Victoria Symphony Splash

Victoria Symphony Splash

On Sunday, August 6, 2017, tens of thousands of people will take to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 28th 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!

Volunteer Now!

Be a part of Splash!

Volunteer at Splash!

Splash simply cannot happen without its team of wonderful volunteers, so each year we recruit over 350 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 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 2017/18 season

For more information about volunteering at Splash, please click here.

Thank you!

Event Information

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!

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

If you’d like to join us, please fill in this Volunteer Application Form, and our Volunteer Coordinator, Della Preston, will be in touch soon.

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 – Della 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. Once we know which team you’ll be working with, we can let you know when your orientation session will be.

Splash Volunteer Orientations are to be confirmed.

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. The Family Zone opens from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and the opening act begins at 4:00 PM. Splash concludes at approximately 10:00 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 6.

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, sweatshirts, cooler bags, 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

Concert Program

Stay tuned for #splash2017

#splash2016

O Canada
Symphony No.2 “Little Russian” – Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 2 – Shostakovich
Porgy and Bess: Symphonic Picture – Gershwin
Navarra (Danza Espagnole) – Sarasate
Chicken Dance – arr. Oesterle
Radetsky March – Strauss
Danzon No. 2 – Marquez

INTERMISSION
Symphonie Fantastique – Berlioz
American in Paris – Gershwin (arr. Whitney)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Suite v. The Jedi Steps and Finale – Hal Leonard, J. Williams Signature edition
Star Trek: Into Darkness Suite
1812 Overture – Tchaikovsky
Highland Cathedral
Amazing Grace

The opening act is Chris Millington and Dancin’ at 4:00 pm on the barge.

Young Soloist

Applications for the 2017 Young Soloist will be available in the new year!

2016 Young Soloists:

Alyssa Fu, piano

AlyssaFu Alyssa, is 16 years old and studies piano with her current teacher, Ingrid L. Henderson at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

Alyssa has performed extensively in the community; St. Mary’s Church, Oak Bay Advent Concert Series, a concert to benefit the Breast Cancer Society, Enchanted keys for a Summer’s Eve 2015 at the Union Club of BC, the Honours Concert at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Her repertoire includes advanced pieces by Beethoven, Debussy, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Shostakovich.

Most recently, Alyssa performed in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival receiving several awards and selected to represent Victoria in the Provincial Performing Arts Festival.

In 2014, she won the Medicine Hat Concerto Competition performing the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto. She received 2^nd place in the Don Chrysler, Sooke Philharmonic Young Musician’s Concerto competition April 2015.

Alyssa completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto Grade 10 piano exam in August 2014 receiving First Class Honours and the RCM Advanced History Award and she is currently working towards the ARCT Diploma level.

Alyssa will be playing Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2

Nelly Tian, violin

Sixteen year-old Nelly Tian has been playing violin since age six, presently under the guidance of Michael van der Sloot. She has been in the Collegium Program for Gifted Young Musicians for seven years, and for four years as member of the Victoria Conservatory of Music senior orchestra, in 2015/2016 as concertmaster. She also held leading positions with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra, and had the privilege of performing the Saint Saëns Concerto No. 3 with them in April 2015.

In July 2016, she will be attending the world-class Morningside Music Bridge in Beijing. Recently, in May 2016, she won the Intermediate Strings Age Category at Provincials, and her chamber music group was selected as National representants for BC. She was finalist in the Don Chrysler Concerto Competition in 2015, and in 2012, runner-up of the Louis Sherman Competition.

She has won numerous awards and scholarships from the Victoria Arts Festival and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, her quartet receiving 1st prize for two years running in the Victoria Conservatory of Music Chamber Music Competition.

In 2015, she received a scholarship from the GVYO acknowledging her commitment and musicianship in the orchestra. Nelly has also taken part in the Orford Summer Academy, studying under Jonathan Crow and Federico Agostini. Finishing up high school this coming year, Nelly is in the International Baccalaureate Program at her school, and speaks four languages fluently: English, French, Mandarin and Spanish. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching swimming, reading, running and spending time with her friends and family.

Nelly will be playing Sarasate’s Navarra (Danza Espagnole) with Tovin Allers.

Tovin Allers, violin

16 year-old Tovin Allers has played violin for eight years and currently studies under Michael van der Sloot, Head of Strings at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He has participated in the Collegium program at the VCM for three years and was Concert Master in the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra this past year. He was a finalist in the Don Chrysler Concerto Competition and a featured soloist in the VCM’s 2016 Student Showcase. For two consecutive years, Tovin’s quartet has won first place in the provincial festival for chamber music, and his current quartet is competing at the provincial/national level. As leisure pursuits, Tovin enjoys reading, writing, biking, and hiking, and recently completed the West Coast Trail.

Tovin will be playing the Sarasate’s Navarra (Danza Espagnole) with Nelly Tian.

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.

Past Young Soloists

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

Family Zone

The 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 at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Sponsors

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

Quality Foods is a Platinum Member of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program, with thirteen award-winning stores on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. This year, QF celebrates thirty-five years of being an Island Original, having started the first store in Qualicum Beach in 1982.

“Having decades of experience providing fireworks set to music here on the island with the Quality Foods Festival of Lights annual summer series, The Symphony Splash was a natural fit to put an exclamation mark on our 35^th anniversary celebrations,” says Noel Hayward, president of Quality Foods. “What we love about this event is that brings people and families together. There’s nothing like seeing everyone, including grandparents smiling and interacting with young people and everyone in between.”

“Not many events can cross generational lines like this one.”