Phantom Returns: A Century of Sound

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | June 12, 2025
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Vancouver Civic Theatres and the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs are set to mark a cinematic milestone with a breathtaking presentation of The Phantom of the Opera (1925), celebrating its 100th anniversary on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. This special edition of Silent Movie Mondays revives the haunting magic of Lon Chaney’s silent film masterpiece with an unforgettable live performance.

The evening will feature Canadian composer Andrew Downing’s original score, performed by a 6-piece orchestra, an 80-member symphonic choir, and Vancouver Civic Organist Michael Dirk on the theatre’s legendary Wurlitzer organ. Downing’s score, first introduced in 2013 and adapted again in 2016, infuses new life into the film with evocative lyrics and rich instrumentation.

“When Les Dala of the Vancouver Bach Choir approached me in 2013, I actually already had a pretty improvised score for the Phantom I’d done in 2003,” said Downing in a 2016 interview. “I wrote a whole new score with lyrics.”

To set the scene, doors open at 7:00 p.m. with a lively pre-show performance in the West Coast Lounge by the Gatsby Strutters Jazz Band, transporting guests straight into the roaring 1920s.

🎟️ Tickets range from $42–$62 and can be purchased at vancouvercivictheatres.com or by calling (604) 665-2193.

This immersive event promises a night of vintage glamour, musical excellence, and silent film history brought vividly to life—an unforgettable tribute to a century of Phantom.

Location: Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. (Doors at 7:00 p.m.)

#Phantom 100 #Silent Movie Mondays #Vancouver Events #Live Film Score #Orpheum Theatre #Vancouver Arts #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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