Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4
2024-03-10 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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

Kluxen – Brahms, Britten, and Brown
2024-04-28 14:30 - 16:30 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
“What harbor shelters peace, away from tidal waves, away from storms?” Starting with a misty sunrise on a Suffolk seascape, the tempest-tossed drama of Britten’s opera Peter Grimes is neatly condensed into his moving instrumental suite. Tragedy is also addressed in Stacey Brown’s new song cycle, drawing on texts by Danish author and poet Naja Marie Aidt. Aware of his own mortality, Brahms penned a cornerstone of the symphonic repertoire, his Symphony No. 4, a work of profound depth that many consider his finest.
Concert underwritten by Sara Neely
Mireille Lebel underwritten by George Lovick
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Jim Witter: It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
2024-05-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The music of Billy Joel and Elton John transport us back to another time and place in this remarkable evening of nostalgia and song. Canadian pianist Jim Witter and his band lead the way for a night where you literally know every song and can’t help but sing along to these iconic favourites. Setlist includes the hits “Movin’ Out,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me,” and many more…
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray

Jim Witter: It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
2024-05-05 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
The music of Billy Joel and Elton John transport us back to another time and place in this remarkable evening of nostalgia and song. Canadian pianist Jim Witter and his band lead the way for a night where you literally know every song and can’t help but sing along to these iconic favourites. Setlist includes the hits “Movin’ Out,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me,” and many more…
Pops Series and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin underwritten by Devi & Robert Jawl
Concert underwritten by Linda Pendray

CONCERT SPONSOR

Being Robert Schumann Finale – Brahms’ A German Requiem
2024-05-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
We conclude our 3-year exploration Being Robert Schumann with a postscript performance that further recognizes his impact. To musically mark the death of his mentor, Schumann, as well as the passing of his own mother, Brahms created this visionary and grandly-scaled masterpiece. A German Requiem speaks in a musical language for all humanity: “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Concert underwritten by Fritz & Dora Boehm, Jade Gan, and Pete & Sharon Jando
Nathalie Paulin underwritten by Marc & Patricia Lortie

CONCERT SPONSOR

Bach's Orchestral Suite in D
2024-07-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave
Baroque specialist Julia Wedman leads Bach’s much-loved Air on the G String, plus Handel’s explosive Royal Fireworks, and a concerto inspired by bird song. Wedman also shines a light on Maria Grimani (the first woman to have her opera staged at the Vienna Court Theatre) and Anna Maria “dal Violin,” a student of Vivaldi who went from an orphan to become a famed violin soloist.

Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony
2024-07-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave
Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia evokes the sights and sounds of Italy, as captured by Felix Mendelssohn in a musical postcard brimming with Neapolitan flavour! Respighi serves up ‘old wine in new bottles,’ in a charming suite inspired by dances from the Italian Renaissance. Baroque dances also flavour Britten’s Simple Symphony, while Mozart’s dramatic depiction of Don Juan seduces concert goers.

Mozart and Martinis - SOLD OUT
2024-07-26 17:00 - 20:00 | The Atrium, 800 Yates Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1L8, Canada
Start your weekend right with a cocktail, appetizers, and the excellence of the VS in the most intimate and informal of settings. One of our signature events, this highly social gathering takes the music you love outside the concert hall, offering an entirely different VS experience.
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Cocktail hour from 5:00 – 6:00 pm
VS Orchestra at 6:00 pm

VS at Qualicum Beach
2024-07-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1S7, Canada
Tickets on sale at The Mulberry Bush Book Store (130 W 2nd Ave)
VS makes a welcome summer trip to Qualicum Beach! Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia entices concertgoers with Mozart’s dramatic depiction of Don Juan. The fireworks continue with music of Handel, as well as Respighi’s suite inspired by Renaissance dances. Britten’s Simple Symphony revisits the baroque in playful fashion, while Mendelssohn evokes the sights and sounds of Italy in a symphonic postcard brimming with Neapolitan flavour.

VS & Pacific Opera Victoria at The Butchart Gardens
2024-08-01 20:00 - 22:00 | The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, V8M 1J8, Canada
A signature musical event of the summer! The VS Orchestra, led by Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia performs at the beautiful Butchart Gardens alongside soprano Lucia Cesaroni, baritone Justin Welsh, and young violin soloist Elana Lin.
This concert is included in the price of admission to The Butchart Gardens. Admission to The Gardens can be purchased in advance or upon arrival at the venue.

VS Pops at the Cameron Bandshell
2024-08-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park, 250 Bridge Way, Victoria, BC, Canada
VS offers two free full orchestral concerts at the Cameron Bandshell in beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Take a bench seat, or bring a picnic, and enjoy an early evening concert featuring excerpts from our 2024/25 Pops Series including selections from The Sound of Music, E.T., The Mission, Wicked, and more!
Toot a trumpet! Visit a violin! Cuddle a cello! Arrive early to enjoy the Instrument Petting Zoo starting at 4 pm. 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. Our capable student volunteers will guide your child to the right way to hold, blow, or bow each instrument.

Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 (Pacific Baroque Orchestra)
2024-08-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave
The Victoria Symphony presents the Pacific Baroque Orchestra’s production of Monteverdi’s Vespers.
Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 is an undisputed masterpiece of spiritual and emotional depth, at times intimate and reverent, grand and dramatic, thrilling and sensual. Brilliant instrumental writing paired with impressive choruses and solos create an opulent tribute to the Virgin Mary, a testament to Monteverdi’s attention to the expressive power of music.
In this performance of this rarely-performed work, Alexander Weimann leads ten international soloists and a collection of 17th-century instrumentalists, including the peerless Bruce Dickey on cornetto.

VS & Pacific Opera Victoria at the Cameron Bandshell
2024-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park, 250 Bridge Way, Victoria, BC, Canada
This Open Air concert features excerpts from our upcoming Masterworks Series and Pacific Opera Victoria’s 2024/25 Season, plus special pre-concert activities to be announced.
Toot a trumpet! Visit a violin! Cuddle a cello! Arrive early to enjoy the Instrument Petting Zoo starting at 3 pm. 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. Our capable student volunteers will guide your child to the right way to hold, blow, or bow each instrument.

Kluxen – Strauss' Four Last Songs
2024-09-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
In a time of darkness, beauty can still emerge. In the landscape of mid-century politics, war and oppression, Strauss and Shostakovich were both victims of circumstance. In the twilight of his years, Strauss reflected on our walk through life towards death, and beyond. Shostakovich’s Tenth mirrors the terror he experienced under Stalin’s rule, but ultimately his triumph at simply outliving the dictator. Humanity can prevail – a reflection as relevant today as it was 70+ years ago.

2024/25 Season Underwritten by Robert & Devi Jawl Foundation
Sundays at the Royal Series underwritten by Jill Gibson
Concert underwritten by Commodore & Mrs. Jan Drent and Dr. Fritz & Dora Boehm
Christian Kluxen underwritten by Sandra Lackenbauer
Aviva Fortunata underwritten by Julie & Harry Swain

Tanya Tagaq in Concert
2024-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Farquhar at UVic, University Farquhar Auditorium, Ring Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
A fearless innovator with a visceral stage presence and dizzyingly complex music, Tanya Tagaq is a Canadian cultural icon. The Inuk throat singer has spent her entire life championing her people, land, and culture while calling out oppressive systems and structures. With an extraordinary musical aesthetic, Tanya mines an artistic tradition dating back tens of thousands of years with a fierce power and contemporary sensibility. Tagaq’s performance will include qiksaaqtuq, featuring the Victoria Symphony, a moderated discussion, and sivunittinni, accompanied by the Emily Carr String Quartet.
Not included in subscription purchase discount.

Best of Broadway
2024-09-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
Another Op’nin’, Another Show!
VS lights up the Royal Theatre with some of the best and brightest hits of Broadway from The Sound of Music, Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, and more! Alongside overtures and much-loved medleys from classic shows and contemporary hits, we welcome vocalist Melissa Errico. With her silken voice and dramatic, expressive intensity, the Tony nominee has been featured in My Fair Lady, Camelot, Les Misérables, Amour, etc., and she has also earned accolades as an actress, concert, cabaret, and recording artist.

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

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

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

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

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

Murdoch Mysteries in Concert
2024-11-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-03 14:30 - 16:30 | 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
