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Kluxen – Grieg’s Peer Gynt

1 February 2026 @ 2:30 pm

Follow the exploits of the charming, arrogant title character Peer Gynt, a Norwegian peasant who travels the world in search of his true self. Theatre Director Antony Ernst condenses Ibsen’s monumental story into an enchanting concert-length performance. You will recognize Grieg’s “hits”—Morning Mood, The Hall of the Mountain King, and Solveig’s Song—as you meet Peer, his mother, Åse; the eternally faithful Solveig, and several other famous characters. All the roles will be played by three actors, supported by the members of the Victoria Choral Society and the VS, led by Christian Kluxen.

Christian Kluxen, conductor

Now in his ninth season as Music Director of the Victoria Symphony in Canada, Christian Kluxen is also in his third season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland, following a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Arctic Philharmonic in Norway.

Kluxen has been described in the press as “a dynamic, charismatic figure” who “forms the music with an impressive vertical power of emotion and a focus on the grand form”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”. He is recognized for his sincere and transparent leadership, innovative programming and his bold, imaginative and energetic interpretations, showcased both in his MD and guest work.

Alongside his many and varied commitments with the Victoria Symphony and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, recent and forthcoming guest engagements include Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Pacific Symphony, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic, Odense Symphony, and Norrköping Symphony. A fruitful and inspiring relationship with the Arctic Philharmonic, whom Kluxen led for five years as Chief Conductor, resulted in numerous exhilarating performances of a wide variety of repertoire, as well as several acclaimed recordings.

 Antony Ernst, stage director
Biography to come.

Melody Courage, actor / soprano
Biography to come.

Victoria Choral Society
Biography to come.

Program notes to come.

EDVARD GRIEG (1843—1907)
Peer Gynt, op.23

Details

Date:
1 February 2026
Time:
starts at 2:30 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Farquhar at UVic
University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road
Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
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Phone
250.721.8480

Concert Programme

  • Grieg / Ibsen
    Peer Gynt (adaptation by Antony Ernst)

The Victoria Symphony performs on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We extend our respect as well as our appreciation for this opportunity.