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City Drinks- An Evening in Shaughnessy with Maestro Bramwell Tovey

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND, 7PM – 10PM

If you've always wanted to spend some time in a heritage mansion, why not support Vancouver Heritage Foundation by attending our City Drinks fundraiser in an elegant gathering in Shaughnessy. Join us for an exclusive evening at Disher House, an impressive 1912 Shaughnessy home recently featured in Homes & Living magazine and on the 2012 Heritage House Tour. Built for John Binns Johnson, local financier, it is one of the only homes in Vancouver to be attributed to Architect Paul Phipps (1880-1953). "A talented British-trained architect who was briefly active in Victoria and Vancouver, Phipps was born in New York City but attended Eton College, Windsor and Balliol College, Oxford. He articled with Sir Edwin Lutyens, the leading Edwardian architect in England at the turn of the century, spending three years in his office from 1901 to 1904. Phipps began his own practice in London in 1904, and arrived in Canada in early 1911, residing in Victoria, BC. Phipps left Canada in 1913 or 1914, and served overseas during WWI, then returned to England, working in the firm Milne & Phipps beginning in 1919." (Don Luxton, Building the West: The Early Architects of BC, 2007).

Savour the details of the Disher House (named after the family who lived there from 1916-1972) with intricate plaster work and original woodwork throughout. Imagine Vancouver 100 years ago, in this stunning setting and enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and a silent auction of items from local donors. You’ll also hear from the homeowner about the history of the house and be able to chat with other heritage supporters.

We are also excited to announced that we are welcoming a special guest, Maestro Bramwell Tovey, conductor, composer, and Music Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since 2000, will share his time and talent with a brief piano performance during the evening. "Tovey, who moved in 1989 from England to Winnipeg – where he created the New Music Festival – is also the founding host and conductor of the New York Philharmonic’s annual Summertime Classics festival at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center; and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s principal guest conductor at the Hollywood Bowl, where he leads the summer classical subscription series. He has worked with many other orchestras as a guest conductor. He was named to the Order of Canada, and inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame (in 2013)." (Vancouver Sun, November 29, 2013).

You and a small group of heritage enthusiasts will be able to mingle in the living hall, parlour, dining room, billiards room, kitchen and library (and if weather permits, the terrace). The rooms are furnished to emphasize different styles from the early decades of the home with antiques chosen carefully for both thematic accuracy and beauty.

Space is limited and all proceeds support VHF's educational programming.

Click to purchase a ticket TICKETS $100 (INCLUDES A $50 CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT)

This special evening is made possible with support from: Secret Garden Tea Company, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Vancouver musicians James Danderfer and Miles Black, and local businesses who have generously donated to the silent auction. VHF is particularly grateful to the owners of this remarkable home for hosting us.