Sinfonia, Orchestra of the North Shore, was officially launched on October 14, 2000. Founding Music Director Clyde Mitchell will forever be proud of the fact that this first concert was for families and children, featuring local children's entertainers Laurel and Jan (The Ladybugs) and consisted entirely of Canadian music.

Twelve years later, the re-branded Lions Gate Sinfonia has performed dozens of works by Canadian composers, as well as well-known classical masterworks. Classical solo vocalists, as well as pop and jazz vocalists and choral groups, ranging from intimate chamber choirs to 180-strong full choruses, have played major roles in our programming from cantatas, masses, and operatic excerpts to the joyful sounds of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Lions Gate Sinfonia's stable core of professional union musicians includes the most respected musicians from the British Columbia music scene, including former members of the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, the CBC Radio Orchestra. 

We invite you to explore some of the exciting community connections and educational initiatives we have created over the years. Please click on the tool bar above to find out more about the launch of the Lions Gate Youth Orchestra and our collaboration with Cascadia Society.

Lions Gate Sinfonia also reaches out to diverse audiences across the region through special community performances. As we are committed to enriching people's lives through music's extraordinary power to communicate and inspire, Lions Gate Sinfonia has performed at the Carnegie Library in downtown Vancouver, at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, at the West Vancouver Senior Activity Centre, the John Braithwaite Community Centre in North Vancouver, and the Cascadia Adult Special Needs Home.

Festivals and special events have included North Vancouver’s annual Symphony at the Pier, a free outdoor concert in partnership with the Lower Lonsdale Business Association (LLBA) and participation in Culture Days at West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Centre for the past two seasons.  Other community appearances have included the Harmony Arts Festival, West Vancouver Community Days and Canada Day celebrations.  

Supporters and Volunteers

Lions Gate Sinfonia’s extensive programming is possible through the generous support of donors, sponsors, public funding programs and volunteers.  To learn more about supporting Lions Gate Sinfonia, visit our Giving page.

Our Mission: Through the art of music, we share emotionally engaging experiences with audiences of all generations for the purpose of learning and the pleasure of listening.

Our Vision: Our organization strives to be an integral part of our community, valued for fostering innovative collaborations, mentoring youth, engaging diverse audiences, and inspiring a more musical community.