Jurassic Park™ in Concert
2023-11-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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

Ken Lavigne – We Need a Little Christmas
2023-12-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, V9C 3E9, Canada

New Year’s Day Celebration
2024-01-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
It’s a resolution worth keeping! Revel with Giuseppe Pietraroia, the Victoria Symphony, and guests for our special New Year’s Day event. You’ll be welcomed with a sumptuous musical banquet of arias and choruses, glamorous dances, and much-loved instrumentals. So break out the bubbly and raise your glass!
Lauren Margison underwritten by Christine and Shane O’Leary

Being Robert Schumann – Adieu
2024-01-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Holly Mathieson returns to travel through musical space and time. In the wake of his marriage to Clara Wieck, music poured out of Schumann’s pen, including the three “symphonic” gems that open this program. A dozen years later, Clara’s diaries detailed her heart-rending reaction to her husband’s descent into madness, as depicted in Schafer’s moving monodrama. Schubert left several of his works “Unfinished” in his short life, but a fragmentary Symphony in D major provided the 19th century framework for Luciano Berio’s 20th century Rendering of what Schubert had in mind.
Holly Mathieson underwritten by Millicent Nickason
Allyson McHardy underwritten by George Lovick

Victoria Symphony at the Movies
2024-01-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School, 781 Richmond Avenue, VICTORIA, BC, V8S 3Z2, Canada
Denford Hall is the setting for a night of music from such cinematic classics as West Side Story, Indiana Jones, and Amadeus. This intimate evening also features composer Aaron Copland’s exquisite Music for Movies as well as “Gabriel’s Oboe” from The Mission, by legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. It is an evening not to be missed as the Victoria Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin bring the silver screen to life.
19+ event.
VS Onstage @ Denford Hall Series underwritten by Suzanne & John Stewart
Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Christine & Shane O’Leary

SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR

Victoria in Love
2024-01-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-01-28 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Love is in the air with dances and romances performed by the Victoria Symphony. The stage of the Royal Theatre heats up with the story of Romeo and Juliet, as told through the music of Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, and Bernstein’s West Side Story. Plus, Broadway vocalist Lizzie Klemperer will have the audience swooning with favourites ranging from Les Misérables to “Moon River” and more.
Pops series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Sara Neely and Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik
Lizzie Klemperer underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik

Kluxen – Transfigured Night
2024-02-04 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
The strings of the Victoria Symphony are showcased in three works, beginning with a familiar, high-spirited piece by a 16-year-old Mozart. Shostakovich’s sparkling wit, sly humour, and love of musical parody are displayed in his energetic Concerto for piano, trumpet, and strings. Then step out from the darkness into the light, and have your view of Schoenberg’s music transformed. “Transfigured Night” is an early, overtly romantic piece with musical echoes of Brahms, Wagner, Mahler, and Richard Strauss.
Concert underwritten by Tim McGee, KC & Mary Mullens
Ryan Cole underwritten by Marc & Patricia Lortie
David Jalbert underwritten by George Lovick

Kluxen – Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
2024-02-11 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Victoria Symphony teams up with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra in a special joint performance sure to inspire. Enescu’s work sets the stage in a stately and supremely lyrical manner that tugs at the heartstrings. VS principal cellist Brian Yoon tackles one of the top five cello concertos, still popular 150 years after it was written. With his career hanging by a political thread, Shostakovich composed his subtly defiant Symphony No. 5. The 45-minute ovation that followed its premiere assured his musical voice would go on to inspire future generations.
Concert underwritten by Jim & Betty Hesser and Fritz & Dora Boehm
Brian Yoon’s performance underwritten by Barb & Steve McKerrell and Jim & Betty Hesser
Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra underwritten by The Sunflower Fund

Raiskin and Zhu – Paganini
2024-03-03 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Youthful brilliance is on display as Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Music Director Daniel Raiskin welcomes American violinist Kevin Zhu, first prize winner at the 2018 International Paganini Competition in Genoa, Italy. Rossini composed The Barber of Seville at the age of 14, but Russian/American polymath Lera Auerbach composed her first opera at only 12! She’s gone on to be one of today’s most exciting creative voices, and her 2010 tribute to Mozart, Eterniday, was premiered by Maestro Raiskin. Grieg withdrew the score of his early Symphony in C minor from circulation, but its perceived merits have only improved with age.
Concert underwritten by Carol Bellringer & Greg Doyle
Kevin Zhu underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer

Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4
2024-03-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria, V9C 3E9, Canada
Associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Deanna Tham, showcases two works from the 1920s. Prayer overcomes sorrow in a symphonic poem by the pioneering Black composer William Grant Still, while Stravinsky’s love affair with music of the past is presented in Pulcinella. Tchaikovsky abandoned an ill-fated romance and laid bare his feelings in his triumphant Fourth Symphony – a piece that also earned him an influential patron.
Friday concert underwritten by Chris and Eve Millington: Trustees of The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund
Sunday concert underwritten by Helen Stuart and Jan & Joanna GrootWassink

Platypus Theatre – Presto Mambo!
2024-03-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
A concert about the music of the Americas takes an unexpected turn when Max—an energetic but impulsive young boy—makes his way onto the stage to “help” the orchestra. Soon Max is on a whirlwind adventure that takes him from the concert hall to the vibrant lands of Latin American culture where—with the help of his new friend, Mambo the dog, the orchestra, and the audience—Max learns the magic of Latin rhythms and how to “dance” with the music. Audiences rise to their feet, dancing to the rhythms of Latin America in Platypus Theatre’s most interactive show to date.
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.

Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4
2024-03-10 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Deanna Tham, showcases two works from the 1920s. Prayer overcomes sorrow in a symphonic poem by the pioneering Black composer William Grant Still, while Stravinsky’s love affair with music of the past is presented in Pulcinella. Tchaikovsky abandoned an ill-fated romance and laid bare his feelings in his triumphant Fourth Symphony – a piece that also earned him an influential patron.
Friday concert underwritten by Chris and Eve Millington: Trustees of The Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund
Sunday concert underwritten by Helen Stuart and Jan & Joanna GrootWassink

CONCERT SPONSOR

Bach, Pärt, and Vivaldi
2024-03-17 14:30 - 15:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Brothers and sisters in song raise their voices in praise and penitence as some of Victoria’s finest choral groups join the VS for Baroque favourites. This collaboration includes a triple concerto by J.S.  Bach, music by his Bohemian contemporary Jan Dismas Zelenka, and one of Vivaldi’s most magnificent choral works! Pärt’s entrancing work Fratres (“Brothers”) completes the picture.
Concert underwritten by Chris & Eve Millington: Trustees of the Lou Williamson Scholarship Fund and Jill Gibson
Violin soloists underwritten by Fritz & Dora Boehm

Grieg, Tchaikovsky, and Britten
2024-03-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School, 781 Richmond Avenue, VICTORIA, BC, V8S 3Z2, Canada
This strings-only program includes musical echoes of an earlier era from Grieg, a Tchaikovsky tune that brought a tear to Tolstoy’s eye, and Britten’s playful look back at his own youthful works. VS Concertmaster Terence Tam leads this hour long event brimming with melody.
19+ event.
Concert underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer

SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR

La Nef – Sea Songs and Shanties
2024-03-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-03-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
We’ll rant and we’ll roar across the salt seas! Fresh off their exhilarating performance at the 2022 Splash, La Nef returns to press the Victoria Symphony into service in a rousing new program of shanties and maritime music. Their infectious style will have you stomping your feet and singing along.
Pops Series underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert and La Nef underwritten by Petra Janusas & Bill Majercsik

Being Robert Schumann – Brahms Symphony No. 1
2024-04-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
London-born conductor Leo McFall explores a lineage of musical camaraderie connecting Robert and Clara Schumann to Brahms, and onward to Dvořák. Featuring the drama and romance of Schumann’s only opera with his Genoveva Overture; the zest and colour of Dvořák’s Legends and Slavonic Dances; and Brahms’ towering Symphony No. 1.

The Composer is Here!
2024-04-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
Known for his kid’s concert hit, “Wall to Wall Percussion,” Vern Griffiths leads this fun, family-friendly performance that explores what it means to be a composer. The afternoon features works by legendary composers such as John Williams, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky along with creative collaborators based in BC. The audience will get in on the action and help compose a brand-new work to be performed live by the Victoria Symphony!
Arrive early to take part in the pre-concert activities starting at 2:00 pm:
-Instrument petting zoo: try the violin, cello, trumpet, and trombone!
-Composition station: draw your own graphic score and have it played back to you by musicians from the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra!

Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade
2024-04-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Historic texts, tales, and sea-faring travel inspire a program conducted by Dinuk Wijeratne—who is also a pianist and JUNO® award-winning composer. Perhaps it was kismet that Borodin’s opera Prince Igor was completed by Rimsky-Korsakov, because it went on to provide a hit tune on Broadway. The storytelling prowess of the legendary Persian Queen Scheherazade enchanted the Sultan in the tales of One Thousand and One Nights—Rimsky-Korsakov’s own suite does the same for music lovers.
Concert underwritten by Commodore & Mrs. Jan Drent and Natexa Verbrugge

CONCERT SPONSOR
