Andrew Crust conducts Elf in Concert at the VSO, December 20 and 21
Audiences can watch the beloved Christmas film on the big screen while musicians perform John Debney’s original score live
Conductor Andrew Crust.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Elf in Concert at the Orpheum on December 20 and 21 at 7 pm
SOME OF THE most memorable moments in the 2003 blockbuster comedy Elf, widely hailed as one of the best Christmas films of all time, revolve around music.
Take, for example, when Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) saves the day by leading a crowd of carollers through an impromptu rendition of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”, generating enough Christmas spirit to power Santa’s sleigh. Or when lovably naive Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) hears Jovie singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in a department store’s employee showers and starts harmonizing along. (Hilarious? Yes. A little creepy? Also yes).
What better way to experience the film’s laughs during the holidays than by watching it on the big screen while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a live rendition of John Debney’s beloved original score? Elf in Concert will be at the Orpheum on December 20 and 21. Tickets are selling fast for both evenings of the show, which is part of the Movie Nights with the VSO series.
The concert will be conducted by Andrew Crust, who served as associate conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra from 2019 to 2022 and is now music director of both the Lima Symphony Orchestra in Ohio and Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout all of December, the VSO is hosting the Symphony of Giving in partnership with Covenant House Vancouver. A display in the lobby will be set up for guests to donate various personal-care items to youth in need during the holidays. ![]()
Stir editorial assistant Emily Lyth is a Vancouver-based writer and editor who graduated from Langara College’s Journalism program. Her decade of dance training and passion for all things food-related are the foundation of her love for telling arts, culture, and community stories.
Related Articles
Pacific Baroque Orchestra conductor Alexander Weimann says the German-English composer’s oratorio is never the same piece twice
Orchestra’s associate concertmaster Timothy Steeves takes a starring role in the festive violin concertos
Annual program co-presented with Fountains Symposium highlights the work of East and Southeast Asian women, femme, and nonbinary artists
Malcolm Armstrong, Mark Beaty, Meaghan Williams, and Jeff White are gearing up to play four new commissions at the Jericho Arts Centre
With new album The Salish Sea and a “bluegrass concerto” of the same name, the renowned mandolinist and his cohort of virtuoso musicians summon wild elements of the natural world
Featured soloists include soprano Chloe Hurst, mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson, tenor Colin Ainsworth, and baritone Aaron Durand
Annual tradition presented by Nebula Performances features emerging and established artists singing seasonal favourites
Now in his 80s, the veteran folk and blues artist brings his band the Motivators and a fresh collection of gritty, introspective songs to the BlueShore at CapU
Choral music melds with jazz in achingly beautiful, triple Grammy–winning song cycle
Participating artists bring together everything from martial arts and opera to club music and Arabic melodies
At annual holiday offering, choir performs works by Matthew Whittall, Morten Lauridsen, and Joanna Marsh at Pacific Spirit United Church
Performances at Holy Rosary Cathedral and Sanctuary on 6th serve as a break from the bustle of the holiday season
Artistic director Cassie Luftspring has curated a program of Elektra favourites, new commissions, and pieces with personal meaning
Singer-songwriter has performed with the likes of Steve Earle, B.B. King, Seal, and Al Green
Quartet consists of vocalist-drummer Denzal Sinclaire, Hammond B3 organist Chris Gestrin, tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds, and guitarist Bill Coon
Festive tradition features the choir’s hallmark mix of traditional carols, world premieres, and reimagined winter classics
The local arts and culture scene has bright gifts in store this season, from music by candlelight to wintry ballets
Performances, workshops, and artist talks are in store as part of Notebook SEASON ♪ 2025
Concert proves a rare opportunity to see the acoustic-guitar master in a full-band setting with the Motivators
Spellbinding concert features the Pacific Baroque Orchestra along with soloists Myriam Leblanc, Cecilia Duarte, Jacob Perry, and Sumner Thompson

Beloved Mozart work features fantastical characters and a killer Queen of the Night aria