Christmas Pops
2021-12-12 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Join Victoria Symphony as we ring in the holiday season. Acclaimed vocalist David Curry returns to Victoria to bring the holiday cheer and more. Featuring such favorites as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and It’s a Wonderful Life, it really will be wonderful to celebrate this annual holiday tradition once more!
*Please note that as per Provincial Health Orders, the venue is 100% capacity.
Tickets can be purchased through the Box office at the Royal Theatre at 250.386.6121.

Bach to Messiah
2021-12-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2021-12-19 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Handel and Bach join hands for a festive programme featuring selections from their most iconic works for the season. Join guest director Ivars Taurins from Tafelmusik, VS, and a wonderful cast of soloists for the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, and excerpts from J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
*Please note that as per Provincial Health Orders, the venue is 100% capacity.
Tickets can be purchased online below or by calling Farquhar at UVic at 250.721.8480.

A Viennese New Years
2022-01-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Start the New Year off right with lively and nostalgic music of the family of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. Lara Ciekiewicz and Owen McCausland join dancers from Ballet Victoria for this afternoon of music, dance and song.
*Please note that audience size will be established according to Public Health Orders that currently allow 50% capacity.
Tickets can be purchased through the box office at the Royal Theatre at 250.386.6121.

Beethoven Symphonies No. 1 & 3
2022-01-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
When VS had to cancel its “Beethoven 250 Celebration” mid-cycle in March, 2020 we vowed to recreate the opportunity as soon as possible. Under the baton of Maestro Kluxen, the orchestra explores the full range of Beethoven’s genius.
“Beethoven’s music has from the very beginning created a special bond between VS and myself. The week I was announced Music Director, I stepped in for a concert of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Prometheus Overture. Through the week, there was a certain electricity in the hall. Since then, it feels like we are able to come back to this same atmosphere, every time we play Beethoven. In other words, Beethoven has been a binding force for us. But his music is also a universal force. Every single one of his symphonies feels like they are both the beginning and the end; like all is new and as if every note is his last. This is how I believe that his music must be performed. Every note must be a new creation, show a way, comment on its surroundings and show us a bigger picture. Most of all Beethoven is the purest example of human struggle and final triumph. Beethoven is humanity.” – Christian Kluxen
*Please note that audience size will be established according to Public Health Orders that currently allow 50% capacity.

Beethoven Symphonies No. 2 & 5
2022-01-23 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St

Celebrating John Williams
2022-02-13 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Celebrate the Maestro of the Movies himself, John Williams, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. John’s music has been the soundtrack of our lives and the Victoria Symphony will present some of his favorites like Star Wars, Harry Potter and E.T. along with some hidden gems from his vast catalogue. Get ready to run away from dinosaurs, swim to safety from sharks and raise the Olympic torch in this unforgettable evening of music.
*Please note that audience size will be established according to Public Health Orders that currently allow 50% capacity. Socially distanced seating.

Music of the Emerald Isles
2022-03-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
A Juilliard trained violinist and Riverdance alumni, Maria Kaneko Millar joins VS for a tour through the Emerald Isles with all things Irish. Ramble through misty moors and ancient castles of Ireland with foot-stomping ceilidhs of your favourite Celtic tunes including O’Danny Boy, Scotland the Brave and more.

Music of the Emerald Isles
2022-03-27 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
A Juilliard trained violinist and Riverdance alumni, Maria Millar joins VS for a tour through the Emerald Isles with all things Irish. Ramble through misty moors and ancient castles of Ireland with foot-stomping ceilidhs of your favourite Celtic tunes including O’Danny Boy, Scotland the Brave and more.

Kluxen - Pictures at an Exhibition
2023-09-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Prepare to be enchanted! Christian Kluxen showcases the seductive charms of Richard Strauss and the dark beauty of Sibelius, the latter in the company of the B.C.-born concertmaster of the TSO, Jonathan Crow. Then promenade through the pictures framed by the imagination of Mussorgsky in an exhibition of musical majesty!
CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Concert underwritten by Natexa Verbrugge and Commodore & Mrs. Jan Drent
Jonathan Crow underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer

Star Trek, Star Wars, and Beyond
2023-09-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-09-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Journey to a galaxy far, far away and go where no one has gone before. The music of Star Wars and Star Trek transports us to literally another world and lets us live out the adventures of our wildest imaginations. Legendary composers like John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Michael Giacchino create the soundtrack to an evening that’s out of this world!
CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik

Kluxen – Ravel and Haydn
2023-10-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
A platinum performance awaits in a concert with Parisian ties. Ravel’s Tombeau pays tribute to both the Baroque, and to fallen comrades of WWI. Ravel was in the audience at the Salle Gaveau when Nielsen’s neo-classical concerto was premiered in 1926. Principal flutist Arin Sarkissian also polishes up some avant-garde Varèse. We close in the classical era with one of Haydn’s six “Paris” symphonies, No. 85, which earned its nickname as a favourite of Marie Antoinette, the pre-revolutionary Queen of France.
Maestro Christian Kluxen has regrettably had to withdraw from this concert due to illness. Assuming his place as guest conductor will be Montreal-based Jean-Claude Picard, regarded internationally as a communicative and engaging conductor.
CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Concert underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Arin Sarkissian underwritten by Helen Stuart

Classical Kids – Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery
2023-10-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Vivaldi, Venice, and violins: all three are celebrated in Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, a compelling mystery story about an orphan girl in the early 1700s who is in search of her roots. Audiences will enjoy excerpts from Vivaldi’s most popular and important works, including the Four Seasons, the Violin Concerto in A minor, and the Guitar Concerto. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors solve a mystery built around the historic context of the composer’s real life and his school of the Pieta. This exciting concert and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length.
Arrive early! Join us for an Instrument Petting Zoo starting at 2:00 pm in the Lobby. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to get to know the cello and violin.
Instrument Petting Zoo sponsored by

CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Concert underwritten by Sheridan Scott & David Zussman

Bach, Rameau, and Respighi
2023-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School, 781 Richmond Avenue, VICTORIA, BC, V8S 3Z2, Canada
A three-concert series of smaller scale orchestral programs presented in the intimate setting of Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School. Ticket price includes wine tastings and a post-concert after party with artists on stage. Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia kicks off this new series with a selection of Baroque and Baroque-inspired favourites. Join the Victoria Symphony for a unique and intimate exploration.
19+ event.
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall concerts are not included in subscription purchase discount.
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series underwritten by Suzanne and John Stewart
Concert underwritten by Matthew White & Catherine Webster

SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR

Harry Potter and Literary Thrillers
2023-10-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Harry Potter is a phenomenon like no other and has defined the transformation of the printed page to the silver screen. Experience some of the greatest literary stories coming to life in music. From Vampires and Werewolves to Peter Pan, Hobbits and everything in between, this magical evening will surely inspire your literary imagination.
TAKE ME TO THE OCTOBER 29 CONCERT
CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray

Harry Potter and Literary Thrillers
2023-10-29 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Harry Potter is a phenomenon like no other and has defined the transformation of the printed page to the silver screen. Experience some of the greatest literary stories coming to life in music. From Vampires and Werewolves to Peter Pan, Hobbits and everything in between, this magical evening will surely inspire your literary imagination.
CURATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Choose five (5) or more concerts and a 25% discount will apply to the entire order.

Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl

Beethoven Symphony No. 7
2023-11-05 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Kalena Bovell has a distinctive voice as a maestra, speaker, and poet. The Panamanian-American conductor is an Awardee of the 2022-2024 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, and serves as Assistant Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. She premieres a VS/VSO co-commission by the Metchosin-born composer Cassandra Miller and welcomes the award-winning B.C. guitarist Alan Liu for courtly dances in the Concierto de Aranjuez. Wagner proclaimed the praises of Beethoven’s Seventh, calling it the “apotheosis of the dance” for its endless and varied rhythmic drive.
Concert underwritten by the Potash Family Foundation

Jurassic Park™ in Concert
2023-11-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-11-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.
Welcome… to Jurassic Park!
*Jurassic Park in Concert is not included in subscription purchase discount
Concert underwritten by the Potash Family Foundation

Kluxen – Bach, Prokofiev, and Mozart
2023-11-19 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
In 1747, Bach impressed Frederick the Great with The Musical Offering. Years later, Webern was inspired to reframe Bach’s famous 6-voice fugue with a pointillistic pen, illustrating genius at a whole new level. The romantic second movement of the Violin Concerto No. 2 foreshadows Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet—he created both on the cusp of leaving the West for life under the Soviets. A similar range of Sturm und Drang colours Mozart’s “Little G minor symphony,” which completes the program.
Sundays at the Farquhar Series underwritten by Harry & Julie Swain
Concert underwritten by Helen Stuart & Jill Gibson
Terence Tam underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer

Being Robert Schumann – “Spring” Symphony
2023-11-26 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Trading bouquets of mutual admiration and professional support, Schumann lent his discerning ear to the ‘dreamy’ incidental music written by his close friend Mendelssohn—the first person to conduct Schumann’s “Spring” symphony. The same work was the starting point for composer Rita Ueda in a VS/VSO co-commission. A celebration of Tokyo’s famed cherry blossom (sakura) season features koto soloist Miyama McQueen-Tokita in a fusion of ancient Japanese traditions with the present day.
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Concert underwritten by the Gail O’Riordan Climate & the Arts Legacy Fund at the Victoria Foundation

CONCERT SPONSOR

Gryphon Trio – ECHO: Memories of the World (Workshop Event)
2023-12-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Wingate Studio, Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Rd, Victoria, BC, V8T 1A7, Canada
Important! Gryphon Trio – Echo: Memories of the World has been postponed to a future VS/POV season. All ticket holders will be refunded on Tuesday, November 21. Please wait a few business days for this transaction to appear on your banking statement.
As a thank you for supporting this concert, we would like to invite you to a workshop with the artists on December 3 at 4:00 pm at the Baumann Centre. The event will be approximately 90 minutes in length. More information below!
Echo: Memories of the World – reflections on the creation of a new multimedia work
Sunday, December 3, 4:00 pm, FREE
Wingate Studio at the Baumann Centre (925 Balmoral Road)
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP EVENT
Moved by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, Canadian artists and arts organizations are re-evaluating and changing the way they approach the creation of new work.
Artists serve as the custodians and storytellers of our shared heritage, their creative expressions transcending time and space to connect us across generations. Yet, throughout history and even today, certain memories and voices have been marginalized, silenced and stolen.
In 2021, Canada’s celebrated Gryphon Trio assembled a remarkable team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to work collaboratively and create work in a new way. This collective creation journey has resulted in Echo: Memories of the World – an emotionally charged experience that combines music, words, and film. Echo delves into the ways history has been erased, manipulated, and attacked, while simultaneously celebrating visionary artists who have defied suppression and breathed life into enduring works of profound significance.
On Sunday December 3, Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, and the Gryphon Trio invite you to join the Echo: Memories of the World creative team for a gathering that will reveal insights into the project’s creative process, include multimedia excerpts performed by Gryphon Trio, mezzo soprano Marion Newman Nege’ga and narrator čačumḥi aaron m. wells. The event will conclude with a Q & A session.
This free event will take place at the Baumann Centre at 4:00 pm and will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
A tapestry of music by Andrew Balfour, Eliot Britton, Ian Cusson, Ry Moran, Kelly-Marie Murphy, Marion Newman, Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and contemporary Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, interwoven with poignant storytelling, digital audio, evocative imagery, and film, Echo: Memories of the World unveils resilient visions of the future, drawing inspiration from three diverse corners of the world: the lands now known as Canada, Norway, and Ukraine.
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Holiday Brunch and Christmas Pops Rehearsal
2023-12-09 11:00 - 14:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Enjoy a fun and unique holiday experience with your friends, family, or coworkers at our Holiday Brunch and Christmas Pops Rehearsal fundraiser to benefit the Victoria Symphony’s Youth Education Programs!
Join the dress rehearsal of our Christmas Pops concert, followed by a gourmet brunch, sparkling wine, raffle, holiday carols, and more! You’ll meet members of the orchestra, guest soloist Jens Lindemann, and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin while celebrating the spirit of the holidays and supporting the Victoria Symphony!
Tickets $125 per person or $200 for two
(a generous tax receipt will be provided)
To purchase tickets or make a gift please call 250.412.1977 or email donorservices@victoriasymphony.ca

Jens Lindemann – Christmas Pops
2023-12-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-12-10 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The holidays shimmer and shine with the Victoria Symphony and Canadian trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann. As one of the pre-eminent performers of our time, Mr. Lindemann brings his signature style and showmanship to our annual holiday tradition. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed as we bring Christmas Pops to brassy new heights.
Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by John H. & Margery M. McEown Trust for the Performing Arts and Dallas & Len Chapple

Jens Lindemann – Christmas Pops (Qualicum Concert)
2023-12-11 19:30 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada
The holidays shimmer and shine with the Victoria Symphony and Canadian trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann. As one of the pre-eminent performers of our time, Mr. Lindemann brings his signature style and showmanship to our annual holiday tradition. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed as we bring Christmas Pops to brassy new heights.
Tickets will be sold through THE MULBERRY BUSH BOOKSTORE in Qualicum Beach (130 Second Ave.) starting Monday, November 6.
All tickets are $45. Cash or cheque only at the Book Store. If you would like to pay by credit card, please call the VS Box Office at 250.385.6515. Limited tickets are available for purchase through the Victoria Symphony Box Office from M-F 9am – 12pm, 1pm – 4pm. General admission. Non refundable.
Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by John H. & Margery M. McEown Trust for the Performing Arts and Dallas & Len Chapple

Handel’s Messiah
2023-12-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.” Beginning with those simple words, one of the best-loved musical works continues to inspire, year over year. With the Victoria Symphony led by Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia and featuring four leading Canadian soloists as well as the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Handel’s sublime seasonal masterpiece Messiah delivers dramatic choruses and sublime solos. Hallelujah!
Concert underwritten by Penelope & Jim Kingham
Andrew Haji’s performance underwritten by Tom & Terri Siemens

CONCERT SPONSOR

Ken Lavigne – We Need a Little Christmas
2023-12-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Vocalist Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style. From show tunes and popular favourites to arias and Christmas classics, Ken’s lyric tenor voice spreads holiday cheer. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and Ken Lavigne will be sharing his musical gifts in concert with the Victoria Symphony.
VS West Shore concerts are not included in subscription purchase discount.

Handel’s Messiah (SOLD OUT)
2023-12-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
