like the Gala provide more than an opportunity to hear talented performers. They can also help children see music as something that connects people across ages, cultures and countries.
For young musicians in particular, seeing peers perform on a major stage can be an encouraging reminder that their own musical journey is about more than lessons and practice — it is also about creativity, confidence, connection and sharing their talents with others.
While the Gala tickets are complimentary, families who would like to support CIAMS’s work can make an optional donation.
Donations help support performance opportunities, music education, cultural exchange and artistic development for young musicians. A donation option is available through the Gala RSVP form or at the event.
Tax receipts are available for eligible donations of $25 or more.
Of course, there is no obligation to donate. Simply attending the concert and showing support for these young performers is a meaningful way to participate.
Consider making the Gala part of a special family day in Vancouver. Talk with your children beforehand about the instruments they will hear, explore the history of the Orpheum, or encourage young musicians in your family to think about what it might feel like to perform on a stage themselves.
Most importantly, take the afternoon to sit back, listen and celebrate the accomplishments of young artists from around the world.
Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together — and this Gala offers families the chance to experience that firsthand.
What: 2026 Vancouver International Music Festival-Competition Gala Concert
When: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: The Orpheum, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Who: Top 3 winners from Piano, Strings, Voice and Woodwinds categories
Tickets: Limited complimentary tickets available for community members and families
Maximum: Up to 6 complimentary tickets per member
Registration: First-come, first-served
RSVP for Complimentary Gala Tickets
The 2026 VIMFC Gala Concert is presented by the Canada International Arts & Music Society (CIAMS).
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