September Signifies the Start of Victoria Symphony’s 83rd Season
Music Director Christian Kluxen and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin take the stage to open the 2023/24 Season.
Victoria B.C. – Victoria Symphony (VS) is looking forward to opening its 2023/24 Season on September 17 with the return of Maestro Christian Kluxen, followed by the first Pops Concert of the season on September 23 and 24 with Maestro Sean O’Loughlin.
The season boats a diverse line-up of timeless Masterworks, the first VS Film in Concert, expanded programming in new venues, renowned soloists, and local collaborations.
Opening Concert: Kluxen – Pictures at an Exhibition
Christian Kluxen, conductor
Jonathan Crow, violin
One of Maestro Kluxen’s many strengths is his ability to compose a great concert program. It’s about balancing a selection of ingredients, he says, comparing his curatorial process to the way a Michelin-starred chef might go about assembling a tasting menu. Ideally there would be both complementary and contrasting flavours, but beyond that there should also be a unifying theme—seasonality, perhaps, or some kind of musicological context.
For the upcoming opening concert, Kluxen – Pictures at an Exhibition, Maestro Kluxen has momentarily stepped away from grand gestures or hidden threads. In this program of works by Modest Mussorgsky, Richard Strauss, and Jean Sibelius, all he needs is a strong soloist, a full complement of musicians, and the scores themselves.
“Pictures at an Exhibition requires a big orchestra,” Kluxen points out, “and it’s an orchestral showpiece. So when you have these forces available, why not do another orchestral showpiece?” In this case, that’s Strauss’s Don Juan, another bold adventure in storytelling from a composer Maestro Kluxen loves dearly. Rounding out the concert is a work that’s less narratively driven and more abstract but no less of a knockout, Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor, with Jonathan Crow as soloist.
Star Trek, Star Wars, and Beyond
Sean O’Loughlin, conductor
Music of Star Trek and Star Wars in the same concert? While seriously committed “Trekkers” might shudder at the juxtaposition of the franchises, Victoria Symphony’s upcoming concert is a celebration of the love for space exploration. Whether viewed as science fiction or pure fantasy, the music that was created for the various incarnations of both series provide an escape from everyday life and lead us into the worlds of our imagination. The musical survey will hit many of the well-known highlights but also introduce a few surprises or new discoveries.
- Season Subscriptions invite you to curate your own musical journey by choosing any five concerts* for a 25% discount on the entire order. This simple format allows audiences to experience the full range of VS offerings across genres and venues.
- Single Ticket pricing ranges from $29 – $108. For more information and to purchase tickets or a subscription, please call the VS Box Office at 250-385-6515.
The VS gratefully acknowledges 2023/24 Season Underwriters Terry Scandrett and Angela Bassage for their generous gifts. Also, the VS thanks our 2023/24 Season Sponsors and Funders. Platinum Sponsors: Butler Bros, Chateau Victoria, and The Royal & McPherson Theatres Society; Gold Sponsor: Odlum Brown; Media Sponsor: Used.ca, Ocean 98.5, Jack 103.1, Chek, CFAX 1080, CTV; Funders: British Columbia Arts Council, Province of British Columbia, Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, CRD, City of Victoria, Victoria Foundation, and Foundation for the Victoria Symphony; and all individuals whose gifts are helping to support another season of brilliant music.
ABOUT THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY
The Victoria Symphony is a highly versatile Canadian orchestra that inspires, educates, and captivates our community through the transformational power of music. For 82 years as one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations, the orchestra continues to delight audiences of all ages with repertoire that offers something for everyone.
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Media Contact: Maya Lohcham, Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: maya@victoriasymphony.ca
Phone: 250.412.2658
