Symphony SPLASH! Returns, Dazzling Tens of Thousands in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Victoria, B.C. – The Inner Harbour welcomed back a beloved tradition this B.C. Day long weekend: Symphony SPLASH!, presented by the Victoria Symphony (VS). Making its much-anticipated return to the water after a five-year hiatus, and expanded to two days for the first time in its 31-year history, SPLASH! drew an estimated 60,000+ spectators.

With support from the City of Victoria’s Major Community Initiatives and Events Grant, presenting sponsor Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, and many others, Symphony SPLASH! reaffirmed its status as one of the most iconic events in Greater Victoria — and the only event of its kind in North America.

Thanks to audio partner Pacific Audio Works, the Barge Concerts sounded better than ever, filling the Inner Harbour with two sets of music each day. The lineup featured 91 members of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno Award-winning and -nominated Indigenous artists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, B.C. Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras, Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, a Latin Jazz Sextet, and of course, the Victoria Symphony led by Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin.

“Symphony SPLASH! was nothing short of magical,” said Maestro O’Loughlin conducting SPLASH! for the first time on August 2 and 3. “Seeing music connect the community in such a transcendent way was inspiring both on land and on water!”

“What an incredible way to close our summer together! Performing at Symphony Splash from that barge was something truly special,” added NYO Canada Music Director Naomi Woo. “I’ve always believed in the power of music to spark hope, to inspire, and especially, to brig people together and there we were, surrounded by thousands of people who came together in community through music. This experience was the perfect culmination of all the relationships we’ve built together this summer—showing that the whole is truly more than the sum of its parts. I know the bonds we’ve forged through this collaborative journey will last for the rest of our musical careers.”

The event’s success was made possible by the incredible efforts of 345 volunteers, sponsored by Island Savings, who contributed 1,464 hours. From managing crowds and ensuring safety, to assisting production and collecting donations, volunteers were vital to every aspect of the event.

“What I witnessed was the culmination of a whole lot of hard work,” reflected VS CEO Matthew White on the administrative success of SPLASH! “Many people don’t realize that Symphony SPLASH! is produced entirely by the VS. Getting it back on the barge has been a multi-year effort, which for a local not-for-profit arts organization is a monumental task. Without our volunteers, this event simply wouldn’t happen.”

“I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to end our summer than at Symphony SPLASH! Performing from a floating stage, surrounded by water and thousands of people gathered around the harbor, created an energy you simply can’t find anywhere else,” commented NYO Canada CEO Christie Gray on their participation in the event, which marked the end of the organization’s 65^th anniversary tour. “It was the ultimate capstone for all the hard work we’ve put in over the last seven weeks. What really struck me was how our young musicians connected with the community in that magical place between the music and the shore.”

One of the most meaningful steps the VS took this year was partnering with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre on a new initiative, In Harmony. All donations collected during SPLASH! will be split equally between the two organizations to support youth programming and music education, empowering the next generation. For more information or to donate: victoriasymphony.ca/splash/donate.

Also new this year were Community Stage performances around the harbour. Sponsored by Peninsula Co-op and the Royal BC Museum, the stages featured 16 local musicians, music groups, and dance troupes, showcasing the diversity of talent and cultural expression across the city.

The Family Zone offered interactive fun for all ages, including an Instrument Petting Zoo sponsored by Long & McQuade, a bouncy castle courtesy of the Braefoot Community Association, face painting, and activities hosted by community partners Pacific Opera Victoria, Kaleidoscope Theatre, and the Royal BC Museum.

“It was a real honour for us at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites to be the Presenting Sponsor this year,” said Erin Cassels, General Manager. “Symphony SPLASH! is a cherished tradition in Victoria, bringing together families, visitors, and locals for an unforgettable musical experience. Supporting events like this reflects what we stand for—welcoming people into the vibrant, creative, and caring community that is Victoria.”

Acknowledgements

Victoria Symphony’s 2025 presentation of Symphony SPLASH! was made possible with support from the City of Victoria’s Major Community Initiatives and Events Grant, Presenting Sponsor Huntingdon Hotel and Suites and Presenting Underwriters Terry Scandrett and Angela Bassage.

Premiere Sponsors: Volunteer Sponsor Island Savings, Community Partner British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Lead Media Sponsors CTV Vancouver Island, CFAX 1070, and 107.3 Virgin Radio Victoria, Community Stage Sponsors Peninsula Co-Op and Royal BC Museum, and Destination Greater Victoria

Band of Heroes: The Rina M. Bidin Foundation, Tom and Terri Siemens, Tulipe Noire, Perry Bamji, The Courtney Room, Chartwell Retirement Residences, Harbour Air, Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Event Partners: Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Victoria Tug and Barge, Zapco Welding and Fabricating, Black Ball Ferry Line, SSA Marine, Roll Focus Productions, Slegg Building Materials, United Rentals, Tom Lee Music, Pedersen’s Event Rentals, and Long and McQuade

Media Partners: Ocean 98.5, Jack 103.1, Times Colonist, Used.ca, and Chek

Funders: City of Victoria, Capital Regional District, Canadian Heritage, and Foundation for the Victoria Symphony

With special thanks to all SPLASH! Volunteers; Emcees: Ron Rice – Wush’q, M.G.C., Adam Sawatsky, AJ Cruze, Darren Worts; Canadian Coast Guard; Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipe & Drum Band; Legislative Assembly of British Columbia; The Fairmont Empress; MET Fine Printers; Radio Works; ReFuse; Robbins Parking; Sea Isle Builders; Transport Canada; Victoria Fire Department; Dt. John Ambulance & RMC-SAR Station 35; Victoria Foundation; Victoria Harbour Ferries; Victoria Harbour Master.

About the Victoria Symphony

The Victoria Symphony (VS) is one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations, with a mission to engage audiences through the transformational power of live orchestral music. For 85 years, VS has remained a vital part of Vancouver Island’s cultural landscape — presenting bold performances, collaborating with world-renowned artists, and fostering community through the shared experience of music. Under the leadership of Music Director Christian Kluxen and Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin, VS presents a diverse range of programming each season, including classical masterworks, new music, films, pops, and family concerts. Through school concerts, community outreach programs, and free outdoor performances like Symphony SPLASH!, VS endeavors to make orchestral music available to all.

 

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Media Contact:

Maya Lohcham, Director of Marketing and Communications

Email: maya@victoriasymphony.ca