The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra is unique in the world, and uniquely Canadian. It is the only concert orchestra currently in existence that brings together musicians trained in a wide variety of cultural disciplines, to perform new inter-cultural works on a grand scale. In the VICO, violins and flutes rub shoulders with the shakuhachi, the erhu and the sitar.and fertile ground is created for cross-cultural teamwork between classical, jazz and world music artists.

Many smaller ensembles undertake similar collaborations. The VICO, however, boasts a core roster of 24 musicians and at least as many occasional members. Some are trained in the Western (European) classical tradition, while many others are internationally-recognized performers in the musical traditions of cultures from all over the world (Asian, African, East Indian and Middle Eastern, to name only a few).

The VICO provides composers who are passionate about fusing genres and musical traditions with an amazing palette of sounds and musical forms. The possibilities are endless! World premieres of new commissions are routinely part of the VICO's performance schedule, and the orchestra is continually seeking out new opportunities for outreach and collaboration with different individuals and communities.

The VICO's composers and musicians are out on the cutting edge, writing and performing the music of the future. In doing so, they uphold their own vision of globalism in the true and original sense - that is, the coming together of culturally diverse peoples in the acknowledgement of a common purpose.

The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra: a rich tapestry of sound ...a fresh voice in contemporary music ...a force for innovation and diversity.