Chan Centre

C’est loin du centre mais ça en vaut la peine! Très moderne, confortable, bonne acoustique. J’ai vraiment apprécié le concert de l’orchestre symphonique de UBC. Un seul bémol: j’ai eu froid pendant tout le concert!

Acoustics here are incredible, man! Before this venue, I never knew orchestras could sound so good. I shuddered in awe at the intensity of the orchestra as an ensemble but was luckily also able to distinctly isolate the unique parts, whether it be the different strings, brass, woodwinds, etc.
I had the pleasure of hearing the World Doctors Orchestra at this venue in Vancouver as well as in Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. To my ears, I think Chan Centre’s sound signature is more to my liking except for the fact I thought piano cut through more in the Benaroya performance (in a pleasant way). However, this may very well be due to different positioning for the piano in relation to the orchestra or another unforseen factor, so it is difficult to make an all else equal comparison.
Regardless, I recommend Chan Centre as a worthwhile place to enjoy an orchestra concert. Give the place a shot when you’re in the area.

Venue ok. Looks beautiful. Seats are pretty tight. I find the staff useless and rude all the times I went. I’m glad I don’t have to go here often.

Wow the acoustics in this room are epic, what a space!
I attended an instrumental concert at the Chan Centre last night and had a lovely experience from start to finish. Parking as others are noting is close by, parkade or cheeky pay parking lots (which we didn’t) if you care to risk it. Nice staff, large open concept washrooms, diligent pages and chill, warm lighting. If you are looking to really enjoy the acoustics of any performance, this is the location for you!

Well, parking, beautifully decorated and comfortable chairs. Nice staff. Nothing much else to add. It’s a good place to watch a performance.

I had my graduation here! It’s beautiful and expansive. Photos were taken in the rose garden prior too, and after the event. The womens bathrooms are so utterly cool! The seating inside the auditorium is comfortable enough, and the giant screen will display your photo (or anything else for other events) as you walk up. I was sitting in the second row with my graduating class, however the view from the balcony would be much more beautiful as you could get the whole view of the majestic space.

I love this venue. It is a modern facility but what I like about it is the 3 level tiered side balconies. This is very similar to the old European set up. I don’t think there is another three tiered balcony in Vancouver.
The real bonus is the back balcony! It is behind the stage. Wow oh Wow (sounding like Usher)!! I purposely sat in the back once to see that pianist rock star from China, Lang Lang play La Campanella from the Paganini Etudes. He was effing amazing to watch. His fingers blazed on the keyboard and he didn’t miss a note.
The acoustics are wonderful and I’ve been here for operas, professional performances, as well as student performances.

Great venue. Beautiful surroundings.

I’ve been here a number of times to watch concerts, speakers (Romeo Dallaire, Mohammad Yunus, Dan Savage to name a few), and every time I’ve had a good experience. The seats are comfortable enough to sleep in (temporarily). The sound is pretty good. And the décor is nice. I think the next time I will be here is when I say adieu to this university as a student!

Beautiful Centre that Chan built for performing arts. A great excuse to get all dressed up and go out on a date. I wonder if Chan has to EVER purchase tickets again. Or does he have a seat only he can sit on it?

As a UBC Alumni, I have a special place in my heart for the Chan Centre. I use to daydream out the window in the arts building beside it and always think how great it would be to go there instead of being in class. At convocation, the long walkway into the centre was beautiful, and the entire area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees ans blooming flowers.
The auditorium is vast and the accoustics are great for opera and choral performances. At Christmas time, the annual concert is always sold out. The stage is very spacious as well. The neatest thing is probably the women’s washrooms, so cool. All concrete, the grey and glass bathroom is circular with a communal wash area in the middle. Chrome and shiny all over, the lighting is ideal.

I get excited at the idea of going to the Chan Centre for a performance. There’s something special about walking down the flight of stairs from Crescent Road to the lobby.
It’s similar to the way church architects make the doors quite small to enhance the effect of the ornate and vaulted ceilings. It gives us commoners the feeling of reaching heaven, I’ve had tour guides tell me.
So I’d liken going to the Chan Centre to this same sense of discovery — entering the rabbit hole only to discover an entire warren of tunnels, rooms and warm space.
The Chan Centre is a beautiful building and welcomes musicians who make beautiful music. And how about the women’s washroom! It’s worth the visit alone. See it here: