Victoria Symphony Splash

On Sunday, August 4, 2019, tens of thousands of people will take to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 30th annual Victoria Symphony Splash. From a floating stage in the Inner Harbour, the VS orchestra and special guests will perform, ending with a grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture – with fireworks of course!

Be a part of Splash!

Apply to volunteer!

Victoria Symphony Splash can’t happen without the support of over 350 volunteers each year, doing things from setting up tents to leading the parades to getting donations from the crowd. We’re looking for good people to help put on this iconic Victoria event, and hope you’re interested!

Benefits of Volunteering at Victoria Symphony Splash

Be part of one of the largest outdoor orchestral events in North America and one of Vancouver Island’s signature summer events!
Give back to your community and be part of a fantastic team!
Support the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island’s largest arts organization
Meet new and interesting people while you hear wonderful music in a spectacular setting
Get a Splash volunteer t-shirt and invitation to the Splash Volunteer after-party in August
Receive a ticket voucher for a concert in the Victoria Symphony’s 2019/20 season

Click here for a complete list of volunteer positions and descriptions.

Stay tuned for volunteer coordinator contact information coming soon!

Thank you and we’ll see you at Splash!

Apply to volunteer!

Already applied? Click here to sign in.

Event Information

2018 information listed below. 2019 information is coming soon!

What is Victoria Symphony Splash?

Victoria Symphony Splash is an annual Victoria Symphony event that takes place on a floating stage moored in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It includes musical entertainment, food, souvenirs and the evening’s highlight: a live performance by the Victoria Symphony. Splash is now one of the largest annual symphony events in North America, attracting up to 40,000 Victoria residents and visitors from all over the world, some who visit Victoria just to see Splash! Over 400 volunteers help to bring the event to the community.

Want to volunteer?

Volunteer at Splash! Click here to apply!

Splash simply cannot happen without its team of wonderful volunteers, each year we recruit over 300 volunteers to help ensure that our event runs smoothly. We need you for a variety of tasks leading up to and during the day.

Benefits of Volunteering at Symphony Splash

– Be part of one of the largest outdoor orchestral events in North America and one of Vancouver Island’s signature summer events!
– Give back to your community and be part of a fantastic team!
– Support the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island’s largest arts organization
– Meet new and interesting people while you hear wonderful music in a spectacular setting
– Get a Splash volunteer t-shirt and invitation to the Splash Volunteer after-party in August
– Receive a ticket voucher for a concert in the Victoria Symphony’s 2018/19 season

If you’d like to join us, please visit this page in May 2018 to fill out the volunteer application form and our Volunteer Coordinator, Taryn Craig, will be in touch.

The minimum age for volunteering at Splash is 16. If you are younger than 18, we’ll need permission from a parent or guardian before we can let you volunteer. Some volunteer positions require a criminal record check – Taryn will let you know if your position requires this.

All volunteers are required to attend a brief orientation meeting during the last week in July/first week of August. Once we know which team you’ll be working with, we can let you know when your orientation session will be.

Splash Volunteer Orientations will be on July 31, August 1 and August 2 from 6 pm – 9 pm at Cook Street Village Activity Centre.

Thank you!

What kind of music does the orchestra play?

The music performed is a mix of classical and popular selections and one (or two) talented young soloists are featured each year. The concert concludes with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with navy field guns and fireworks.

What time does Splash begin?

Many people arrive early to ensure they have a good view of the barge for the orchestra performance at 7:30 pm.

1:00 – 4:00 pm – The TD Family Zone is open on the Fairmont Empress lawn.

3:00 pm – The Beverage Garden and Culinary Corner open.

4:00 pm – The opening act performs on the barge in the Inner Harbour.

6:20 pm – The orchestra parade.

7:30 pm – Maestro Kluxen and the Victoria Symphony.

10:00 pm – Splash concludes.

Beverage Garden

We are thrilled to have Lighthouse Brewing serving been and wine inside our family friendly beverage garden located on Belleville St. between the Fairmont Empress and Royal BC Museum.

The beverage garden will be open from 3:00 – 9:30 pm.

What is the admission?

Victoria Symphony Splash is a “by donation” event produced entirely by the Victoria Symphony. While we do receive support from generous sponsors and “heroes,” we ask that you donate $5 per person to make this event a reality. Every $5 donation will receive a Splash Button which you can wear proudly to show your support for the Symphony. You’ll find volunteers with donation buckets roaming the crowds or you can track down one of our donation barrels. All proceeds go to support the Victoria Symphony’s artistic and education programs.

What should I bring?

You may want to bring a folding chair, or a blanket if you plan to sit on the Legislature lawn. If you do bring a chair, please observe all posted signs and roped-off areas. The wind off the water can be chilly after sunset, so bring a sweater or wrap. Please be advised that sunscreen and hats are recommended for sun protection and water to keep you hydrated! Chairs will not be allowed to be set up before 8:00 am on August 5.

What amenities are available?

Food and beverage vendors are located on Government Street next to the Royal BC Museum. A percentage of sales is donated to the Victoria Symphony. Portable washrooms are located in easily identified areas and St. John’s Ambulance staff several first-aid stations. Seats on the Grandstand (bleacher-style seating) are available for purchase in advance through the Victoria Symphony Box Office (250.385.6515) starting in June 2017. Grandstand seats remaining on Splash Day can be purchased through the Information and Merchandise tent on site. Blankets, t-shirts, water bottles, and other items are also available for purchase at the merchandise tent on site.

What should I do if I have a physical disability?

We’ve reserved a special area for people with disabilities and their families/friends on the northwest corner of the Empress lawns. The area opens late in the afternoon and is first come, first seated. We also have a wheelchair-accessible portable toilet on Belleville St.

Is it possible to come by boat?

Yes! Small craft owners (kayakers, canoeists) can moor their craft near the barge to listen to the music from the water. The Harbour Master will let you know if your watercraft is too close to the barge.

Concert Program & Soloists

2018 information listed below. 2019 information is coming soon!

Concert Program

#splash2018

O Canada

Candide Overture – Bernstein

Robin Hood and His Merry Men – Korngold

Aladdin Suite (Festival March, Spiritual Dance) – Nielsen

Suite for Viola and Orchestra (Prelude & Gallop) – Vaughan Williams

Gone with the Wind; Main Title – Steiner

Dance of the Clowns from the Snow Maiden – Rimsky-Korsakov

INTERMISSION

Prelude to Act 3 from Lohengrin – Wagner

Prince and the Pauper Suite (Duel) – Korngold

Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso – Morricone (arr.Krogstad)

ET (Flying Theme) – Williams

Star Wars (Main Title Theme) – Williams

Berliner Luft – Lincke

1812 Overture – Tchaikovsky

Amazing Grace

The opening act is Dock Side Drive at 4:00 pm on the barge.

Young Soloist

2018 Young Soloist:

Danielle Tsao, viola

Danielle is a Grade 11 student at Mount Douglas Secondary. She began studying violin at age 7 with Yasuko Eastman, and, after joining the studio of Michael van der Sloot in 2012, picked up viola in 2014. She currently studies viola under the direction of Gerald Stanick.

Danielle has been a member of the Senior Collegium program at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) for five years, and in 2017 received the Collegium Jamie Syer Scholarship for musical excellence and teamwork. Most recently, she won the 2017 Louis Sherman Concerto Competition and the 2018 Don Chrysler Concerto Competition on viola. In addition, Danielle has won numerous awards at the local and provincial Performing Arts Festival, including the 2018 Roberto and Mary Wood Scholarship and first prize in the 2018 Provincial Senior Strings Category.

Danielle has performed as a soloist with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra, the Sidney Classical Orchestra, and the VCM Showcase Orchestra, and following Symphony Splash, will be soloing with the Sooke Philharmonic this October. Danielle has also extended her talents to the international music community, having attended the NAC Young Artists Pre-college Program in 2016 and Morningside Music Bridge in 2016 and 2017 in Beijing, China and Boston, USA. Her musicianship was also recognized abroad when she was awarded the 2017 Morningside Music Bridge Stuart Holland Memorial Scholarship for best exemplifying the program’s values.

Outside of music and school, Danielle enjoys reading, playing the ukulele, and hanging out with her friends and family.

History

The Victoria Symphony launched its first Symphony Splash in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Thousands of people showed up at the Inner Harbour to watch the orchestra play on a barge moored off shore. And they have been coming ever since, in greater and greater numbers.

The leaders of the organization at the time were Board President Murray Glazier, General Manager C. Stephen Smith and Music Director Peter McCoppin.

The following year donation barrels were set up and staffed by volunteers. In 1992 organizers arranged for a larger barge and a better sound system and, by 1993, concrete pilings were installed in the harbour to provide permanent moorage for the Splash barge.

Splash is now one of the largest annual symphony events in North America. The event attracts up to 40,000 Victoria residents and visitors, and over 400 volunteers contribute to its goal of brining the symphony to the people.

Each year a young soloist is chosen to perform with the Victoria Symphony, a tradition that began in 1994 and to this day is supported by the Leslie and Murray Glazier Young Musicians Fund.

2014 marks the 25th anniversary of this great community event. Throughout the years, the event has continued to grow and improve. There have been a myriad of sensational acts, countless successes and overwhelming support from the generous community of Victoria.

Moments in History

1994 – The tradition of the Splash young soloist is commenced with violinist Timothy Haig through the support of the Leslie and Murray Glazier Young Musician’s Fund.
1995 – Splash is postponed due to torrential rain showers and is rescheduled for a later show in August on Belleville Street.
2003 – Tania Miller’s debut as Splash conductor.
2005 – Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia steps in to save Splash when an expectant Maestra Tania Miller delivers her first child a few days earlier than anticipated!
2006 – The only year anyone actually made a ‘splash.” One of the pipers, in full regalia, accidentally stepped off the barge at the end of the show. Although he was pulled quickly out of the water, the band still jokes about the “piper down!” cries that were heard from the crowd!
2009 – The orchestra parade is added giving Tania Miller, the young soloist, and the musicians the grand entrance they deserve.
2017 – Maestro Christian Kluxen conducts his 1st Victoria Symphony Splash.

Past Young Soloists

2018: Danielle Tsao, viola
2017: Felipe Jiang, piano, Ryan Howland, violin
2016: Alyssa Fu, piano, Nelly Tian, violin, Tovin Allers, violin
2015: Ben Parker, trumpet, Rebecca Bracewell, accordion
2014: Eric Lin, piano
2013: Eric Manning, piano, Carter Johnson, piano
2012: Eehjoon Kwon, violin
2011: Alice Haekyo Lee, violin
2010: Grace Ma, piano, Phillip Manning, violin
2009: Christine Wong, piano, Josh Lovell, tenor
2008: Hugo Wong, piano
2007: Carolyn Tsao, piano, Sahara Sloan, voice, Timmy Chooi, violin
2006: Kevin O’Riordon, violin
2005: Heather Mcleod, voice
2004: Jordan Ofiesh, violin
2003: Justin Chiu, piano
2002: Chika Card, piano
2001: Nikki Chooi, violin
2000: Margit Juhasz, piano
1999: Caitlin Tully, violin
1998: Samuel Seong, piano
1997: Audrey Bild, piano
1996: Anthony Dolhai, piano
1995: Anthony Dolhai, piano (scheduled, but didn’t play)
1994: Timothy Haig, violin

Media Releases

July 4, 2018

Victoria Symphony Splash announces 29^th Annual Victoria Symphony Splash!

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Symphony is set to announce details of their 29^th Annual Victoria Symphony Splash on Saturday, July 7 at a FREE Pancake Breakfast hosted by sponsor Quality Foods @ Eagle Creek Village. Breakfast will be served from 9 am – 11 am! This event will feature music by the new Splash Young Soloist, free breakfast, prize giveaways, the VS Instrument Petting Zoo for budding musicians to try out musical instruments, face painting and the Ocean 98.5 Cruiser, live on location.

Here’s a sneak peek to this year’s Splash!

This year’s mega event is the second VS Splash for current Music Director Maestro Christian Kluxen. Featured guests include 17 year old violist Danielle Tsao and Dock Side Drive as the opening act. Danielle is the second in her family to be selected as Young Soloist. Her sister Carolyn played the piano in 2007.

“Film music!” said Music Director Christian Kluxen about planning this year’s Splash. “Music by John Williams, Korngold, Morricone and Max Steiner. But also music by older film composers like Nielsen, Wagner, Vaughan-Williams, and not the least music by Leonard Bernstein, celebrating his 100th birthday. This year’s Splash will be a blockbuster!”

The VS is excited to welcome back Quality Foods as Presenting Sponsor. A new event this year – Saturday’s season launch – will showcase the relationship the VS has with Quality Foods and add some fun and excitement to the event. “We want to involve the entire community in this year’s Victoria Symphony Splash” said Director of Marketing, Jill Smillie “and this is a great way to start talking about this unique event that attracts people from all over the world!”

Other businesses including TD, GVHA and BCLC are Premiere Sponsors. Coast Capital Insurance has come on board as Education and Outreach Sponsor and Parc Retirement Living is sponsoring Facebook Live Stream. Ralmax, Seaspan, Slegg Lumber and Lighthouse Brewing Company have stepped in as Community Sponsors. Once again, a collection of local business have also supported the Band of Heroes program, contributing $1,000 to make VS Splash a reality.

The events kick off at 12 pm with the Albert Head Cadets performing on the Legislature steps. The popular Family Zone runs 1 pm – 4 pm where kids can try playing a musical instrument, jump around in SportBall’s bouncy castle or do an activity prepared by the Royal BC Museum. TD is this year’s Family Zone sponsor and is inviting people to try their MySpend Challenge to win great prizes.

The Beverage Garden, operated by Lighthouse Brewery opens at 3 pm. The Culinary Corner, with food vendors will be set up along Government Street starting at 3 pm serving everything from pizza to Mexican, Greek food, ice cream, donuts and more.

Starting at 4 pm, Dock Side Drive, a local swing & show band will play on the barge. At 7:30 pm Maestro Christian Kluxen and the Victoria Symphony take the stage to play a fun concert featuring Danielle Tsao, the violist Young Soloist and a wonderfully eclectic collection of some of the best orchestral music out there.

For the second year running, the VS will be livestreaming the concert through Facebook, providing the opportunity for people from around the world (or right here in Victoria) to enjoy the beautifully unique experience that is Victoria Symphony Splash.

The August 5th event is the 29th Annual Victoria Symphony Splash and is expected to draw crowds of more than 40,000. The event is by donation and relies on the support of concert goers to continue. Supporters can throw some money into the many donation barrels on site or support the event by purchasing food from our vendors or merchandise from our sales tents. Special buttons are given for donations of $5 or more.

While many people bring their own chairs or picnics or boats, a limited number of seats are available on our Grandstand. These guaranteed seats mean you can come and go without worrying you’ll lose your spot, and help raise funds for the event. For details, call the Victoria Symphony Box Office at 250.385.6515.

The 29^th annual Victoria Symphony Splash takes place on August 5^th. From the floating stage in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, Maestro Christian Kluxen, the Victoria Symphony, Dock Side Drive and 2018 Splash Young Soloist Danielle Tsao will perform to an enthusiastic crowd of 40,000 people. The day begins at 1 pm with activities for families in the Splash Family Zone and ends with Victoria Symphony’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” at 9:45 pm accompanied by fireworks and field guns.

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For more information, contact:

Jill Smillie, Director of Marketing

[email protected] 250.412.1986

TD Family Zone

2018 information listed below. 2019 information is coming soon!

The TD Splash Family Zone will feature plenty of activities for the entire family! It’s on the lawns of the Empress Hotel from 1 pm – 4 pm.

Activities include:

Face painting
Instrument petting zoo
An activity with the Royal BC Museum
Games and activities with Sportball
Bouncy Castle
Victoria Symphony Craft
Musical performances

Thank you to TD for sponsoring the 2018 Splash Family Zone

Sponsors

2018 information listed below. 2019 information is coming soon!

Victoria Symphony Splash could not survive without the support of local businesses. This by-donation, family-friendly event is attended by over 45,000 locals and visitors. Victoria Symphony Splash is not only an important cultural event in Victoria, it’s also an economic booster. Each year on the day Splash is held, the City of Victoria is injected with over $1.2 million in economic activity.

There are many ways to contribute to Splash: become a “Hero” and give $1,000 to the event, give a larger donation to become a community supporter, or donate services or supplies to help put on the event.

Presenting Sponsor: Quality Foods

About Quality Foods

“Having decades of experience providing fireworks set to music here on the island with the Quality Foods Festival of Lights summer series, the Symphony Splash is a natural fit to our annual celebrations,” says Noel Hayward, president of Quality Foods. “What we love about this event is that it brings all ages of people and families together, creating a lot of smiles and memorable times. Not many events can cross generational lines like this one.”

Quality Foods started their first grocery store in Qualicum Beach in 1982 and is proud to be a BC-owned, Vancouver Island operated company. We’re a Platinum Member of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program, with thirteen award-winning stores on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.