A Spectacular Start to the 2024/25 Victoria Symphony Season
The Victoria Symphony’s 2024/25 season has officially begun, and if the first month is any indication, it’s going to be an extraordinary year. The opening concerts embodied the creative energy that Maestro Christian Kluxen and the orchestra bring each time they take to the stage and have left audiences mesmerized.
The season kicked off in spectacular fashion on September 15th, with a moving performance of Strauss’s Four Last Songs sung by guest soprano Aviva Fortunata. Audience members were captivated, sharing their reactions to this moving and triumphant program: “When I am brought to tears, not once but two or three times, during a concert, I experience the rare pleasure that only live and living music can bring,” shared one long time supporter. This heartfelt reaction underscores the power of live performance—an energy we are sharing with the community all season long.
The September 15 performance wasn’t just a artistic celebration but a communal one. As another attendee said, “Victoria loves its Symphony and on Sunday, it truly felt as though the Symphony loved us back.” The warmth in the room was unmistakable, and it set the stage for a month of unparalleled musical experiences with our community.
Music Director Christian Kluxen from the podium, opening night Sept 15
Rising Stars and Memorable Moments
Principal Clarinet David Boutin-Bourque made a lasting impression with his first featured solo at September 29 concert, receiving well-deserved praise for his masterful performance of Nielsen’s Clarinet Concerto. Audiences were intrigued and left in awe at the breadth of artistry the orchestra, led by Maestro Kluxen, exhibited during the concert.
Another standout evening came as the Victoria Symphony joined acclaimed Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq on September 18. Together they crafted a performance that was both haunting and powerful, further broadening the Symphony’s creative horizons. This was no ordinary concert; it was an experience that highlighted the endless possibilities of blending cultures and genres on stage.
David Boutin-Bourque, principal clarinet
Tanya Tagaq performing with the Victoria Symphony
The Best of Broadway brought the songs of the great white way to Victoria, with singer Melissa Errico joining Maestro Sean O’Loughlin to kick off the Pops season on September 21 and 22. This concert was made extra special as a group of first-time subscribers and donors were invited into rehearsal to witness the behind-the-scenes magic. Being present for a rehearsal builds a special connection to the music, the musicians, and the community that supports Victoria Symphony. We’re proud to make these kind of special experiences possible for you, our community of supporters.
A Triumph of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
The buzz reached its peak with the first sold-out concert of the season on October 6 led by guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdés, when pianist John Kimura Parker gave an unforgettable performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. Audience members were stunned by the virtuosity on display, with one long-time attendee declaring, “I think this was one of the BEST Victoria Symphony concerts I have attended in all my 40 years of concert going.”
After a rendition of Elton John’s Benny and the Jets as Parker’s encore, the crowd’s standing ovation confirmed that the night was one for the books, but this is just the beginning. We have so many more surprises for you as the season continues to unfold.
Maestro Sean O’Loughlin welcomes guests in rehearsal
Melissa Errico
Maestra Cosette Justo Valdés and pianist Jon Kimura Parker
Eclectic Programming, Unforgettable Journeys
A cornerstone of a concert with the Victoria Symphony continues to be the creative curation of its programs. As Maestro Kluxen shared with the audience, “When we create these eclectic programs, where it’s not just all Mozart or Haydn or classical music or modern music, we’re trying not to just make concerts. We want to bring you on a journey with us. It’s wonderful that you’ve taken this concept into your hearts and embraced it.”
The performances so far this season have been a testament to that vision—dynamic, varied, and always deeply engaging. Whether it’s the innovative pairing of Nielsen and Ligeti next to Mozart or more traditional offerings, we continue to push boundaries while staying rooted in excellence.
The excitement is palpable not just to audiences, as members of the orchestra reflected, “there is nothing that makes us happier to face a challenging programme…than to have such a glorious audience response” The musicians have felt your love and are ready to give even more in the months to come.
The Best is Yet to Come
With such a stellar first month behind us, the 2024/25 season promises even greater heights. The creative programming, world-class guest artists, and the growing community of supporters are all ingredients for a remarkable year of music.
As one audience member put it: “We are truly lucky to have this orchestra and this is the moment to support them: they’re renewing and are brimming with talent and energy.” If you haven’t yet experienced the magic, now is the perfect time to be a part of it. With each performance, it’s clear that the best is yet to come.
