The Victoria Symphony believes music is essential to a vibrant community and a well-rounded education. Through a diverse range of engaging programs for children, students, youth, and community members of all ages, we are committed to inspiring curiosity and creativity to ensure more people can experience the transformative power of live orchestral music.
This program introduces students to different instruments and musical styles while providing a glimpse into the world of our hard working musicians. The featured Ensembles bring innovative, inspiring, and entertaining performances and workshops to schools from November to May.
These concerts are designed for students in kindergarten through Grade 6 in Victoria, Saanich, Sooke, Gulf Islands, and Cowichan School Districts, as well as in independent schools and home learning. They are fun, accessible, and engaging experiences, that expose students to the wonders of live classical music. Over 5,000 K-6 students attended last season!
This initiative provides 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 youth volunteers facilitate the Zoo at Kids at the Farquhar concerts and community events around Greater Victoria.
Specially created for children ages three to six, this program exposes youngsters to the world of music through story, movement, song, and instruments. This highly interactive program gives children a chance to explore musical concepts and expression, and hear VS musicians up close.
These workshops provide students with customized training on their instruments. A VS musician visits a band or strings class and guides students through instrumental technique, musical expression, and how to work as an ensemble.
This program brings a VS musician to select schools before students attend the Education Concerts. Students are introduced to some of what they will hear at the concert and get a sense of what it’s like to play with the VS.
This program invites middle and high school classes to attend select VS rehearsals. Students get to see how a professional orchestra rehearses, while listening to the full orchestra up-close, followed by a Q & A.
Many VS concerts begin with a Pre-Concert Chat that guides audiences through the music they are about to hear. These free talks feature conductors, guest artists, and composers, who provide context designed to be enjoyed by the first-time concertgoer as much as the experienced aficionado.
Dedicated to the late Hugh Davidson, a strong supporter of new music, this program provides the opportunity for composers writing new music for orchestra to have their pieces rehearsed by the VS, and to receive feedback. A call for submissions occurs annually.
This innovative program supports local young composers as they write new works for small ensembles of dedicated VS musicians. Aspiring composers attend workshops guided by our VS Composer-Mentor in Residence, and at the end of the program, there is a performance of the new music.