“We do not need words to move in the same direction. We can do anything, in agreement and harmony, if we do it together. It really is possible. It is called music. Please join us for our 2023/24 Season and explore the great things we can achieve by moving together.” – Christian Kluxen, VS Music Director
This season is underwritten in part by generous gifts from Terry Scandrett & Angela Bassage
SEASON OPENING: KLUXEN – PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Natexa Verbrugge and Commodore & Mrs. Jan Drent
Jonathan Crow underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
JONATHAN CROW, violin
R. Strauss: Don Juan
Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
Prepare to be enchanted! Christian Kluxen showcases the seductive charms of Richard Strauss and the dark beauty of Sibelius, the latter in the company of the B.C.-born concertmaster of the TSO, Jonathan Crow. Then promenade through the pictures framed by the imagination of Mussorgsky in an exhibition of musical majesty!
STAR TREK, STAR WARS, AND BEYOND
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik
Saturday, September 23, 7:30 pm
Sunday, September 24, 2:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
Journey to a galaxy far, far away and go where no one has gone before. The music of Star Wars and Star Trek transports us to literally another world and lets us live out the adventures of our wildest imaginations. Legendary composers like John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Michael Giacchino create the soundtrack to an evening that’s out of this world!
KLUXEN – RAVEL AND HAYDN
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Arin Sarkissian underwritten by Helen Stuart
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
ARIN SARKISSIAN, flute
Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin
Nielsen: Flute Concerto
Varèse: Density 21.5
Haydn: Symphony No. 85 in B-flat major, “La reine”
A platinum performance awaits in a concert with Parisian ties. Ravel’s Tombeau pays tribute to both the Baroque, and to fallen comrades of WWI. Ravel was in the audience at the Salle Gaveau when Nielsen’s neo-classical concerto was premiered in 1926. Principal flutist Arin Sarkissian also polishes up some avant-garde Varèse. We close in the classical era with one of Haydn’s six “Paris” symphonies, No. 85, which earned its nickname as a favourite of Marie Antoinette, the pre-revolutionary Queen of France.
CLASSICAL KIDS – VIVALDI’S RING OF MYSTERY
Concert underwritten by Sheridan Scott & David Zussman
MAESTRO JOEY, conductor
CLASSICAL KIDS, guest performers
Vivaldi, Venice, and violins: all three are celebrated in Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, a compelling mystery story about an orphan girl in the early 1700s who is in search of her roots. Audiences will enjoy excerpts from Vivaldi’s most popular and important works, including the Four Seasons, the Violin Concerto in A minor, and the Guitar Concerto. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors solve a mystery built around the historic context of the composer’s real life and his school of the Pieta. This exciting concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length.
BACH, RAMEAU, AND RESPIGHI (19+)
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series underwritten by Suzanne and John Stewart
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series is presented by Vessel Liquor
Concert underwritten by Matthew White & Catherine Webster
Wednesday, October 25, 7:30 pm
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 1
Rameau: Dardanus Suite
Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 4
A three-concert series of smaller scale orchestral programs presented in the intimate setting of Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School. Ticket price includes wine tastings and a post-concert after party with artists on stage. Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia kicks off this new series with a selection of Baroque and Baroque-inspired favourites. Join the Victoria Symphony for a unique and intimate exploration.
*VS Onstage @ Denford Hall concerts are not included in subscription purchase discount
HARRY POTTER AND LITERARY THRILLERS
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Saturday, October 28, 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 29, 2:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
Harry Potter is a phenomenon like no other and has defined the transformation of the printed page to the silver screen. Experience some of the greatest literary stories coming to life in music. From Vampires and Werewolves to Peter Pan, Hobbits and everything in between, this magical evening will surely inspire your literary imagination.
BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by the Potash Family Foundation
KALENA BOVELL, conductor
ALAN LIU, guitar
Cassandra Miller: Premiere VS/VSO co-commission with the support of Hugh Davidson Fund at the Victoria Foundation
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A major
Kalena Bovell has a distinctive voice as a maestra, speaker, and poet. The Panamanian-American conductor is an Awardee of the 2022-2024 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, and serves as Assistant Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. She premieres a VS/VSO co-commission by the Metchosin-born composer Cassandra Miller and welcomes the award-winning B.C. guitarist Alan Liu for courtly dances in the Concierto de Aranjuez. Wagner proclaimed the praises of Beethoven’s Seventh, calling it the “apotheosis of the dance” for its endless and varied rhythmic drive.
JURASSIC PARK™ IN CONCERT
Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by the Potash Family Foundation
Thursday, November 9, 7:30 pm
Friday, November 10, 7:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.
Welcome… to Jurassic Park!
*Jurassic Park in Concert is not included in subscription purchase discount
KLUXEN – BACH, PROKOFIEV, AND MOZART
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Helen Stuart & Jill Gibson
Terence Tam underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
TERENCE TAM, violin
J.S. Bach (orch. Webern): The Musical Offering – Ricercar à 6
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2
Mozart: Symphony No. 25 in G minor
In 1747, Bach impressed Frederick the Great with The Musical Offering. Years later, Webern was inspired to reframe Bach’s famous 6-voice fugue with a pointillistic pen, illustrating genius at a whole new level. The romantic second movement of the Violin Concerto No. 2 foreshadows Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet—he created both on the cusp of leaving the West for life under the Soviets. A similar range of Sturm und Drang colours Mozart’s “Little G minor symphony,” which completes the program.
BEING ROBERT SCHUMANN – “SPRING” SYMPHONY
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by the Gail O’Riordan Climate & the Arts Legacy Fund at the Victoria Foundation
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
MIYAMA MCQUEEN-TOKITA, koto and bass koto
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Overture, Nocturne, & Scherzo
Rita Ueda: Bloom with the support of Hugh Davidson Fund at the Victoria Foundation
R. Schumann: Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, “Spring”
Trading bouquets of mutual admiration and professional support, Schumann lent his discerning ear to the ‘dreamy’ incidental music written by his close friend Mendelssohn—the first person to conduct Schumann’s “Spring” symphony. The same work was the starting point for composer Rita Ueda in a VS/VSO co-commission. A celebration of Tokyo’s famed cherry blossom (sakura) season features koto soloist Miyama McQueen-Tokita in a fusion of ancient Japanese traditions with the present day.
CONCERT SPONSOR: GAIN GROUP
GRYPHON TRIO – ECHO: MEMORIES OF THE WORLD (Workshop Event)
GRYPHON TRIO
MARION NEWMAN, mezzo-soprano (Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations)
AARON WELLS, actor (Nuučan̓uł and Ts’ymsyen nations NW coast BC)
Important! Gryphon Trio – Echo: Memories of the World has been postponed to a future VS/POV season. All ticket holders will be refunded on Tuesday, November 21. Please wait a few business days for this transaction to appear on your banking statement.
As a thank you for supporting this concert, we would like to invite you to a workshop with the artists on December 3 at 4:00 pm at the Baumann Centre. The event will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
Echo: Memories of the World – reflections on the creation of a new multimedia work
Sunday, December 3, 4:00 pm, FREE
Wingate Studio at the Baumann Centre (925 Balmoral Road)
If you would like to attend, please RSVP here. Limited capacity.
Deadline to RSVP: December 1 at 4:00 pm.
JENS LINDEMANN – CHRISTMAS POPS
Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by John H. & Margery M. McEown Trust for the Performing Arts and Dallas & Len Chapple
Saturday, December 9, 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 10, 2:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
JENS LINDEMANN, trumpet
The holidays shimmer and shine with the Victoria Symphony and Canadian trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann. As one of the pre-eminent performers of our time, Mr. Lindemann brings his signature style and showmanship to our annual holiday tradition. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed as we bring Christmas Pops to brassy new heights.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Concert underwritten by Penelope & Jim Kingham
Andrew Haji underwritten by Tom & Terri Siemens
Friday, December 15, 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 17, 2:30 pm
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
MIREILLE ASSELIN, soprano
SIMONA GENGA, alto
ANDREW HAJI, tenor
STEPHEN HEGEDUS, baritone
VICTORIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, PETER BUTTERFIELD, chorus master
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.” Beginning with those simple words, one of the best-loved musical works continues to inspire, year over year. With the Victoria Symphony led by Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia and featuring four leading Canadian soloists as well as the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Handel’s sublime seasonal masterpiece Messiah delivers dramatic choruses and sublime solos. Hallelujah!
CONCERT SPONSOR: BUTLER BROTHERS
KEN LAVIGNE – WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Saturday, December 16, 7:30 pm
Monday, December 18, 7:30 pm
JULIANE GALLANT, conductor
KEN LAVIGNE, vocalist
Vocalist Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style. From show tunes and popular favourites to arias and Christmas classics, Ken’s lyric tenor voice spreads holiday cheer. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and Ken Lavigne will be sharing his musical gifts in concert with the Victoria Symphony.
*VS West Shore concerts are not included in subscription purchase discount
NEW YEAR’S DAY CELEBRATION
Lauren Margison underwritten by Christine & Shane O’Leary
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
LAUREN MARGISON, soprano
MEMBERS OF THE PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA CHORUS
DANCERS FROM BALLET VICTORIA
It’s a resolution worth keeping! Revel with Giuseppe Pietraroia, the Victoria Symphony, and guests for our special New Year’s Day event. You’ll be welcomed with a sumptuous musical banquet of arias and choruses, glamorous dances, and much-loved instrumentals. So break out the bubbly and raise your glass!
BEING ROBERT SCHUMANN – ADIEU
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry and Julie Swain
Holly Mathieson underwritten by Millicent Nickason
Allyson McHardy underwritten by George Lovick
HOLLY MATHIESON, conductor
ALLYSON McHARDY, mezzo-soprano
ROBERT HOLLISTON, piano
Schumann: Overture, Scherzo and Finale
R. Murray Schafer: Adieu Robert Schumann
Schubert/arr. Berio: Rendering, for Orchestra
Holly Mathieson returns to travel through musical space and time. In the wake of his marriage to Clara Wieck, music poured out of Schumann’s pen, including the three “symphonic” gems that open this program. A dozen years later, Clara’s diaries detailed her heart-rending reaction to her husband’s descent into madness, as depicted in Schafer’s moving monodrama. Schubert left several of his works “Unfinished” in his short life, but a fragmentary Symphony in D major provided the 19th century framework for Luciano Berio’s 20th century Rendering of what Schubert had in mind.
VICTORIA SYMPHONY AT THE MOVIES (19+)
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series underwritten by Suzanne and John Stewart
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series is presented by Vessel Liquor
Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Christine & Shane O’Leary
Wednesday, January 24, 7:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
Denford Hall is the setting for a night of music from such cinematic classics as West Side Story, Indiana Jones, and Amadeus. This intimate evening also features composer Aaron Copland’s exquisite Music for Movies as well “Gabriel’s Oboe” from The Mission, by legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. It is an evening not to be missed as the Victoria Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin bring the silver screen to life.
*VS Onstage @ Denford Hall concerts are not included in subscription purchase discount
VICTORIA IN LOVE
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Sara Neely and Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik
Lizzie Klemperer underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik
Saturday, January 27, 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 28, 2:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
LIZZIE KLEMPERER, vocalist
Love is in the air with dances and romances performed by the Victoria Symphony. The stage of the Royal Theatre heats up with the story of Romeo and Juliet, as told through the music of Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, and Bernstein’s West Side Story. Plus, Broadway vocalist Lizzie Klemperer will have the audience swooning with favourites ranging from Les Misérables to “Moon River” and more.
KLUXEN – TRANSFIGURED NIGHT
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Tim McGee (KC) & Mary Mullens
Ryan Cole underwritten by Marc & Patricia Lortie
David Jalbert underwritten by George Lovick
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
DAVID JALBERT, piano
RYAN COLE, trumpet
Mozart: Divertimento in D major, K.136
Shostakovich: Concerto in C minor for Piano, Trumpet, and String Orchestra
Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht
The strings of the Victoria Symphony are showcased in three works, beginning with a familiar, high-spirited piece by a 16-year-old Mozart. Shostakovich’s sparkling wit, sly humour, and love of musical parody are displayed in his energetic Concerto for piano, trumpet, and strings. Then step out from the darkness into the light, and have your view of Schoenberg’s music transformed. “Transfigured Night” is an early, overtly romantic piece with musical echoes of Brahms, Wagner, Mahler, and Richard Strauss.
KLUXEN – SHOSTAKOVICH SYMPHONY NO. 5
Sundays at the Farquhar underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Jim & Betty Hesser and Fritz & Dora Boehm
Brian Yoon’s performance underwritten by Barb & Steve McKerrell and Jim & Betty Hesser
Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra underwritten by The Sunflower Fund
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN & YARIV ALONI, conductors
BRIAN YOON, cello
GREATER VICTORIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Enescu: Romanian Rhapsody No. 2
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor
Victoria Symphony teams up with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra in a special joint performance sure to inspire. Enescu’s work sets the stage in a stately and supremely lyrical manner that tugs at the heartstrings. VS principal cellist Brian Yoon tackles one of the top five cello concertos, still popular 150 years after it was written. With his career hanging by a political thread, Shostakovich composed his subtly defiant Symphony No. 5. The 45-minute ovation that followed its premiere assured his musical voice would go on to inspire future generations.
RAISKIN AND ZHU – PAGANINI
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Carol Bellringer & Greg Doyle
Kevin Zhu underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
DANIEL RAISKIN, conductor
KEVIN ZHU, violin
Rossini: Overture to The Barber of Seville
Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major
Lera Auerbach: Eterniday (Homage to W.A. Mozart)
Grieg: Symphony in C minor
Youthful brilliance is on display as WSO musical director Daniel Raiskin welcomes the American violinist Kevin Zhu, first prize winner at the 2018 International Paganini Competition in Genoa, Italy. Rossini had composed an opera at the age of 14, but the Russian/American polymath Lera Auerbach composed her first opera at 12! She’s gone on to be one of today’s most exciting creative voices, and her 2010 tribute to Mozart was premiered by Maestro Raiskin. Grieg withdrew the score of his early symphony from circulation, but its perceived merits have only improved with age.
TCHAIKOVSKY – SYMPHONY NO. 4
Friday concert underwritten by Chris and Eve Millington: Trustees of The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Sunday concert underwritten by Helen Stuart and Jan & Joanna GrootWassink
Friday, March 8, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 10, 2:30 pm
DEANNA THAM, conductor
William Grant Still: Darker America
Stravinsky: Pulcinella Suite
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor
The associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Deanna Tham, showcases two works from the 1920s. Prayer overcomes sorrow in a symphonic poem by the pioneering Black composer William Grant Still, while Stravinsky’s love affair with music of the past is presented in Pulcinella. Tchaikovsky abandoned an ill-fated romance and laid bare his feelings in his triumphant Fourth Symphony – a piece that also earned him an influential patron.
MARCH 10 CONCERT SPONSOR: GAIN GROUP
PLATYPUS THEATRE – PRESTO MAMBO!
MAESTRO JOEY, conductor
PLATYPUS THEATRE
A concert about the music of the Americas takes an unexpected turn when Max—an energetic but impulsive young boy—makes his way onto the stage to “help” the orchestra. Soon Max is on a whirlwind adventure that takes him from the concert hall to the vibrant lands of Latin American culture where—with the help of his new friend, Mambo the dog, the orchestra, and the audience—Max learns the magic of Latin rhythms and how to “dance” with the music. Audiences rise to their feet, dancing to the rhythms of Latin America in Platypus Theatre’s most interactive show to date.
BACH, PART, AND VIVALDI
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Chris & Eve Millington: Trustees of the Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund and Jill Gibson
Violin soloists underwritten by Fritz & Dora Boehm
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
TERENCE TAM, CHRISTI MEYERS, TORI GOULD, violins
VICTORIA CHILDREN’S CHOIR
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS
VOX HUMANA CHAMBER CHOIR & FRIENDS
Vivaldi: Magnificat
J.S. Bach: Concerto for 3 violins in D major
Arvo Pärt: Fratres
Zelenka: Miserere
J.S. Bach: O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht
Brothers and sisters in song raise their voices in praise and penitence as some of Victoria’s finest choral groups join the VS for Baroque favourites. This collaboration includes a triple concerto by J.S. Bach, music by his Bohemian contemporary Jan Dismas Zelenka, and one of Vivaldi’s most magnificent choral works! Pärt’s entrancing work Fratres (“Brothers”) completes the picture.
GRIEG, TCHAIKOVSKY, AND BRITTEN (19+)
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series underwritten by Suzanne and John Stewart
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series is presented by Vessel Liquor
Concert underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
TERENCE TAM, musical direction
Grieg: Holberg Suite
Tchaikovsky: Andante cantabile
Britten: Simple Symphony
A strings-only program includes musical echoes of an earlier era from Grieg, a tune that brought a tear to Tolstoy’s eye, and Britten’s playful look back at his own youthful works. VS Concertmaster Terence Tam leads this hour long event brimming with melody.
LA NEF – SEA SONGS AND SHANTIES
Pops Series underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert and La Nef underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik
Saturday, March 23, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 24, 2:30 pm
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
SEÁN DAGHER, cittern & vocals
LA NEF, folk ensemble
MEMBERS OF THE PACIFIC OPERA VICTORIA CHORUS
We’ll rant and we’ll roar across the salt seas! Fresh off their exhilarating performance at the 2022 Splash, La Nef returns to press the Victoria Symphony into service in a rousing new program of shanties and maritime music. Their infectious style will have you stomping your feet and singing along.
BEING ROBERT SCHUMANN – BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 1
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
LEO MCFALL, conductor
R. Schumann: Genoveva Overture
Dvořák: Legends, Op. 59, Nos. 1-3
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, Nos. 3,5,7
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor
In the 1850s, Johannes Brahms benefitted from the support of Robert and Clara Schumann. Years later, Brahms recognized the talents of Antonín Dvořák, stating that any composer would be honored to have the ideas that the young Bohemian composer discarded. Leading this festival of musical friendship is London-born conductor Leo McFall, winner of the 2015 Deutsche Dirigentenpreis. He works extensively throughout Finland, Germany, and Austria where he leads the Symphonieorchester Vorarlberg in Bregenz.
THE COMPOSER IS HERE!
VERN GRIFFITHS, conductor
Known for his kid’s concert hit, “Wall to Wall Percussion,” Vern Griffiths leads this fun, family-friendly performance that explores what it means to be a composer. The afternoon features works by legendary composers such as John Williams, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky along with creative collaborators based in BC. The audience will get in on the action and help compose a brand-new work to be performed live by the Victoria Symphony!
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV – SCHEHERAZADE
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Commodore & Mrs. Jan Drent and Natexa Verbrugge
DINUK WIJERATNE, conductor
Dinuk Wijeratne: Two Pop Songs on Antique Poems
Alexander Borodin: Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Historic texts, tales, and sea-faring travel inspire a program conducted by Dinuk Wijeratne—who is also a pianist and JUNO® award-winning composer. Perhaps it was kismet that Borodin’s opera Prince Igor was completed by Rimsky-Korsakov, because it went on to provide a hit tune on Broadway. The storytelling prowess of the legendary Persian Queen Scheherazade enchanted the Sultan in the tales of One Thousand and One Nights—Rimsky-Korsakov’s own suite does the same for music lovers.
CONCERT SPONSOR: GAIN GROUP
KLUXEN – BRAHMS, BRITTEN, AND BROWN
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Sara Neely
Mireille Lebel underwritten by George Lovick
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
MIREILLE LEBEL, mezzo-soprano
Britten: Four Sea Interludes
Stacey Brown: “When death takes something from you give it back”
Commissioned by the VS with the support of the Hugh Davidson Fund at the Victoria Foundation.
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor
“What harbor shelters peace, away from tidal waves, away from storms?” Starting with a misty sunrise on a Suffolk seascape, the tempest-tossed drama of Britten’s opera Peter Grimes is neatly condensed into his moving instrumental suite. Tragedy is also addressed in Stacey Brown’s new song cycle, drawing on texts by Danish author and poet Naja Marie Aidt. Aware of his own mortality, Brahms penned a cornerstone of the symphonic repertoire, his Symphony No. 4, a work of profound depth that many consider his finest.
JIM WITTER: IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Saturday, May 4, 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 5, 2:30 pm
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
JIM WITTER, vocalist and pianist
The music of Billy Joel and Elton John transport us back to another time and place in this remarkable evening of nostalgia and song. Canadian pianist Jim Witter and his band lead the way for a night where you literally know every song and can’t help but sing along to these iconic favorites.
SEASON FINALE: BEING ROBERT SCHUMANN – BRAHMS’ A GERMAN REQUIEM
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Fritz & Dora Boehm, Jade Gan, and Pete & Sharon Jando
Nathalie Paulin underwritten by Marc & Patricia Lortie
CHRISTIAN KLUXEN, conductor
NATHALIE PAULIN, soprano
GEOFFREY SIRETT, baritone
VOX HUMANA CHAMBER CHOIR AND FRIENDS
Brahms: A German Requiem
We conclude our 3-year exploration Being Robert Schumann with a postscript performance that further recognizes his impact. To musically mark the death of his mentor, Schumann, as well as the passing of his own mother, Brahms created this visionary and grandly-scaled masterpiece. A German Requiem speaks in a musical language for all humanity: “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
CONCERT SPONSOR: GAIN GROUP
620 View Street, Suite 610
Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1J6
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, except holidays.
The Victoria Symphony performs on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We extend our respect as well as our appreciation for this opportunity.