Start your weekend right with a cocktail, appetizers, and the excellence of the VS in the most intimate and informal of settings. One of our signature events, this highly social gathering takes the music you love outside the concert hall, offering an entirely different VS experience.
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Cocktail hour from 5:00 – 6:00 pm
VS Orchestra at 6:00 pm
Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor
Giuseppe Pietraroia is Associate Conductor for the Victoria Symphony and newly appointed Principal Conductor of Pacific Opera Victoria. As a guest conductor he has been engaged by l’Orchestre Métropolitain, Orchestra London, Vancouver Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Hamilton Philharmonic, Okanagan Symphony, Regina Symphony, Kingston Symphony and Thunder Bay Symphony.
His extensive opera engagements with Pacific Opera Victoria include productions of Il barbiere di Siviglia, La traviata, La bohème, Lucia di Lammermoor, Norma, Rigoletto, Manon Lescaut, Madama Butterfly, La Cenerentola, Tosca, and Let’s Make an Opera/The Little Sweep. In addition, he has conducted productions for l’Opéra de Montréal, l’Opéra de Québec, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Edmonton Opera, Opera New Brunswick, Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program, and l’Institut Canadien d’Art Vocal.
With Victoria Choral Society, where he was Music Director for seven seasons, Maestro Pietraroia conducted performances of Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Mass in C minor with the Victoria Symphony, a choreographed production of Orff’s Carmina Burana in collaboration with Ballet Victoria, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus, and the Duruflé and Fauré Requiems.
Maestro Pietraroia has recorded a cd with soprano Marie-Josée Lord and l’Orchestre Métropolitain for the ATMA label, which won a Felix award granted by l’ADISQ and was also nominated for a JUNO award.
Giuseppe Pietraroia is the recipient of the George and Jane Heffelfinger Pacific Opera Victoria Artist of the Year Award and the Canada Council’s Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestral Conducting.
Mozart: Don Giovanni: Overture
Haydn: Symphony No. 73 – Mvt. IV
Mozart: Three German Dances
Salieri: Sinfonia in D “La Venziana” – Mvt. I
Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner” – Mvt. IV
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music – Mvt. III-V
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian” – Mvt. I
Don Giovanni Overture
Partner/Patron Offer & SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
July/August 2024
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
Presenting Sponsor: 2024 Symphony in the Summer Festival
Partner/Patron Offers
We have two patron offers from Presenting Sponsor Huntingdon Hotel and Suites:
Tea & Symphony Delight at the Pendray Tea House:
Show your Victoria Symphony ticket and enjoy 15% off our exquisite Afternoon Teas at the historic Pendray Tea House, located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
This offer is available year-round and cannot be combined with other promos or discounts. Some blackout dates may apply.
How to redeem your offer: Book through the website | Call 250-388-3892 | Email info@pendrayinnandteahouse.com
Victoria Getaway Package at the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites:
Discover the perfect getaway with us! Experience the summer charm of the Inner Harbour with our Victoria Getaway Package at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites. This offer is available until September 1, 2024 and includes:
• Stay at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites: Enjoy the comfort of our well-appointed rooms.
• A Free Upgrade to Pendray Tea House Breakfast: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the historic Pendray Tea House.
• Free Parking: Convenient and hassle-free parking included (subject to availability upon arrival).
• Free Upgrade to Loft Suite: Experience our spacious and newly renovated Loft Suites (upon request and subject to availability. Note that the lofts have stairs and are not recommended for guests with mobility issues).
How to redeem your offer: Use Promo Code SYMPHONY to Book
Reserve through the website | Call 1-800-663-7557 | Email reservations@huntingdonhotelandsuites.com
Sponsor Spotlight Interview with Erin Cassels, General Manager at Huntingdon Hotels and Suites
1. Why did you decide to sponsor Victoria Symphony’s Symphony in the Summer Festival?
We decided to sponsor Victoria Symphony’s Symphony in the Summer Festival because it perfectly aligns with our core values of quality, community engagement, and enriching the cultural fabric of Victoria. At our hotel, we believe in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and supporting local arts and culture is a natural extension of that commitment.
Music holds a unique power to bring people together, transcending barriers and fostering a sense of community and shared experience. The Symphony in the Summer Festival not only offers world-class performances but also makes classical music accessible to a broader audience, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our city. By supporting the Victoria Symphony, we are investing in the cultural and artistic growth of Victoria, ensuring that music continues to be an integral part of our community’s identity. We are proud to partner with the Victoria Symphony and contribute to an event that brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of unity to our community.
2. What initiatives or special projects has Huntingdon been involved in recently that are impacting the community?
At Huntingdon Hotel and Suites and Pendray Inn and Tea House, we take immense pride in our community and sustainability initiatives. Our efforts include a vibrant community garden and the recent distinction of Pendray Inn and Tea House becoming the first in Canada to achieve the Pledge 2023 for its exceptional food waste reduction efforts. Additionally, our 5th annual Canada Day community breakfast successfully raised thousands of dollars for the Women’s Transition House, showcasing another commitment to giving back to the community.
3. If there was one other thing you feel people should know about Huntingdon, what would it be?
Our team has worked tirelessly to revitalize this beautiful heritage property, a true local treasure. Our dedication to sustainability has earned us multiple awards, certificates, and accolades, including Biosphere certification. We are also deeply committed to charitable efforts within our community. These achievements reflect the hard work and passion of our team, demonstrating our commitment to operating a business that benefits both the community and the planet.
4. Pops or Classics?
I grew up in a very musical family, so I love it ALL.
5. Do you have a music-themed joke to share?
Q: Why did the mom bring a ladder to the music concert?
A: Because she wanted to hear the high notes!
6. What’s one thing that brought you joy this week?
My kids 😊… (and my nightly chocolate fix).
Thank you, Erin!
Victoria Symphony deeply appreciates our community partners — Thank you for supporting local businesses that support the music you love!
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.