The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be swinging through Burnaby and New Westminster as part of its annual series of Christmas concerts.

At Burnaby’s Michael J. Fox Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the orchestra presents its traditional Christmas concert featuring VSO assistant conductor Evan Mitchell and narrated by host Christopher Gaze of Bard on the Beach fame.

Along with the UBC Opera Ensemble and EnChor, they’ll perform carols, heartwarming music and sing-alongs.

Tickets are $34 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available).

Then on Monday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., the VSO heads to New Westminster’s Massey Theatre to perform a program that includes Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as well as works by J.S. Bach, Handel and Purcell. The concert features violinist and Baroque conductor Elizabeth Wallfisch.

Tickets: $25 to $78.50 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available).

For both shows, tickets are available at www.vancouversymphony.ca and 604-876-3434.

New children’s book

Burnaby writer Rena Ghent has just published a new children’s book, The Adventures of Billy the Whale (AuthorHouse), which aims to teach kids about cherishing the qualities that make them unique.

Billy, a young, special Blue Whale who lives off Vancouver Island, feels like an outcast in his pod because he blows rainbows of water and flowers out of his blowhole during stormy and windy weather. He eventually finds he’s not alone and other whales appreciate his special talent.

Rena Ghent was born in England and raised her children in Scotland. She now lives in Burnaby with her husband. She has worked as a gymnastics coach, a secretary, and in private and personal banking. She hopes to eventually publish a book about her journey after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Massey nurtures the arts

The Massey Theatre Society will provide free use of the Massey Theatre to the Vancouver Circus School in May and to the Langley Secondary Fine Arts Program Year End Concert in June as part of its Massey Helps Access Program.

Twice a year, two applicants are selected by the society to encourage new artistic ventures and community events which aren’t already taking place in the theatre. The first priority is given to artistic projects, second to New Westminster based groups, third to youth engaged or oriented projects.

“The projects we selected in this round exemplify the intentions of this program. We know they will attract large crowds and create opportunities for those involved and the community,” said Jessica Schneider, executive director of Massey Theatre. “The Vancouver Circus School is founded and owned by long term New Westminster citizens who are making New Westminster their core location for their school. They do amazing artistic work targeted to and involving youth. It’s a perfect use of the theatre.”

The group will present “Bounce” an interactive performance introducing a number of circus arts to local audiences.

The next application deadline is March 31, 2010 for the period between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2010. Two more recipients will be announced this spring provided the Massey Theatre Society’s lease on the theatre is extended.