Media Room
Welcome to the media room. For general media queries and interview requests, please contact:
Bethany Wilson
Director of Marketing
250.385.9771 x 233
bethany@victoriasymphony.ca
10/23/2009
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.
According to Jim Hesser, Director of the National Research Council’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, and Chair of the IYA Canada Committee, “This international honour reflects the gratitude of the astronomical community for the Orchestra’s early and inspirational commitment to marrying the arts and sciences to help children appreciate the majesty of music and of the skies during the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009).”
On November 1 and 2, Jim Hesser and discoverer David Balam will present the Victoria Symphony with an official VicSympho certificate at The Planets concert. This day also marks when VicSympho will be 532 million km from the Earth and 543 million km from the sun.
At the concert, the Victoria Symphony presents the sights and sounds of Holst’s The Planets, as Dr. José Francisco Salgado’s critically-acclaimed video suite is projected on a screen while the orchestra performs. These suites were featured in the opening ceremony of the IYA2009 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and are being shown around the world as part of IYA2009 festivities. Written for a huge orchestra, The Planets is a work of great subtlety and elegance, even in its most ferocious moments. “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” is the most popular of all the movements. Preview “Jupiter” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZTULRl9hrQ The Planets video suite was produced and directed by Dr. Salgado and the executive producers were Adler Planetarium in Chicago and Vectors & Pixels Unlimited.
Gustav Holst’s The Planets is just one of the may ways the Victoria Symphony has continuously supported and contributed to music and science education throughout IYA2009. From performing Holst’s dramatic masterpiece, to hosting the COU's telescopes at the Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash, to creating an educational concert, Music of the Spheres, the Victoria Symphony made strong efforts to bridge music and science for children and families for Canadian communities.
Music Director Tania Miller wrote and conducted an educational concert celebrating IYA2009 and the 400th Anniversary of Galileo’s telescope. Music of the Spheres was performed for thousands of Vancouver Island students in February and April, for more than 20,000 of Toronto children in May, and once again for Victoria children and families at the Concert for Kids this Saturday, October 25. Teacher’s guides combining music and astronomy were produced to engage the students and provide an accessible and fun experience. At these concerts, the IYA2009 collectable AstroCards were given out to all ages and provided opportunities for the community to send their names into space.
The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island’s largest and most active arts organization performing for more than 125,000 people each year, including 10,000 schoolchildren. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists, the Victoria Symphony’s 2009-2010 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.
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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.
6/29/2010
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.
5/26/2010
Public invited to design Special Edition Symphony Splash T-Shirt
Victoria, BC – On May 26, 2010, the Victoria Symphony announced that it would be producing a special limited edition T-shirt for Victoria Symphony Splash 2010 based on the winning design of The Splashy White T-shirt Contest. The contest is open to everyone who has the ability to create a T-shirt design meeting required specifications. These T-shirts will be sold to the public to commemorate Symphony Splash with proceeds benefitting the event.
4/1/2010
Parade of Artists reveal the Victoria Symphony’s spectacular 70th Concert Season
Victoria, BC – On Wednesday March 31 Music Director Tania Miller and members of the orchestra and artistic team unveiled the Victoria Symphony’s new season of concerts for 20010/11. Highlights include soloists such as acclaimed pianist André Laplante, masterworks such as Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2, special appearances by The Nylons, the Canadian Tenors, and Cirque de la Symphonie, and the loveable Concert for Kids The Snowman and The Bear.
3/26/2010
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist By Kevin Bazzana The recording of Glenn Gould performing Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Victoria Symphony and conductor Hans Gruber in 1955 at the Glenn Gould Archives in Ottawa, part of the Library and Archives Canada.
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.
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.
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 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
10/23/2009
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.
9/24/2009
City Lights starring Charlie Chaplin screened with live performance of original score
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
2009/10 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.
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.
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.
8/7/2008
Resignation of Executive Director, Marcus Handman
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.
6/11/2008
Victoria, BC – On August 3rd, 2008, over 40,000 people will hear 15 year old Hugo Wong perform the first movement from Schumann's Piano Concerto with the Victoria Symphony during the 19th annual Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash. Wong was selected from a field of 22 very talented young performers who auditioned in a taped round, from those 11 were subsequently selected to audition live for Music Director Tania Miller.
3/7/2008
Victoria (BC) – Last night, March 6th, at the Royal Theatre, the Victoria Symphony’s Music Director, Tania Miller revealed the exciting and diverse line-up of 32 different concerts for the 2008/2009 season to a keenly interested audience of 350 people. The evening included an enthralling 20 minute presentation by the dynamic Miller, followed by a reception and then a rare behind the scenes look at a Victoria Symphony concert in the making.
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.
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