Editor’s choice

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents From Russia With Love

Love, we suppose, is better than sacks of cash and a concerted effort to undermine what’s left of democracy south of the border—and that’s why we wholeheartedly endorse the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s unexpectedly timely venture east of the former Iron Curtain. From Russia With Love finds fiery new VSO assistant conductor William Rowson (above) stepping in for Bramwell Tovey, and Bard on the Beach’s Christopher Gaze hosting an evening of excerpts from such classics as Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird, Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. Here’s hoping that when it comes to Russia, a waving baton trumps a rattling sabre.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents From Russia With Love at the Orpheum on Thursday (November 17).

High five

Five events you just can’t miss this week

Juxtapoz x Superflat

Memes, anime, Mark Ryden, and even Big Bird—exhibitions don’t get much cooler.
To February 5 at the Vancouver Art Gallery

Brothel #9

A moving story of sexual slavery in Kolkata.
November 17 to 27 at the Cultch’s Vancity Culture Lab

Avenue Q

If you’ve never seen this crude puppet show, prepare to laugh yourself silly.
November 17 to December 31 at the Arts Club Granville Island Stage

Layers of Influence

An eye-pleasing survey of clothing, and its roles, from around the world.
November 17 to April 9 at the Museum of Anthropology

SnackArt Collective

Ten vending machines selling 1,400 images, each for the price of a bag of chips.
To December 2 at the Pendulum Gallery