The Victoria Symphony is one of the most successful orchestras in Canada, and is Vancouver Island’s biggest and most active performing arts organization. Now in its 70th year of operation, the Victoria Symphony has received critical acclaim and continues to inspire and entertain music lovers with a dedication to providing quality live orchestral music.
In a season which runs from September to May, the Victoria Symphony has scheduled over 50 performances, no resting on laurels for these enthusiastic musicians! They play before more than 125,000 people every year, including 10,000 children.
Their marquee event is the annual Symphony Splash, which sees the Victoria Symphony performing outdoors in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. This concert usually attracts a crowd of over 40,000 visitors and residents of Victoria.
The orchestra consists of 34 full-contract and 12 part-contract professional musicians. Along with a busy schedule of concerts the musicians also participate in several noted programs including school based initiatives such as:
- Education and Outreach – concerts that are designed for students in grades K to 7. In 2011 the Victoria Symphony is excited to present “Bach to the Future”, where students travel back in time to discover how the orchestra originated and grew.
- Musicians in Schools – bringing musicians from the Victoria Symphony into schools to introduce students to different instruments, musical styles and let them witness the world of a professional musician.
- Open Rehearsals for Middle and High Schools – gives older students a unique opportunity to experience the musicians’preparations for performance and connect with the orchestra in a less formal, more relaxed atmosphere.
Community outreach programs include:
Instrument Petting Zoo – for young children to interact in a fun way with a variety of instruments
vsNew Exploration Workshops – a program to encourage young composers to create their own music.
vsYOUTH Volunteers – a group of high school aged musicians who volunteer with the Victoria Symphony in a variety of ways including educating younger children at instrument petting zoo events and helping with concert preparations.
Young Performers – as part of it’s commitment to music education the Victoria Symphony gives young soloists the opportunity to perform live with the orchestra.
This amazing performing arts organization is truly a gem, and Victoria is proud to have an association as talented and dedicated as the Victoria Symphony providing musical entertainment and education.
