Music, Opera, & Theatre
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Since its opening in spring 1997, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned an international reputation for its striking design and stellar acoustics. Artists, critics and patrons alike are unanimous in their praise of the multi-faceted facility, winning it a place among North America's premier performing arts venues.
Inside, the Chan boasts three unique venues:
- the superb Chan Shun Concert Hall
- the flexible Telus Studio Theatre, and
- the intimate Royal Bank Cinema
All share a spectacular glass lobby, which faces a mature evergreen forest and small outdoor patio.
The Chan Centre's mandate is twofold: to meet the needs of the UBC community and to provide for local and visiting arts enthusiasts an acoustically superior, medium-sized concert hall.
The Chan presents a full concert season each year while also maintaining its reputation as one of Vancouver's prime rental locations for lively arts productions, lectures, conferences, recording projects, and film and television shoots. On the academic front, UBC music, theatre, and film students have access to topnotch venues throughout the school year, be it for rehearsals, performances, or film screenings.
A variety of events are offered year-round to the public, from classical recitals and jazz concerts, to avant-garde theatre and opera productions, to folk and world music.
Some of the world-renowned performers who have graced the stage of the Chan Shun Concert Hall over the past few years are Ben Heppner, Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, the Kronos Quartet, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Blind Boys of Alabama, to name only a few. The concert season presented by The Chan typically starts in September and runs until May.
UBC School of Music
The UBC School of Music has lots of music for you!
Concerts: FREE and nearly free
From full symphony orchestra and staged operas to intimate jazz and chamber music, including performances by our world-class faculty, we have something for just about every musical taste. Open to the public, most concerts are held at the 289 seat Recital Hall in the Music Building or 1200 seat Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Many concerts are free the remaining prices range from $4 -$22.
Fully staged operas and special events
The UBC Opera Ensemble produces two fully staged operas each season with 4 performances of each production at the Chan Centre and each year there is a large orchestra and choral concert. Tickets to these events are $12 - $22 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Chan Centre ticket office.
Pacific Spirit Concerts is divided into two series:
| Series | Faculty Artists Series |
|---|---|
| Description | The Faculty Artists concerts, in a shortened format, are without intermission to provide you with a late Sunday afternoon musical retreat. They are followed by light appetizers in the foyer to ease you into your evening |
| Venue | Recital Hall, Music Building [map] |
| Tickets | $20 adults / $10 students & seniors |
| Series | International Artists Series |
|---|---|
| Description | The International Artists Series, with free admission, are full-length concerts presented in partnership with international cultural agencies. |
| Venue | Recital Hall, Music Building [map] |
| Tickets | Free |
Wedneday Noon Concerts, held most Wednesdays during the academic year, feature faculty artists, local and visiting guest artist. The series offers a wide spectrum of musical styles including classical, world and jazz. Venue: Recital Hall, Music Building [map]; Tickets: $4 at the door. For more information, visit School of Music - Wednesday Noon Hour Concerts >>
Masterclasses are held throughout the academic year. The School is very fortunate to have several internationally recognized guest artists visiting Vancouver to perform with the Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Recital Society or other presenter give masterclasses to our students while in the City. Most of these classes are open to the public. For more information, visit School of Music - Masterclasses >>
Theatre at UBC
Theatre Season and Extra Events!
From the leading edge of new theatre practice and Vancouver stage premieres to classics of the world stage and internationally renowned artists, Theatre at UBC brings it all to you in one thrilling season of work. They produce 6 full length plays as well as many extra events throughout the year. individual tickets range from $5 to $20 and our season ticket package is priced at $60 for seniors, $80 for students and $100 for regular admission.
As an integral part of one of the world’s great research universities, Theatre at UBC invites you into their working labs: the historic Frederic Wood Theatre [map], TELUS Studio Theatre [map] and Dorothy Somerset Studio Theatre [map]. The department’s undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, guest artists and visiting companies transform theory into performance before your eyes.
Expect the extraordinary and you’ll be prepared to receive a season of highly intelligent, passionately prepared, innovative and risk-taking work. See the future of theatre today–see Theatre at UBC!
Film at UBC
Lights, Camera – Action!
Throughout the year special screenings of films by students and award winning alumni are offered to the public. For details about exciting events and celebrity speakers please visit Film at UBC.