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AUGUST 2 & 3, 2025

Symphony SPLASH! returns to Victoria’s Inner Harbour this summer! The iconic event on the water now spans two full days over the B.C. Day long weekend, offering more music, more community, and more celebration than ever before.

This expanded Symphony SPLASH! features four major concerts across the two days, along with free family-friendly activities, live community performances, and local food and beverage throughout Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. From orchestral masterworks to contemporary music, SPLASH! celebrates our 85th anniversary and the community that surrounds it.

The programming includes appearances by the 91 members of The National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno award-winning Indigenous vocalists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras, Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, a Latin Jazz Sextet, and the Victoria Symphony.

Symphony SPLASH! is a FREE public event. Looking to reserve your seat(s)? Tickets for the SPLASH! Grandstand will be available to purchase starting Tuesday, June 17 at 10 am.

Schedule

Saturday, August 2

1:00 – 3:30 pm: Family Zone
1:30 – 2:00 pm : Community Stage Performances
3:00 – 9:30 pm: Food and Beverage Vendors
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Barge Concert 1 – Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish with The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
4:45 – 5:15 pm: Community Stage Performances
7:30 – 9:00 pm: Barge Concert 2 – Latin Nights with Sal Ferreras Ft. Adonis Puentes and the Victoria Symphony

Schedule and timing subject to change.

Sunday, August 3

1:00 – 3:30 pm: Family Zone
1:30 – 2:00 pm: Community Stage Performances
3:00 – 9:30 pm: Food and Beverage Vendors
3:30 – 4:30 pm: Barge Concert 1 – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
4:45 pm – 5:15 pm: Community Stage Performances
7:30 pm: Barge Concert 2 – Traditional Symphony SPLASH! with the Victoria Symphony
9:15 pm (approx.): Grand Finale & Fireworks

Schedule and timing subject to change.

Celeigh Cardinal & Shawnee Kish

With The National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Saturday, August 2, 3:30 pm
Inner Harbour

NAOMI WOO, conductor
CELEIGH CARDINAL & SHAWNEE KISH, vocalists
THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF CANADA

RON RICE, emcee

Two powerhouse voices. One unforgettable afternoon by the water.

JUNO-nominated singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish join forces with The National Youth Orchestra of Canada for a genre-defying celebration of strength, identity, and transformation—set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

From the anthemic energy of “Wild Women” and “I Surrender” to the evocative storytelling of “Wandering River” and “There Are Some Things We Will Never Do,” this concert showcases two of Canada’s most vital contemporary Indigenous artists alongside 91 of the country’s most gifted young orchestral musicians, led by NYO Canada Music Director Naomi Woo.

The set also features iconic favourites like “Live and Let Die”, “At Last”, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, arranged for full symphony orchestra!

Latin Nights with Sal Ferreras Ft. Adonis Puentes

With the Victoria Symphony

Saturday, August 2, 7:30 pm
Inner Harbour

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
SAL FERRERAS, percussion / vocalist
ADONIS PUENTES, vocalist
CYNTHIA RODRIGUEZ, piano
LATIN JAZZ SEXTET
VICTORIA SYMPHONY

AJ CRUZE, emcee

They say Latin America’s greatest contribution to the world is joy.

Sal Ferreras’ Latin Jazz Sextet with vocalist Adonis Puentes join forces with the Victoria Symphony for an unforgettable evening! VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin leads the orchestra in an irresistible evening of joy, rhythm, and the eclectic musical styles, traditions and dances of South America and the Caribbean. Highlights include music by Alberto Ginastera (Argentina), Blas Galindo (México), Michel Camilo (Dominican Republic), Miguelito Valdés (Cuba), Rafael Hernández (Puerto Rico), and Adonis Puentes (Cuba).

Join us for some “serious” joyful folk music from Guatemala, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Sunday, August 3, 3:30 pm
Inner Harbour

NAOMI WOO, conductor
JUSTIN SAULNIER, violin

DARREN WORTS, emcee

Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63, III. Allegro
Mahler: Symphony No. 5, IV. Adagietto
Smyth: Overture to The Wreckers
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, II. Allegro
Andrew Balfour: Omaa Biindig
Matthew Emery: Lead Us Home

An afternoon of intensity and beauty from the country’s most promising orchestral musicians.

In this sweeping 40-minute performance, The National Youth Orchestra of Canada, under the baton of Naomi Woo, explores light and reckoning in seven striking works—ranging from the spirited charm of Mozart’s Magic Flute overture to the searing Allegro of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.

JUNO-nominated Cree composer Andrew Balfour brings a bold contemporary voice with Omaa Biindig, while Canadian composer Matthew Emery’s Lead Us Home offers a tender plea for belonging.

The program moves from the romantic depths of Mahler’s Adagietto to the turbulent energy of Smyth’s Overture to The Wreckers, building a portrait of an orchestra unafraid to ask big questions—and answer them with sound.

Traditional Symphony SPLASH!

With the Victoria Symphony

Sunday, August 3, 7:30 pm
Inner Harbour

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
PATRICK CAO, young soloist / piano

ADAM SAWATSKY, emcee

The evening you’ve been waiting for is finally here—half a decade later! Victoria’s iconic night of symphonic music returns to a floating barge in the Inner Harbour.

Led by VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin, the Victoria Symphony brings you a celebratory program features highlights from the past Symphony SPLASH! events. From Shostakovich’s Festival Overture and Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, to Star Wars and other pops favorites, the concert builds to the beloved spectacular grand finale with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Amazing Grace—complete with fireworks!

Grandstand Seating

SPLASH!, without the hassle.

Enjoy Symphony SPLASH! from the comfort of reserved Grandstand seating—no lawn chair or early arrival required!

Located directly across from the B.C. Legislature, the Grandstand offers spectacular views of the floating barge. Whether you’re basking in the afternoon sun or experiencing the magic of the evening concert and fireworks*, your seat in the Grandstand guarantees you a prime spot at the heart of the action.

Please note: Some rows have very limited visibility, clearly marked when purchasing. These seats are priced accordingly, starting at $5. While sightlines may be restricted, they remain popular as a planned and reserved seating option, so we recommend booking in advance. Seat cushions will also be provided for rows E – PR (tickets $25 – $68, afternoon | tickets $35 – $88, evening).

*Fireworks take place only on Sunday, August 3.

August 2 & 3 at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Seating Times:
2 pm onward for 3:30 pm concerts
6 pm onward for 7:30 concerts

Ticket Prices:
3:30 pm concerts: $5**–$68
7:30 pm concerts: $5**–$88

Special Offer: Add both the afternoon and evening concerts on the same day to your cart and save 15% on your purchase!

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY, JUNE 17.

SPLASH! is a free public event but your Grandstand ticket provides us with essential event support, so we thank you in advance!

Community Stages

More Music. More Community

August 2 & 3, 1:30 pm & 4:45 pm

We are thrilled to introduce Community Stages to our revitalised Symphony SPLASH! programming. In select locations throughout the Inner Harbour, four small stages will spotlight local musical talent and energise the atmosphere before, and between, the afternoon and evening performances on the barge. Each Community Stage will showcase the sounds of our city and keep the vibe going all day long!

Confirmed Performers:

Apna Virsa Victoria
Joy of Life Choir
Linggo
Elbow Kiss
Sofia Miller
Q Brooke Bachand
Gabe Elias
Christian Peterson Band
Niloo
West Coast Soul Collective
Max Francis
PINDN & The Nation of Creation

More to be announced soon!

Family Zone

August 2 & 3, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Kick off your Symphony SPLASH! experience with fun for the whole family! Join us at the Family Zone on August 2 and 3 from 1:00–3:30 pm for free, family-friendly activities ahead of the two Symphony SPLASH! performances on the barge.

From face painting to an interactive Instrument Petting Zoo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids can also get creative at activity tables hosted by The Royal BC Museum, Pacific Opera Victoria, and Kaleidoscope Theatre.

Blending music and art with imagination, the Family Zone is perfect for families looking to make a splash this summer.

About the Instrument Petting Zoo

Toot a trumpet! Visit a violin! Cuddle a cello!
Welcome to the Instrument Petting Zoo!

Victoria Symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo offers young people of all ages the chance to try out real musical instruments in a relaxed, fun environment. It’s a hands-on way to spark a child’s interest in music and explore a variety of sounds and styles.

Our friendly student volunteers will be on hand to guide children on how to properly hold, blow, or bow each instrument—no experience necessary!

Food & Beverage Vendors

August 2 & 3, 3:00 – 9:30 pm

A delicious array of food and beverage vendors will be serving up tasty treats and refreshing drinks around the Inner Harbour. From local flavours and festival favourites to sweet treats and more, there’s no better view to enjoy your meal!

Confirmed Vendors:

Berry Sweet
Churros and Mor
Country Crepes
FreshCoast Health Food Bar
Greek on the Street
Hotdog Hustlin’
Kao Gang by Dumpling Drop
L’Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro (pre-order picnics only)
MamaRosie’s
Poutine66
Sub-Zero Ice Cream Truck

Symphony SPLASH! Picnic Box

Picnic in style and support the Victoria Symphony!

A Picnic Box from L’Apéro is the best way to fully enjoy Symphony SPLASH!. Order today and pick up at the event on August 2 or 3, depending on the date you select. Thanks to the generosity of L’Apéro, $5 is donated to the Victoria Symphony with every purchase.

Order Picnic Box

Symphony SPLASH! Band of Heroes

Be a Hero!

Be a Hero! Seats are limited – only 10 spots left!

A mix of local business leaders and individuals, our Band of Heroes believe SPLASH! makes a difference to Victoria, bringing neighbours together to share the power of extraordinary music, community, and this beautiful place we call home.

Benefits include your name or business featured during SPLASH! along with reserved VIP seats in a prime viewing location.

Download Your Benefits Package

Email donorservices@victoriasymphony.ca for more information.