The Vancouver Oratorio Society (VOS) is a musical non-profit organization. Under its umbrella is the VOS Chorus, VOS Chamber Singers and VOS Chamber Orchestra.

The Vancouver Oratorio Society is a group of talented Christian singers and musicians. They perform sacred music at venues and events in the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver Oratorio Choir

Founded in 1991, the Vancouver Oratorio Society is a group of vocalists that perform classical religious music. The choir consists of more than 90 members from over 50 different churches in the Metro Vancouver region. Everyone involved passed an audition.

The group is both skilled and experienced. Conductors include Kemuel Wong, Cecilia Chueh and Neville To. Together, their mission is to present the Gospel of Christianity by praising and glorifying God through their music.

The non-profit organization hosts two big concerts most years. They also perform at a variety of other events, sometimes collaborating with other individuals and groups.

2024 Concerts

The Oratorio Society usually puts on one concert in the spring or early summer and another during the Christmas season, along with a couple more small performances in between. Details about their 2024 concerts are listed below.

Sanctuary Spring Concert (June 9th, 2024)

The Vancouver Oratorio Society’s spring/early summer concert took place on Sunday, June 9th this year. It was at the Evangelical Chinese Bible Church at 5110 Marine Drive in Burnaby. The concert began at 7:30 pm.

The event featured a performance of “Sanctuary – A Cantata of Hope and Peace” by Joseph Martin. Members of the Vancouver Oratorio Society sang sacred pieces with live music played by the VOS Chamber Orchestra and pianist Susan Chan. Conducted by Kemuel Wong and Nevil To, the concert was free to attend. Donations, however, were appreciated.

For the choir’s official website, visit vancouveroratorio.org.

Christmas Concert (December 1st, 2024)

The choir’s Winter Concert this year takes place on Sunday, December 1st. It happens at the Evangelical Chinese Bible Church in Burnaby. Like the spring concert, it begins at 7:30 pm and is free to attend.

The headlining piece in this concert is “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi. There are a number of other Christmas choral songs picked out by VOS members. Some of them are sung in English, and some are sung in Chinese. The concert is once again conducted by Kemuel Wong and Nevil To.

Other Concerts

This year, there’s likely to be a second mini-concert in December. Assuming it happens, it will take place at the Finnish Bethel Church, located at 1920 Argyle Drive in Vancouver. Additional details are to be determined as of September.

The choir also typically performs a spring show at the same location in April. The 2024 show was on April 6th and also featured another performance of Joseph Martin’s “Sanctuary”.