vsNEW
The vsNEW program is unique and the only one of its kind in Canada. The Victoria Symphony is proud of this program’s success and many young composers have won local, provincial, and even national awards through it.
Applications for vsNEW 2026/27 will open in September 2026.
Questions? Contact Soile Stratkauskas at soile@victoriasymphony.ca.
Soundtrack – vsNEW Final Concert
Saturday, April 11, 2026
2:30 pm
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
1040 Moss Street
Concert included in Art Gallery of Greater Victoria admission.
Join us to celebrate the coming together of artworks and music!
In collaboration with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, students of the vsNEW program created compositions inspired by an artwork of their choice from the exhibition, A View From Here: Reimagining the AGGV collection.
Composers:
Evan Dickson, Arkin Fantone, Shea Hodgson, Alex Schroeder
Musicians:
Arin Sarkissian, flute; Mieka Michaux, viola; Brian Yoon, cello; Jacob Valcheff, percussion
VS Composer-Mentor in Residence:
Taylor Brook
vsNEW is for young composers ages 13-18.
vsNEW is an innovative program for young local composers to write new works for small ensembles of dedicated Victoria Symphony musicians. Each year from October through April, aspiring composers attend workshops guided by our VS Composer-Mentor in Residence. They bring their pieces (in various stages of completion) to each workshop where they are read through by the musicians. With the guidance of a professional composer and musicians, the young composers are able to work through any musical issues that arise—from the most basic to the more complex. In addition to the sessions with the musicians, there are seminars and private lessons with the Composer-Mentor. The program culminates in a final performance in open to public.
“The vsNEW Program has made such a big difference in my growth as a musician and composer. I am so grateful for all your devoted support of young composers like me. Beyond the practical experience I’ve gained from working with the musicians, conductors, and mentor-composers, your other supports have been essential to my education.. Thank you so much for investing in me! Without you, my music education as a composer would not be possible.” – Danae Kong, vsNEW participant