Victoria Symphony

Kluxen & Min – Rachmaninoff & Shostakovich
2026-04-04 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
A hometown favourite, the globe-trotting pianist Lorraine Min is featured in one of Rachmaninoff’s most challenging and best loved works. This concert is sure to delight, especially listening to the sublime Variation 18! Shostakovich and Britten were near contemporaries, and equally precocious. Jaunty fiddle tunes from Quebec inspired Britten, while the Symphony No. 1 was Shostakovich’s graduation project from the Leningrad Conservatory. It brought him instant international fame.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Concert duration: Approx. 95 minutes including one 20 minute intermission
Pre-concert Chat: Please join us at 6:40 pm in the west lobby for a pre-concert chat featuring Music Director Christian Kluxen and VS bass trombone Robert Fraser.

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge (Rehearsal - Sold Out)
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge will be joining your Victoria Symphony this spring for a performance of Mozart’s Requiem, which has long sold out. In response to the ongoing demand, we have opened up 175 tickets to attend an open working rehearsal on April 11 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm* at the Farquhar at UVic.
This open working rehearsal offers an intimate window into how this remarkable ensemble works: how sound is shaped, how meaning is uncovered, and how young musicians are guided to extraordinary artistic standards.
As part of the experience, Daniel Hyde (Director of Music at King’s College) and Matthew White (VS CEO) will host a 20-minute open talkback during the break, offering context, reflections, and the chance for conversation.
*This is a working rehearsal, duration is subject to change.
“I had the great privilege of hosting the Choir once before during my time at Early Music Vancouver. While their performance was sublime, what has stayed with me most vividly was a quiet morning spent alone in the hall, observing a full rehearsal. The combination of humanity, discipline, and musical excellence is the essence of this centuries-old tradition, and it is rarely witnessed from the inside. This is a genuinely special event, so I hope you will join us whether you have tickets to the concert or not. This opportunity is limited in capacity but promises to be unforgettable in impact.”
– Matthew White, CEO

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge (Sold Out)
2026-04-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Founded in the fifteenth century, The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge is undoubtedly one of the world’s best-known choral groups. While the Choir exists primarily to sing the daily services in King’s College Chapel, its worldwide fame and reputation, enhanced by its many recordings, has led to invitations to perform around the globe, and to an extensive international tour schedule. They’ll be travelling 7600 kilometres from Cambridge to Victoria to perform Mozart’s Requiem with our VS musicians.
Not included in subscription purchase discount.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Concert duration: Approx. 75 minutes without intermission.
Pre-concert Chat: Please join us at 1:40 pm in the west lobby for a pre-concert chat featuring Director of Music for the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge Daniel Hyde and VS CEO Matthew White

Platypus Theatre – Bach to the Future
2026-04-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
“A school project about classical music?!” wails Corky, “What do I know about classical music?” Uncle Siegfried to the rescue! But when Corky accidentally combines the ingredients of a magical musical spell her uncle is working on, she finds herself on an adventure with some of the world’s most fascinating composers – Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvořák, Shostakovich! Join Corky as she attempts to recreate the musical formula that will bring a happy ending to a time travel experiment gone awry.
Not included in subscription purchase discount. Tickets available to purchase through the UVic Ticket Centre.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Concert duration: Approx. 60 minutes without intermission

Queens of Soul
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-03 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
An evening featuring hits made famous by the reigning divas of Soul and R&B: Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele. Featuring two female singers performing popular hits made famous by these powerful and soulful songstresses. Songs include Proud Mary, At Last, Rolling in the Deep, A Natural Woman, and more!
All arrangements licensed by Schirmer Theatrical, LLC.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Concert duration: Approx. 100 minutes including one 20 minute intermission

Kluxen – Mahler Symphony No. 5
2026-05-10 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Mahler’s Fifth Symphony is undoubtedly his most famous work, and it contains echoes of some of the greatest highs and lows of his life. After surviving a near fatal haemorrhage in 1901, he composed the Symphony over the following two summers, during which time he met, became engaged to, and married the Austrian composer, author, editor, and socialite, Alma Schindler. Its serene fourth movement, the Adagietto, is a love letter–Mahler’s declaration to his new bride saying, “I am no longer alone, because now, I have you.”

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Concert duration: Approx. 75 minutes without intermission
Pre-Concert Chat: Please join us at 1:40 pm in the west lobby for a pre-concert chat featuring Music Director Christian Kluxen and VS CEO Matthew White.

Kluxen & Hetherington – Beethoven Symphony No. 7
2026-09-13 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
A festive Danish curtain-raiser by Friedrich Kuhlau (Beethoven’s contemporary and a composer central to Denmark’s musical identity) sets the tone for a season that celebrates place and belonging in a time when national songs resonate more than ever. Berlioz, another nineteenth-century visionary who expanded the orchestra’s expressive range, turns that brightness inward with Les Nuits d’été, a tender farewell to summer sung by mezzo-soprano Alex Hetherington. Britta Byström’s A Walk to Beethoven, commissioned by Christian Kluxen during his Arctic Philharmonic tenure, answers across time with a luminous bridge leading naturally into Beethoven’s radiant Seventh Symphony—a “celebration of humanity being unworried and free.”

Aretha – A Tribute
2026-09-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-20 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
R-E-S-P-E-C-T! The “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, is celebrated in a powerhouse concert of her greatest hits, from Respect and Think to A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, and Amazing Grace. Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and three-time GRAMMY®-nominee Ryan Shaw bring soaring vocals and electric energy to the stage, backed by Sean O’Loughlin and the musicians of the VS. More than a concert, it’s a heartwarming, soul-stirring tribute to one of music’s most legendary voices.

Kluxen & Pouliot – Dvořák’s New World Symphony & Sibelius Violin Concerto
2026-09-27 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Heino Eller’s Dawn captures both the first light of day and the awakening of Estonian national identity after World War I. Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, lyrical and vast, reflects the mystery of the landscape that shaped him, here brought to life by the brilliant Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot. Dvořák’s New World Symphony, written during his stay in America, weaves homesickness and discovery into one of the most beloved works in all symphonic literature.

Aadland & Tam – The Lark Ascending
2026-10-04 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro was written in 1905 to showcase the virtuosity of the London Symphony Orchestra’s string players and its warmth and elegance remain irresistible today. Vaughan Williams’s beloved The Lark Ascending, performed by VS Concertmaster Terence Tam, floats with pastoral grace and quiet transcendence. The concert concludes with Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, a radiant triumph over adversity, conducted by the distinguished Norwegian maestro Eivind Aadland, Artistic Director of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

The Unicorn's Birthday®
2026-10-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Everyone’s invited to the unicorn’s birthday party! Meet musical penguins, monkeys, ducks, and other whimsical creatures in this interactive concert for young families and sensory-friendly audiences. Composer Bob Singleton—best known for his decade as music director of Barney & Friends—created The Unicorn’s Birthday for the Dallas Symphony, co-commissioned by orchestras across North America. A joyful introduction to the orchestra for all ages.
Not included in subscription purchase discount. Tickets available to purchase through the UVic Ticket Centre starting Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Parameswaran & Liu – Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1
2026-10-25 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 evokes the frost-bright landscapes of winter, with its sweeping melodies and crisp orchestral colours revealing a youthful work of striking imagination. Rising Canadian pianist Sophia Liu dazzles in Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a brilliant showcase of fire, finesse, and fearless virtuosity. Vivian Fung’s Parade opens the concert with the vibrant rhythms and colours of San Francisco’s Lunar New Year celebrations. Vinay Parameswaran, one of the most versatile young conductors on the podium today, leads a program that moves from celebration to triumph in a blaze of orchestral colour.

Spirited Away – The Music of Studio Ghibli
2026-10-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-11-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Enter the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli through the magical music of Joe Hisaishi, the composer behind their most beloved animated films. This tribute concert journeys through the nostalgic melodies of My Neighbor Totoro, the lyrical flights of Spirited Away, and the epic rhythms of Kiki’s Delivery Service. Each note opens a doorway to wonder, capturing the imagination and heart of every listener—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Season Special: Kluxen – Ray Chen Plays Mendelssohn
2026-11-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Superstar violinist Ray Chen—one of the most celebrated classical artists on the world stage—makes his long-awaited Victoria debut. Acclaimed for his awe-inspiring technique, deep artistry, and magnetic presence both on stage and online, Chen performs Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto, a perfect showcase for his radiant virtuosity. The concert opens with Canadian composer Samy Moussa’s Elysium, a luminous vision of reward and renewal. Bartók’s masterful Concerto for Orchestra, written in exile yet brimming with vitality and hope, concludes the evening and continues the VS’s exploration of the composer’s bold, transformative orchestral works.
Not included in subscription purchase discount but can be booked at the same time as a subscription package. Single tickets on sale starting July 21, 2026.

Kluxen & Choi – Prokofiev Classical & Haydn Cello Concerto
2026-11-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Rossini’s mischievous Il signor Bruschino Overture sparkles with wit and charm—proof that classical can also be playful. Hayoung Choi, winner of the 2022 Queen Elisabeth Competition, brings brilliance and elegance to Haydn’s much loved Cello Concerto No. 1. Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony playfully reimagines eighteenth-century forms through a modern lens, before Haydn returns to close with Symphony No. 75, whose humour and grace remind us that true classicism is always alive, never antique.

Huynh & Valcheff – Beethoven Symphony No. 1 & Copland's Tender Land Suite
2026-11-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
“The promise of living with hope and thanksgiving / Is born of our loving our friends and our labor.” So sing the closing lines of Copland’s The Tender Land, whose open harmonies celebrate community and gratitude. Dynamic conductor Norman Huynh leads a program grounded in musical friendship: VS Principal Percussion Jacob Valcheff joins as soloist in a vibrant new concerto by Canadian composer Samuel Kerr, commissioned with support from the Hugh Davidson Fund at the Victoria Foundation. Beethoven’s youthful First Symphony closes with exuberant optimism and elegant humour—music born of curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Christmas Pops with Steven Page
2026-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-12-06 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Celebrate the season with acclaimed singer-songwriter Steven Page, co-founder of Barenaked Ladies, in a festive concert blending heart, humour, and harmony. Hear the iconic hits Brian Wilson, Jane, Call and Answer, The Old Apartment, and What a Good Boy, along with joyful holiday favourites guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright. A feel-good evening that sparkles with wit, nostalgia, and warmth.

Messiah by Candlelight
2026-12-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-12-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-12-13 14:30 - 16:30 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave
“Hallelujah!” In 1741, Handel composed his great oratorio Messiah in just three weeks, and its message of hope and redemption has echoed ever since. Victoria’s magnificent Christ Church Cathedral glows with candlelight as the VS, local choirs, and four outstanding soloists bring this timeless story to life—a tradition that has sold out two years in a row!

Christmas Pops with the VS (Sidney Matinee)
2026-12-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 1W9, Canada
Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town! Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and the VS make a welcome return to Sidney for the annual favourite Christmas Pops tradition. Bringing you music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, from holiday classics to spirited renditions of favourite carols, join us for a festive celebration right in your own backyard!
Not included in subscription purchase discount. Single tickets on sale starting July 21, 2026.

Christmas Pops with the VS (Sidney Evening)
2026-12-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 1W9, Canada

Christmas Pops with the VS (Qualicum Beach Matinee)
2026-12-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada
Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town! Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and the VS make a welcome return to Qualicum Beach for the annual favourite Christmas Pops tradition. Bringing you music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, from holiday classics to spirited renditions of favourite carols, join us for a festive celebration right in your own backyard!
Not included in subscription purchase discount. Tickets on sale fall 2026.

Christmas Pops with the VS (Qualicum Beach Evening)
2026-12-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada

Home Alone in Concert
2026-12-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-20 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Victoria Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Not included in subscription purchase discount but can be booked at the same time as a subscription package. Single tickets on sale starting July 21, 2026.
