News & Updates
Acclaimed Canadian conductor Mario Bernardi will lead the Victoria Symphony for the first time on Saturday, January 29 and Monday, January 31 at 8pm at the Royal Theatre. Maestro Bernardi will be joined by dazzling young violinist Caitlin Tully to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Also on the programme will be Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 and Iridescence, a contemporary work by Canadian composer Chris Paul Harman.
Mr. Bernardi will be leading one of his favourite works – Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, in his very first engagement with the Victoria Symphony. West Coast violinist Caitlin Tully will perform the famous Violin Concerto by Tchaikovsky, a work that moves listeners with sweet melodies and astounds them with virtuosic passages. Chris Paul Harman’s award-winning work, Iridescence, is a fascinating exploration of timbre and texture. Mr. Harman will be a guest speaker at the pre-concert talks, to share his insights about the world of composing. All ticket- holders are welcome at the pre-concert talks, held in the lobby one hour before the concert begins.
Mario Bernardi was the founding conductor of the NAC Orchestra which came into being in 1969, becoming its Music Director in 1971, and continuing in both positions until 1982. Under his leadership, this hand-picked virtuoso orchestra toured the United States, Mexico, Europe and Russia. Mr. Bernardi has been the Principal Conductor of the CBC Radio Orchestra since 1983 and is the Conductor Laureate of the Calgary Philharmonic, which he led for nine seasons. In recent seasons, Mr. Bernardi has led the summer sessions of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He has appeared with Ben Heppner at the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto and with Cecilia Bartoli in Göteborg, Oslo, Munich, Vancouver, Berkeley, Calgary and Miami. Mr. Bernardi has made over thirty recordings with many Canadian orchestras, and he recently completed a series of Rachmaninov music for piano and orchestra with The Toronto Symphony.
Mario Bernardi has been named a Companion of the Order of Canada, he holds honorary degrees from the universities of British Columbia, Calgary, Lakehead, Windsor, Laurentian and Ottawa, and in 2001 received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
Violinist Caitlin Tully made her debut with the Vancouver Symphony at the age of 10. Upon hearing her, Yehudi Menuhin said, "She plays with more integrity than any young violinist I have ever heard." Now 17, Ms. Tully performs with orchestras across the U.S. and Canada. She also has an active recital schedule and will perform on a six-city tour from the West coast to the Midwest, culminating in her recital debut on the Ravinia Festival's Rising Stars series.
Ms. Tully has won numerous national and international awards including the National Arts Centre's New Sun Millennium Award and the 2001 Aspen Music Festival Violin Concerto Competition, which she won at the age of 13—the youngest ever to win the competition.
Alongside performing, Ms. Tully is pursuing her interest in composing. Her Griffin Suite has been performed at the Canadian National Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival. She is currently composing a small children's opera, in addition to which she is writing the libretto and designing the costumes.
Recent News Articles
7/7/2010
Victoria Symphony Splash 2010 Salutes The Navy!
Victoria, BC – Details of the Victoria Symphony Splash, including the theme for 2010, Splash Young Soloist and new additions to the event were announced this morning in the ballroom of the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour.
6/30/2010
A captivating evening of delectable cuisine and music by the Victoria Symphony Strings Section. Proceeds benefit the Victoria Symphony Splash 2010. Tickets $95.
6/29/2010
New Victoria Symphony Splash fundraiser generates $50,000 for event
Victoria, BC – On June 29th, 2010 the Victoria Symphony announced that its new fundraising initiative, titled Victoria Symphony Splash Band of Heroes, has generated $50,000 in new support for the city’s marquee event of the summer.
4/30/2010
WANTED: A Few Good People to Join the Victoria Symphony Splash Band of Heroes
The Victoria Symphony is looking for a band of heroes: Businessmen and women with $1,000 in their pockets -- and a passion for Splash in their hearts.
3/23/2010
Victoria, BC – On April 1, 2, and 3 the Victoria Symphony and students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts bring Tony Award-winning musicals including Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, and Wicked to life at the Royal Theatre in Broadway Brilliance.
2/26/2010
One Night Only - Mariachi Live! with the Victoria Symphony
Victoria, BC – On Saturday, March 13, Mariachi Del Sol reunites with the Victoria Symphony for a passionate and rhythmic live performance at UVic Centre. This 10-member band, fully dressed in charro costumes, will ignite the evening with classical panache, from soft romantic ballads to lively ranchero songs.
2/3/2010
Murray Glazier the brains behind Symphony Splash
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist Victoria BC - He was a former Victoria councillor and Capital Regional District chairman, but Murray Glazier made his biggest splash as a supporter of the arts. With the Victoria Symphony barely breaking even in 1991, it was Glazier, then symphony president, who came up with the idea of Symphony Splash -- which has become one of the city's most popular events.
1/19/2010
Symphony Splash seeks sponsor for Victoria's most popular public event
By Jim Gibson, Times Colonist - Symphony Splash, Victoria's most popular public event, is looking for a new sponsor. The Victoria Symphony's free outdoor concert, which drew an estimated 40,000 people to the Inner Harbour last Aug. 2, needs a replacement for Bayview Residences, the title sponsor for the last three years.
1/11/2010
The Victoria Symphony rolls out the red carpet for A Night at the Oscars
Victoria, BC – On January 14, 15 & 16, Regina Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director Victor Sawa conducts Oscar-winning music with the Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre. Symphony goers will walk the red carpet as they make their way into the theatre for a glamorous evening of music from movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Psycho, The Way We Where and Jaws.
1/4/2010
Kick off 2010 with $20.10 tickets!
Special Web Offer - Any seat at any of the four concerts below for only $20.10! To receive this online special ticket pricing, enter the promocode VS2010 through the Royal Theatre Box Office before Saturday, January 16 2010.
12/24/2009
Victoria Symphony kicks off the New Year with an extravaganza of music, song and dance.
Victoria, BC – On January 1, at the Royal Theatre, the Victoria Symphony presents A Viennese New Year’s with Maestro Brian Jackson, Ballet Victoria and guest soloists. This new production is inspired by the worldwide Viennese tradition of lively and nostalgic melodies and beautiful waltzes.
12/14/2009
Michael Kaeshammer makes his orchestral debut with the Victoria Symphony
Victoria, BC – On December 19, at the Royal Theatre, charismatic jazz sensation Michael Kaeshammer makes his orchestral debut with the Victoria Symphony. Performing uniquely stylized Christmas favourites and songs from his latest album lovelight, this concert provides a brilliant and broad range of entertainment.
11/19/2009
Tania Miller signs with Victoria Symphony for another 3 years
Victoria, BC – Music Director Tania Miller has renewed her contract with the Victoria Symphony for another three years. Beginning immediately this contract will extend to 2013 bringing her to a total of 10 years as Music Director of Vancouver Island’s largest performing arts organization.
10/21/2009
Victoria Symphony awarded asteroid for contributions during IYA2009
Victoria, BC – On November 1 and 2, at the Royal Theatre, the Victoria Symphony will be presented a certificate of the discovery and naming of an asteroid during The Planets concerts. This asteroid, VicSympho, was named in recognition for the Victoria Symphony’s strong contributions towards music and science education during the International Year of Astronomy.
10/13/2009
Nikki Chooi makes debut performance on $4.3M violin with the Victoria Symphony
Victoria, BC – On October 19 at the Royal Theatre, Nikki Chooi, winner of the use of a 1729 Guarneri del Gesù, debuts the historic instrument with the Victoria Symphony. This concert, Dvořák Symphony no. 8, conducted by Alain Trudel, features Nikki Chooi performing Saint-Saëns’ violin concerto.
9/30/2009
Victoria, BC - We wanted to take a moment to let you know about two arts lobbying efforts and how you can take part: The Union of BC Municipalities Conference and Arts and Culture submission to the Provincial Standing Committee on Finance
9/24/2009
City Lights starring Charlie Chaplin screened with live performance of original score
Victoria, BC – On October 9 at UVic Centre Farquhar Auditorium, the comedic adventures of Charlie Chaplin’s 1931 silent film, City Lights, will be shown with live orchestral accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony. The presentation also features a special introduction by actor and artist Duncan Regehr and a Chaplin Look-a-like contest.
9/9/2009
Victoria Symphony Heightens Its Beltone Pops Experience
On September 17, 18, and 19, international vocal quintet Five By Design opens the Beltone Pops Series with Swingin’ and Singin’. This season, the Pops guarantees big band sound, bigger performances, and the biggest pops experience the Victoria Symphony has produced.
8/12/2009
2009/2010 Symphony Tickets on Sale Now!
Victoria, BC - On Monday, August 17th, tickets for the Victoria Symphony’s 2009/2010 concerts go on sale to the public. To enhance and complement the concert experience, the Victoria Symphony is creating great concert experiences and value-added opportunities for its audience this season. Preconcert talks, post concert talkbacks with the artists, costume contests, Instrument Petting Zoos and lobby performances are all a part of the new season.
7/9/2009
The largest annual outdoor symphony concert in British Columbia turns 20!
Victoria, BC – Details of the 2009 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash were unveiled today in a penthouse overlooking the event site. Sunday, August 2nd marks the 20th birthday of this spectacular community event. Twelve of the original Victoria Symphony orchestra members will make return appearances and 15 year old pianist Christine Wong and 18 year old tenor Josh Lovell make their debut as the 2009 Young Soloists.
4/7/2009
Grammy-award winner James Ehnes headlines new season!
Victoria, BC – On Friday, March 27, Music Director Tania Miller unveiled the Victoria Symphony’s new season of concerts for 2009/10. Highlights include performances by acclaimed violinist James Ehnes, jazz vocalist Michael Kaeshammer and masterworks such as Holst’s The Planets, Bach’s Magnificat and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 3.
3/9/2009
BC Arts Council call to action!
Dear Victoria Symphony patron: As you may know, the British Columbia legislature has passed a budget which cuts provincial funding for the arts by 40% in 2009/10 and further in the following two years. Because you love the arts, you understand that this funding (which for the Victoria Symphony makes up nearly 10% of our annual budget) is absolutely vital.
2/25/2009
Arts Organizations Warn Against Provincial Budget Cuts
Victoria – Arts organizations are calling on the provincial government to reverse its decision to dramatically reduce support to the BC Arts Council. Despite repeated recommendations from industry leaders and the Standing Committee on Finance, the government announced severe cuts in funding to the Council in the 2009 budget.
1/27/2009
The Victoria Symphony names Mitchell Krieger to serve as Executive Director
Victoria, BC – The Victoria Symphony Society has named Mitchell Krieger to serve as the organization’s executive director. Krieger begins his position with the organization today succeeding previous executive director Marcus Handman who resigned the position in October after four years. C. Stephen Smith served as acting interim executive director for the past four months and will stay on until mid February to assist with the transition.
1/16/2009
Pushing the boundaries -New Currents Festival Jan 31-Feb 3
Victoria, BC – From January 31 to February 3, the Victoria Symphony will present the fourth New Currents Festival of Music. This festival aims to explore new music and performing arts with an emphasis on collaborations with local artists and composers.
1/7/2009
Concertmaster Terence Tam makes his Victoria Symphony solo debut
Victoria, BC – On January 12, 2009 at the Royal Theatre the Victoria Symphony’s new concertmaster, Terence Tam, performs Brahms Violin Concerto. This performance will be the first solo performance by Tam since he was appointed concertmaster in January 2008.
12/8/2008
Holly Cole ends her Canadian holiday tour in Victoria
Victoria, BC – On December 20, Juno award-winning Holly Cole, completes her Canadian holiday tour in Victoria with a performance with the Victoria Symphony. Conducted by Giuseppe Pietraroia, this Christmas special features Cole’s signature style on such Christmas favourites as Santa Baby, Christmas Is and I’ll be home for Christmas. There will be only one performance at the Royal Theatre, December 20 at 8:00pm.
11/21/2008
Raging timpani battle highlights Nielsen Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable
Victoria, BC – On December 7 and 8, Maestra Tania Miller conducts the Victoria Symphony’s premiere performance of Carl Nielsen’s Symphony no.4, “The Inextinguishable”. Solo performances on timpani create a dramatic and grand finale to this acclaimed work. Canadian cellist John Friesen is the featured guest soloist performing Elgar’s beautifulCello Concerto.
11/4/2008
Halifax based El Viento Flamenco makes its Westcoast debut!
Victoria, BC – On November 6, 7 and 8, the Halifax based El Viento Flamenco makes their first symphony appearance west of Quebec. In a performance with the Victoria Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Brian Jackson, they bring their award winning and unique style of flamenco to the Royal Theatre in a passionate performance of song, dance and music titled Viva El Flamenco!
10/27/2008
Victoria, BC – Opening on November 2nd, clarinetist Keith MacLeod will be featured as a soloist with the Victoria Symphony. Conducted by guest Julian Kuerti, he will perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major. Also on the program are Bartók’s Divertimento for Strings and Haydn’s Symphony No.97. There will be two performances at the Royal Theatre, Sunday November 2 at 2:30pm and Monday November 3 at 8:00pm.
9/30/2008
Announcement-Alain Trudel appointed as Principal Guest Conductor
Victoria, BC – In his first appearance with the Victoria Symphony after been named Principal Guest Conductor, Alain Trudel will lead the opening concert of the Classics Series. Maestro Trudel will conduct performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No.1 and Coriolan Overture, Mendelssohn’s String Sinfonia No.1 and Arthur Rowe’s performance of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2. There will be one concert at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium, October 5 at 2:30pm.
9/16/2008
Victoria, BC – On September 29, Canada’s own Angela Cheng will open the Victoria Symphony’s innovative and inspiring Legacy Series. Conducted by Tania Miller, Ms Cheng will perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Pieces also on the program are Dvořák Symphony No.6 and Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla composed by Glinka. There will be only one performance at the Royal Theatre, September 29 at 8:00pm.
8/27/2008
Opera superstar Jane Eaglen makes her first appearance in Victoria to open the 2008/09 season
Victoria, BC – On September 14 and 15, opera superstar Jane Eaglen will perform in Victoria with the Victoria Symphony for the very first time. Conducted by Music Director Tania Miller, she will sing arias from three of Wagner’s most well known operas. There will be two performances at the Royal Theatre, September 14 at 2:30pm and September 15 at 8:00pm. Pre-concert talks will begin 45 minutes before each performance.
8/7/2008
The Victoria Symphony announces with regret the resignation of Executive Director
Victoria, BC – The Victoria Symphony Society today announced that executive director Marcus Handman will leave his current position. Mr. Handman, who joined the Victoria Symphony in 2004, will remain in his role until October 24.
7/17/2008
Inspired by BC – Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash concert program announced! Victoria, BC – The Victoria Symphony’s Music Director Tania Miller has announced the program for the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash on August 3 that features music and performers that pay tribute to British Columbia’s 150th anniversary.
6/11/2008
2008 Splash Young Soloist Chosen
15 year old pianist Hugo Wong selected as the young soloist to perform for 40,000 people during the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash
3/7/2008
Music Director, Tania Miller reveals the Victoria Symphony’s 2008/2009 season
Music Director, Tania Miller reveals the Victoria Symphony’s 2008/2009 season to be one of extreme diversity including monumental symphonies, virtuosic performers, an opera legend, Holly Cole, Flamenco dancers and a Hip Hop Odyssey.
1/5/2008
Terence Tam joins the Victoria Symphony as concertmaster
Appointed Concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony in 2007, Canadian virtuoso Terence Tam has been performing publicly on the violin and piano since the age of eight. He has been a frequent recitalist and chamber musician in Canada, the U.S.A. and Australia, and has also performed in England, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.