The current VSO was founded by the Vancouver Symphony Society in 1919, largely through the efforts of arts patron Elisabeth (Mrs.

There was an earlier but unrelated orchestra using the same name was formed in 1897 by Adolf Gregory, but lasted for only one season; it was briefly revived in 1907 by Charles Ward.

Performances resumed in 1930, again largely because of Rogers, with Allard de Ridder as music director.

[2] However, in spite of a CBC recording contract, a quarterly magazine and an ambitious touring schedule, the VSO began to encounter financial difficulties.

The orchestra began an annual series of outdoor summer concerts and in 1996 appointed their first composer in residence.

[6] The VSO and Tovey won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra), for their recording of the Korngold, Barber, and Walton violin concerti, featuring Canadian violinist James Ehnes.

The recording won a 2008 Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year (large ensemble).