Music fills the warm summer air once again as our Symphony in the Summer Festival returns around some of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful locations.
Symphony in the Summer Festival tickets on sale Tuesday, June 2.
Beethoven Symphony No. 8
Thursday, July 30, 7:30 pm
Christ Church Cathedral
ANDREI FEHER, conductor
Kelly-Marie Murphy: On Rethinking Heroism in the 21st Century
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F major
Poulenc: Sinfonietta
Canadian-Romanian conductor Andrei Feher leads a program that balances contemporary voice with classical charm. Kelly-Marie Murphy’s On Rethinking Heroism in the 21st Century, premiered in 2020, was composed in response to Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony, further exploring ideas of humanism and heroism. Filling the majestic Christ Church Cathedral with light-hearted lyricism, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 is among his most playful works, reflecting a moment of ease in the composer’s life. Poulenc’s Sinfonietta brings the evening to a sparkling close with its lush harmonies and dancing rhythms.
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 1 & Dvořák Czech Suite
Saturday, August 1, 7:30 pm
Christ Church Cathedral
ANDREI FEHER, conductor
KIMBERLY DURFLINGER, violin
Weiner: Serenade for Small Orchestra
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 1 in B♭ major
Dvořák: Czech Suite
An evening of summer serenity fills Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral under the baton of Andrei Feher. Weiner’s Serenade for Small Orchestra blends Romantic elegance and Hungarian-inflected melodies, while VS Principal 2nd Violin Kimberly Durflinger takes the spotlight in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 1, a youthful work that holds an important place in the violin repertoire. The sunny disposition and pastoral charm of Dvořák’s Czech Suite evoke rolling landscapes and serene nights, bringing the program to a warm close on a summer evening in August.
Symphony Story Time: Effie the Singing Elephant
Sunday, August 2, 10:00 and 11:30 am
Wingate Studio, Baumann Centre
KIMBERLY DURFLINGER, violin
JAY USCHOLD, tuba
MASAKO HOCKEY, percussion
SOILE STRATKAUSKAS, narration & puppets
Effie Elephant dreams of joining the circus, but can she learn to dance well enough to pass the audition? As Effie pursues her dream, she makes new friends and feels a range of BIG emotions. In this interactive performance, Effie’s adventures come to life through music and story, and children get the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of musical instruments with three Victoria Symphony musicians.
Symphony Story Time 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 Victoria Symphony musicians up close.
This event is recommended for children ages 3-8 years old and their families, and is free to attend. Registration is required.
Symphony in the Summer at The Butchart Gardens
Thursday, August 6, 7:45 pm
The Butchart Gardens
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
MALAK EL OUADGHIRI, violin
Join the Victoria Symphony, local young violinist Malak El Ouadghiri, and Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia for an unforgettable summer evening of orchestral favourites. The program features selections from Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, Saint-Saëns’s Violin Concerto No. 3, Brahms’s Serenade No. 2 in A major, and more. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Butchart Gardens, this open-air concert invites you to relax on a bench seat or bring your own chair and blanket as you enjoy an evening of classical splendour with more than 2,000 fellow music lovers.
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.
Symphony in the Summer at Qualicum Beach
Sunday, August 9, 2:30 pm
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre
GIUSEPPE PIETRAROIA, conductor
MALAK EL OUADGHIRI, violin
The Victoria Symphony is back like the warm summer breeze! Join the VS, young violinist Malak El Ouadghiri, and Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia for an evening of orchestral favourites featuring selections from Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, Saint-Saëns’s Violin Concerto No. 3, and Brahms’s Serenade No. 2 in A major, alongside other timeless classics. Presented at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, this concert is the perfect way to spend an August evening — musical excellence in your own backyard.
Tickets on sale at The Mulberry Bush Book Store | 130 Second Ave. West, Qualicum Beach | 250-752-9722