Performing Artists
Application Fees: All application fees for the Performing Artists program are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for the Performing Artists program are non-refundable and must be paid in full within ten (10) days of acceptance into the program.
Outstanding Balances: If a participant's balance remains outstanding one month prior to the start of the festival, Vancouver Piano Sessions (VPS) reserves the right to revoke their admission. The participant will not be permitted to take part in any festival activities, lessons, masterclasses, or performances.
Deferrals: If a participant pays the tuition fee but is unable to attend the festival that year, the tuition may be deferred for a maximum of one (1) calendar year. If the participant does not attend the following year, the deferred tuition is permanently forfeited. Application fees are not eligible for deferral.
Travel and Accommodation: VPS does not provide travel arrangements, transportation, or lodging for participants. Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel and accommodation. VPS may suggest housing options, including partner accommodations with negotiated rates, but does not guarantee availability or pricing.
Performance Recording and Photography: By participating in the VPS Performing Artists program, participants (or their parent/legal guardian, if the participant is under 18) agree to the following terms regarding media captured during VPS festival activities, lessons, masterclasses, and performances:
consent: Participants voluntarily grant Vancouver Piano Sessions (VPS) and its partners, sponsors, and authorized media affiliates permission to capture, record, photograph, broadcast, and livestream their voice, image, and performances during VPS events.
ownership: VPS retains full ownership and copyright of all media captured or recorded during VPS events. Participants waive any rights or claims to compensation, royalties, or attribution beyond standard credit at VPS's discretion.
usage: VPS may use, reproduce, distribute, and publish such media in any current or future media format, including but not limited to social media platforms, websites, print publications, promotional materials, press releases, advertisements, broadcasts, and streaming services, in perpetuity, for promotional, archival, and educational purposes.
release: Participants release VPS and its representatives, partners, sponsors, and authorized media affiliates from any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to the use, reproduction, distribution, or publication of media captured or recorded during VPS events.
confidentiality: While VPS will make reasonable efforts to ensure the appropriate use of media, VPS cannot guarantee that media will not be copied or used by third parties without authorization.
revocation: Participants may revoke this consent at any time by providing official written notice to VPS at info@vancouverpianosessions.com. Revocation will not affect any prior use or publication of media occurring before VPS receives the notice.
Concerto Competition
Application Fees: All application fees for the VPS Concerto Competition are strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
Repertoire: All competitors who advance to the final round, as well as the six winners performing at the VPS Gala Concert, must perform the same concerto movement submitted in their preliminary round application. No repertoire changes will be permitted at any stage of the competition.
Travel and Accommodation: Vancouver Piano Sessions (VPS) does not provide travel arrangements, transportation, or lodging for any competitor at any stage of the competition. Competitors are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel and accommodation.
Practice and Rehearsal Space: VPS will provide each finalist with access to practice space (up to two hours per day) and rehearsal space (up to one hour per day) prior to the final round. Additional time may be made available subject to scheduling and venue availability, but cannot be guaranteed.
Accompanist: VPS can assist finalists in identifying a second-piano accompanist for the final round, upon request. Any associated accompanist fees are the sole responsibility of the competitor and are not covered by VPS.
Jury Decisions: All decisions of the preliminary jury and final jury are final. No appeals or reconsiderations will be entertained.
Performance Recording and Photography: By participating in the VPS Performing Artists program, participants (or their parent/legal guardian, if the participant is under 18) agree to the following terms regarding media captured during VPS festival activities, lessons, masterclasses, and performances:
consent: Participants voluntarily grant Vancouver Piano Sessions (VPS) and its partners, sponsors, and authorized media affiliates permission to capture, record, photograph, broadcast, and livestream their voice, image, and performances during VPS events.
ownership: VPS retains full ownership and copyright of all media captured or recorded during VPS events. Participants waive any rights or claims to compensation, royalties, or attribution beyond standard credit at VPS's discretion.
usage: VPS may use, reproduce, distribute, and publish such media in any current or future media format, including but not limited to social media platforms, websites, print publications, promotional materials, press releases, advertisements, broadcasts, and streaming services, in perpetuity, for promotional, archival, and educational purposes.
release: Participants release VPS and its representatives, partners, sponsors, and authorized media affiliates from any liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to the use, reproduction, distribution, or publication of media captured or recorded during VPS events.
confidentiality: While VPS will make reasonable efforts to ensure the appropriate use of media, VPS cannot guarantee that media will not be copied or used by third parties without authorization.
revocation: Participants may revoke this consent at any time by providing official written notice to VPS at info@vancouverpianosessions.com. Revocation will not affect any prior use or publication of media occurring before VPS receives the notice.
ticketing ordering procedures
Customers are not limited in the number of tickets they wish to purchase at full price, subject to availability.
Orders are processed by the Vancouver Piano Sessions in the order in which they are received.
Group reservations are possible once the ticket office has opened to the general public, under the same terms and conditions as single tickets. For group reservations of more than 10 people, organizers may contact the VPS Ticket Office directly to discuss special arrangements.
Patrons requiring accessible seating or accommodations are asked to contact the Ticket Office directly to ensure adequate seating arrangements.
prices & payments methods
All prices are indicated in CAD (Canadian Dollars) and include applicable taxes.
Prices indicated are based on the rates in force at the time of the order. The Vancouver Piano Sessions reserves the right to modify concert prices at any time. Modifications will not affect the price of orders that have already been confirmed.
Reduced price tickets or promotions from our partners cannot be combined.
Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express) and bank transfers to the Foundation's account.
Online payments are processed securely. All information is encrypted before transmission. Once tickets have been paid for, no changes or refunds will be accepted.
Ticket Orders & Issuing
If seats in the requested category are no longer available, VPS may offer seats in an alternative category, subject to the customer’s prior agreement.
Tickets will be issued as soon as payment is confirmed. VPS cannot be held responsible for the loss, theft, or delay in the delivery of physical tickets.
Tickets may be delivered electronically (print-at-home or mobile ticket) or collected at the venue box office during the festival.
In the event of lost or damaged tickets, duplicates can be issued by the ticket office. The issuance of a duplicate immediately invalidates the original ticket.
festival program changes
As the program is established well in advance, the Vancouver Piano Sessions reserves the right to modify the programme, including performing artists, if necessary or if conditions prevent the planned concert from taking place. These changes do not entitle ticket holders to a refund.
Only the definitive cancellation of a concert by VPS grants the right to a refund. The face value of the ticket will be refunded upon request and presentation of the ticket/proof of purchase. Refund requests must be received no later than the date of the canceled concert.
If a concert is interrupted after reaching the halfway point of its duration, tickets will not be refunded.
Ticket Use, Exchange, and Refunds
Tickets cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded, even in the event of loss or theft.
Any resale of a ticket at a price higher than its face value is strictly forbidden.
The buyer assumes full responsibility for their ticket. Each ticket contains a unique barcode or QR code that will be scanned at the entrance, admitting only the first person to present it. Duplicating or counterfeiting tickets is prohibited.
Tickets may not be used for promotional or commercial purposes without the specific written agreement of the Vancouver Piano Sessions.
admissions conditions
Each ticket entitles the holder to one seat only.
Out of respect for the audience and the artists, latecomers will only be admitted during an appropriate pause in the performance, as directed by VPS ushers. Tiered seating is no longer guaranteed for late arrivals.
The Vancouver Piano Sessions reserves the right to deny admission without refund to any ticket holder or participant whose attire is deemed inappropriate for the event venues. Please note that shorts are strictly prohibited. This applies to all attendees, with particular emphasis on events and performances held at Christ Church Cathedral.
Tickets cease to be valid once the holder exits the venue.
It is strictly forbidden to photograph, film, or record performances, masterclasses, and rehearsals without prior official media authorization.
Mobile phones must be silenced or switched off during all concerts and masterclasses.
Claims and Jurisdiction
Refund requests based on extreme medical circumstances are not automatically granted. They will be reviewed by the VPS Team strictly upon presentation of a valid medical certificate. Only the person named on the medical certificate may claim a refund for their specific ticket or fee.
Any claims, complaints, or notifications of address changes must be submitted in writing to: Vancouver Sessions of Piano Foundation 105 – 1620 Haro St Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1G7 Canada info@vancouverpianosessions.com
In the event of any dispute concerning the execution of this contract, the sales process, or participation in the festival, the courts of British Columbia, Canada, shall have sole jurisdiction.