Victoria Symphony

A Night at the Oscars
2025-03-09 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-03-08 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
“The envelope please…” VS rolls out the red carpet to welcome you to an evening of glitz, glamour, and movie music! From spine-tingling thrillers, heart-pounding action films, triumphant moments, and poignant goodbyes, we celebrate scores that earned Academy Award recognition. From The Wizard of Oz and E.T: The Extraterrestrial to Chinatown and Chariots of Fire, relive some of cinema’s most magical musical moments.

Pops at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

A Night at the Oscars (Qualicum Beach Concert)
2025-03-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada
“The envelope please…” VS rolls out the red carpet to welcome you to an evening of glitz, glamour, and movie music! From spine-tingling thrillers, heart-pounding action films, triumphant moments, and poignant goodbyes, we celebrate scores that earned Academy Award recognition. From The Wizard of Oz and E.T: The Extraterrestrial to Chinatown and Chariots of Fire, relive some of cinema’s most magical musical moments.
Tickets are on sale at the Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Qualicum Beach (130 Second Ave.). $45, general admission.

Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

Platypus Theatre's Charlotte and the Music-Maker
2025-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Lost in a blizzard, Charlotte finds herself whisked on a journey through the Magical Monarchy of Musical Magnificence, exploring the sounds and colours of the orchestra and leading her to an unexpected discovery, not only about music, but about herself. The concert features enchanting illustrations by Graham Ross and a stunning original score by Alain Trudel, with selections from Handel, Grieg, and upbeat arrangements of well-known popular tunes.
Commissioned by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Join us at 2:00 pm in the lobby for our Instrument Petting Zoo! The Instrument Petting Zoo gives children of all ages the opportunity to try a musical instrument. It’s a relaxing and fun way to spark a child’s interest in music and gives them a firsthand try at many different instruments.
Concert runtime: 60 minutes

Kids at the Farquhar Series underwritten by JAYMAC

Dvořák's New World Symphony
2025-02-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
In advance of Valentine’s Day, we share three heart-felt musical depictions of love: the tragedy of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers from the pen of Tchaikovsky; Saint-Saëns’ romantic, poetic musings in an inspired dialogue between two soloists; and the nostalgic longing for home experienced by Dvořák. Korean-Canadian conductor Earl Lee serves as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Jill Gibson and Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Sara Neely
Terence Tam’s performance underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Brian Yoon’s performance underwritten by Helen Stuart & Bob Hoogendoorn** Mozart Fund

Kluxen & Pouliot – Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
2025-02-02 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
“Oh, how difficult it is to make anyone see and feel in music what we see and feel ourselves.” Early, temperamental reactions to his Violin Concerto must have stung Tchaikovsky, but it’s now a firm favourite of countless violinists, including Canada’s Blake Pouliot. A set of comic portraits of personality types, or temperaments, triggered Nielsen to recreate them in musical form, from the introverted (melancholic and phlegmatic) to the extroverted (choleric and sanguine). Composer Missy Mazzoli’s mesmeric Sinfonia is music ‘in the shape of the solar system,’ weaving and coiling itself in a sequence of pulsing loops.

Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain
Concert underwritten by Natexa Verbrugge
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Blake Pouliot underwritten by George Lovick

Tony DeSare – Rhapsody & Blue Eyes
2025-01-26 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-01-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
From the timeless songs of Ol’ Blue Eyes, to George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, triple-threat singer/songwriter/ pianist, Tony DeSare, tackles two musical mavericks in one outstanding concert. Whether in jazz clubs, Carnegie Hall, or headlining with major orchestras, Tony delivers a fresh take on old school class. He returns to Victoria to chart some of Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits—Come Fly with Me, It Was A Very Good Year, New York, New York—and more!

Pops at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by John & Gabrielle Goudy
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

A New Year's Day Celebration
2025-01-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Victoria’s favourite New Year’s tradition! Effervescent soprano Tracy Dahl hits the high notes as VS breaks out the bubbly. Revel in a musical banquet of much-loved arias, choruses, glamorous dances, and toe-tapping instrumentals from favourite operas and operettas. Treat yourself, family, and friends to this musical toast as we ring in the New Year. Cheers!
Ahead of this concert Soprano Tracy Dahl’s This Is My Music program will be broadcast on CBC Music, December 28 from 10am – 12noon. Save the date & tune in!

Giuseppe Pietraroia underwritten by Terry Scandrett & Angela Bassage
Tracy Dahl underwritten by Carol Bellringer & Greg Doyle
Ballet Victoria underwritten by Tom & Terri Siemens

Home Alone in Concert - JUST ADDED!
2024-12-22 19:00 - 21:00 | 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 FoxFilm Corporation. All rights reserved.

Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

Home Alone in Concert
2024-12-22 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 FoxFilm Corporation. All rights reserved.
Not included in subscription purchase discount.

Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

Home Alone in Concert
2024-12-21 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

Christmas Pops with the Victoria Symphony (West Shore Concert)
2024-12-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, V9C 3E9, Canada
Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and your Victoria Symphony are returning to the West Shore with music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! From holiday classics to spirited renditions of favourite carols, join your Victoria Symphony for a festive celebration This Christmas.

Christmas Pops with the Victoria Symphony (Sidney Concert)
2024-12-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 1W9, Canada
Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and your Victoria Symphony are coming to Sidney with music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! From holiday classics to spirited renditions of favourite carols, join your Victoria Symphony for a festive celebration This Christmas.

Messiah by Candlelight
2024-12-15 14:30 - 16:30, 2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave
“Hallelujah!” In 1741, Handel composed his great oratorio Messiah in just three weeks, and its message continues to reign forever and ever, enthralling audiences annually. Victoria’s magnificent Christ Church Cathedral will be the candlelit setting as the Victoria Symphony, local choirs, and four leading soloists share a story rich in complex emotions and human drama. Lift your spirits once again!

Concert underwritten by Penelope & Jim Kingham
Giuseppe Pietraroia underwritten by Terry Scandrett & Angela Bassage
Jennifer Taverner underwritten by Natexa Verbrugge
James Reese underwritten by Matthew White & Catherine Webster
Philippe Sly underwritten by Dr. Wendy A. Clay
Concert Sponsor

Christmas Pops with the Victoria Symphony (Qualicum Beach Concert)
2024-12-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada
Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia, Sidney-born soprano Diane Pancel, and the Victoria Symphony are coming to Qualicum Beach with music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! From holiday classics to spirited renditions of favourite carols, join us for a festive celebration This Christmas.
Tickets are now SOLD OUT. Doors open at 6:30 pm – no door sales available.

Qualicum Beach Series underwritten by A Private Foundation
Concert underwritten by Deborah McKinley and Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik

Christmas Pops with Canadian Brass
2024-12-08 14:30 - 16:30, 2024-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Christmas Time is Here and Canadian Brass is back in Victoria with music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! From holiday classics to jazzy renditions of favourite carols, the world famous brass quintet joins VS for this festive celebration! Ding Dong, Merrily on High!

Pops at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by JAYMAC, Suzanne & John Stewart, and Dallas & Len Chapple**
Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Lynda Farmer O.B.C. & Murray Farmer O.B.C.

VS Holiday Brunch
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The VS Holiday Brunch is back! We had so much fun hosting this special event last year that we knew we had to bring it back – so we hope you’ll join us!
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Venue: Royal Theatre
Tickets: $125 pp / $200 for two (a tax receipt will be provided)
This year’s Brunch promises to be filled with wonderful music, delicious food, and holiday spirit. Join members of the orchestra, Canadian Brass and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin in celebrating the spirit of the holiday, all while supporting your VS.
Net proceeds of this special holiday event benefit VS Youth Education programs and your Victoria Symphony.
Tickets: $125 per person or $200 for two (a tax receipt will be provided).
RSVP by November 29th, space is limited. To purchase tickets please call 250.412.1977 or email donorservices@victoriasymphony.ca

Kluxen – Liszt & Lieder
2024-11-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Poetry, mystical texts, and an angelic altarpiece tie together this program of divine inspiration. Lyric tenor Josh Lovell returns home to Victoria to sing Finzi’s rhapsodic cantata and some of Strauss’s exquisite lieder in rich orchestral settings. Alongside the inspired ecstasy of Lizst’s tone poem and Hindemith’s imaginative symphonic portrait, their spiritual connections will be unveiled.

Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Millingtons: Trustees of The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund
Josh Lovell underwritten by George Lovick

Kluxen & Chooi – Barber Violin Concerto
2024-11-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Even as a fledgling conductor, a 16-year-old Christian Kluxen was already taken with Tchaikovsky’s music. Its mix of romantic beauty with bittersweet melancholy pairs well with Barber’s Violin Concerto, especially as interpreted by the internationally-renowned, Victoria-born violinist, Timothy Chooi. Rodney Sharman’s update of Scarlatti’s music provides a modern perspective of its easy-going virtuosity and surprising dissonances.

Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Jill Gibson and Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by Dr. Fritz & Dora Boehm
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Timothy Chooi underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer and Dr. Fritz & Dora Boehm

Kluxen – Mozart & Bartók
2024-11-10 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Two musical giants converge in a program that touches on music of the night. In modern parlance, Mozart’s Gran Partita could be subtitled “My Big Fat Viennese Wind Symphony.” Its rich sonority stems from a palette of woodwinds with double bass, likely written as an evening’s entertainment – music as big as all outdoors! Bartók paints a more complex canvas of mid-century Europe, with two string orchestras astride with a bevy of percussion. Here the mystic contrasts with nature, where genius and madness blur. Two colossal contrasts of orchestral colours!

Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain
Concert underwritten by Helen Stuart & Bob Hoogendoorn** Mozart Fund
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer

Murdoch Mysteries in Concert
2024-11-03 14:30 - 16:30, 2024-11-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Hosted by series star Yannick Bisson, this exclusive event explores how music for the series is brought to life with award-winning composer Rob Carli. Blending television drama and live orchestral performance, witness the craft of how orchestral magic brings pivotal scenes to life. Then, watch the thrilling episode “Murder in F Major” on the big screen, accompanied by a live symphonic score.
Don’t miss this mesmerizing evening fusing screen and stage — Murdoch Mysteries in Concert is a one-of-a-kind event for the whole family.
PLUS! MEET & GREET ADD-ON EXPERIENCE
The thrill continues after the music ends, with an exclusive add-on opportunity for ticket holders: a meet-and-greet with Yannick Bisson, known for his iconic role as Detective William Murdoch from the acclaimed series. Enhance your experience with this special opportunity and take home a meaningful memento from an unforgettable concert!
Purchase Meet & Greet Tickets

Beethoven Symphony No. 5
2024-10-27 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
﻿A fateful quote from The Iliad inspired Beethoven, and the American composer Carlos Simon. Is it fate, “knocking at the door” that their works should be featured on the same program? Like Beethoven, Prokofiev composed five piano concertos. From its premiere in 1921 with the Chicago Symphony, Prokofiev’s Third Concerto has proven to be his most popular—a brilliant showcase of both the lyrical and the virtuosic gifts of the great pianist-composer.

Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Jill Gibson
Concert underwritten by Tim McGee, KC & Mary Mullens
David Danzmayr underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Natasha Paremski underwritten by Peter & Sharon Jando

Classical Kids LIVE! Saint-Georges' Sword & Bow
2024-10-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
﻿Superb swordsman! Violin virtuoso! Coruscating kaleidoscopic composer! The one and only Joseph Bologne, le Chevalier de Saint-Georges! A new Classical Kids LIVE! concert that is sure to delight, excite, and inspire you to dream big. Hoping to become the next great pop sensation, a young girl discovers her music teacher was the biggest star in 18th-century France. In this time-bending musical adventure, Giselle learns about life’s triumphs and tragedies from the most accomplished man in Europe, the Chevalier Saint-Georges. A captivating story of passion, dreams, legacy, and hope.
Join us at 2:00 pm in the lobby for our Instrument Petting Zoo! The Instrument Petting Zoo gives children of all ages the opportunity to try a musical instrument. It’s a relaxing and fun way to spark a child’s interest in music and gives them a firsthand try at many different instruments.

Kids at the Farquhar Series underwritten by JAYMAC

Parker – Beethoven's Emperor Concerto
2024-10-06 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The “Emperor Concerto” reigns among Beethoven’s greatest works, especially in the hands of returning piano soloist Jon Kimura Parker. VS also welcomes the recently enthroned Artistic Director of the Vancouver Island Symphony, Cosette Justo Valdés, to lead this regal program. Along with music of Johann Strauss, we also recruit flashy and folksy Hungarian dances by Kodály, and the concert premiere of a contemporary Canadian work based on a 13th-century song by Alfonso X of Castile.

Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Jill Gibson
Concert underwritten by Alan & Jean Hollingworth
Jon Kimura Parker underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain and Jack Boomer & Stephen Hammond

Kluxen – Mozart's Prague Symphony
2024-09-29 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
From the deceptively simple to disguised genius, these works from different eras connect in intriguing ways. Ligeti’s Austro-Hungarian roots link the Vienna of old with the micro-melodic modern day. Mozart’s “Prague Symphony” features the same playful wit and melodic genius of his operas The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Korngold was viewed as modern day Mozart, evolving from child prodigy in Vienna to a pioneering composer for stage and screen. And Nielsen’s neo-classical concerto, featuring VS Principal Clarinet David Boutin-Bourque, encapsulates the Danish composer’s often inscrutable personality.

Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain
Concert and David Boutin-Bourque’s performance underwritten by Helen Stuart & Bob Hoogendoorn** Mozart Fund
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
