vsNEW
vsNEW is for young composers ages 11-18. Check out our explainer video below!
vsNEW is an innovative program for local young 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 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 is unique and 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.
vsNEW 2023/24 Showcase
Saturday, April 13, 2:30 pm
First Metropolitan Church, 932 Balmoral Rd
Open to Public! Admission by Donation
Featuring new works for string ensemble and harp by six young composers:
Zaria Castillo
Atticus Dachsel Kerr
Angela Nguyen
Aidan Warren
Judah Williams
Houtian Zhong
Performed by VS musicians conducted by Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia.
vsNEW Program led by Composer-Mentor in Residence Rodney Sharman.
“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
ey Sharman lives on traditional Musqueam territory in Vancouver, Canada. He has been Composer-in-Residence of Early Music Vancouver’s “New Music for Old Instruments”, the Victoria Symphony, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Vancouver Symphony, and Composer-Host of the Calgary Philharmonic’s Festival, “Hear and Now”. In addition to concert music, Sharman writes for cabaret, opera and dance. He sings, conducts, plays recorders and flutes. Sharman was awarded First Prize in the 1984 CBC Competition for Young Composers, the 1990 Kranichsteiner Prize (Darmstadt), a 2013 Dora Mavor Moore Award (Toronto), and the 2017 Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts. 