Your comprehensive guide to the 2024/25 Victoria Arts Season
Victoria Symphony’s (VS) 2024/25 Season runs from September 15 to May 11 and features 30+ extraordinary concert programs across Southern Vancouver Island!
Season highlights include world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma (sold out), beloved Canadian pianists Angela Hewitt and Jon Kimura Parker, Victoria-born violinist Timothy Chooi and tenor Josh Lovell , audience favourite The Canadian Brass , CBC’s hit drama series Murdoch Mysteries in Concert, and two feature length Films in Concert – Home Alone and The Princess Bride. VS also makes a welcome return to Qualicum Beach, the West Shore, and Sidney!
“It’s not by chance that the orchestra is reaching new artistic heights while our programming and audience expand,” says VS CEO Matthew White . He adds, “This bold and ambitious season continues our upward trajectory and trusts in the hope of capturing still more people’s imaginations with the excellence of our orchestra.”
This season marks Christian Kluxen’s eighth as Music Director. He invites audiences to take delight in “expecting the unexpected” and to be open to the response that orchestral music, across all genres, can evoke.
Victoria Symphony
2024/25 Season – our most ambitious yet
• Season Opening! Kluxen – Strauss’ Four Last Songs | Sept. 15: Led by VS Music Director Christian Kluxen and featuring Canadian-Italian soprano Aviva Fortunata.
• Best of Broadway | Sept. 21 & 22: Led by VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin and featuring Tony Awardnominated Broadway star Melissa Errico.
• Beethoven Symphony No. 5 | Oct. 27: Led by Oregon Symphony Music Director David Danzmayr and featuring piano virtuoso Natasha Paremski. Selling out!
• Murdoch Mysteries in Concert | Nov. 2 & 3: Led by Lucas Waldin and featuring composer/host Rob Carli and Murdoch Mysteries lead actor Yannick Bisson as special guest.
• Messiah by Candlelight | Dec. 12, 13 & 15: Led by VS Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia and featuring guest soloists and local choirs, including Victoria Children’s Choir.
• Home Alone in Concert | Dec. 21 & 22: A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the VS and Maestro Sean O’Loughlin.
• Dvoˇrák’s New World Symphony | Feb. 9: Led by renowned Korean-Canadian conductor Earl Lee and
featuring VS Concertmaster Terence Tam and Principal Cello Brian Yoon. Selling out!
• Kluxen – Haydn’s The Creation | Mar. 16: Led by Maestro Christian Kluxen and featuring Amanda Forsythe (soprano), Owen McCausland (tenor), Tyler Duncan (bass), and Vox Humana Chamber Choir
• The Princess Bride in Concert | Mar. 29 & 30:
Experience one of the most beloved lms of all time as
the VS and Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia perform Mark Knop er’s unforgettable score live to picture!
• Angela Hewitt Plays Mozart | Apr. 13: The return of Angela Hewitt is not to be missed as she leads the VS from the piano. Almost sold out!
• Dancing Queen – The Music of ABBA | May 10 & 11: Mamma Mia! A night of ABBA’s music led by Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and featuring vocalists Jeans ‘N Classics.
The Phoenix Theatre
After last year's recordbreaking season of sold-out shows, the Phoenix Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2024-25 season, which will be packed with laughter, heart, music, and unforgettable performances that transcend the ordinary.
IM:PRINT 2024 – OCTOBER 3-12
This multidisciplinary showcase weaves together the personal stories of Indigenous, immigrant, newcomer, and settler artists, creating a rich tapestry of voices and experiences. It invites us to explore meaningful questions about identity, equity, belonging, and social justice. Presented in partnership with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE –NOVEMBER 7-23
THE KILLING GAME –FEBRUARY 13-22
Step into the surreal world of Eugène Ionesco's absurdist comedy, where a town faces a deadly plague. As the body count rises, the community spirals into a chaotic blend of paranoia, hypocrisy, and opportunism. With razor-sharp wit and keen satire, the line between reality and absurdity blurs. Directed by Conrad Alexandrowicz.
TWELFTH NIGHT – MARCH 13-22
William Shakespeare's timeless comedy is full of romantic entanglements, mischievous pranks, mistaken identities, and hilarious misunderstandings. Directed by Fran Gebhard, it explores love's transformative power and the delightful chaos of reality and illusion.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: EYES OF THE BEAST –SEPTEMBER 16-21
Get ready to laugh, cheer, and spell your heart out as six quirky adolescents compete for the coveted title of spelling champion in the Broadway musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. This fast-paced gem is directed and choreographed by guest Jacques Lemay. Music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin and created by Rebecca Feldman. Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Presented by Vancouver's Neworld Theatre and adapted from the award-winning journalism of the University of Victoria's Climate Disaster Project, this powerful production weaves together hundreds of testimonies from Canadians who have lived through the realities of climate change.
SPECIAL EVENT: I WANT TO BE IN THEATRE! OPEN HOUSE –OCTOBER 26
Calling all aspiring actors, directors, designers, technicians, and theatre enthusiasts! This fun, all-day event offers prospective students a firsthand look at our outstanding facilities and the unique, comprehensive approach to theatre arts at UVic. Discover what it means to be part of a truly immersive theatre program where students are at the heart of everything. Register at phoenixtheatres.ca/openhouse
Complete information on the Phoenix Theatre 2024-25 season at phoenixtheatres.ca. Box office 250-721-8000
Phoenix Theatre’s 2023 production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Pictured: Syrah Khan and Carter Lapham.
Phoenix Theatre’s 2023 production of 100 Years of Broadway. Pictured: Morgan Christopher and Brigit Stewart.
Pacific Opera
Opera in Victoria shines with excellence this coming season, with a call for each of us to be our best selves.
Experience the magic of live opera in the heart of Victoria, where every performance promises to inspire and enchant.
Pacific Opera Victoria’s exhilarating 2024/25 Season at the Royal Theatre opens with Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito. This powerful exploration of political intrigue and the complexities of mercy and leadership features Canadian stars tenor Andrew Haji and director Jennifer Tarver, blending extraordinary vocal prowess with a dramatic narrative, and drawing parallels to modern tales of power struggles and forgiveness.
Next, audiences of all ages will be transported to the fantastical world of Rachel Portman’s The Little Prince.
Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale, this opera sparkles with joy, wonder, and humanity.
Andrew Love, Emma Parkinson, Ben Butterfield, and Melody Courage all return to the Pacific Opera stage, as Artistic Director Brenna Corner makes her Pacific Opera directorial debut and undertakes her
first collaboration with Principal Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia.
The season concludes with Verdi’s Rigoletto. Director Glynis Leyshon conjures a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. With the return of favourites such as mezzosoprano Marion Newman, host of CBC Radio’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, and baritone Justin Welsh, this opera is sure to have sell out performances.
New this year, the Luminary Series at the McPherson Playhouse showcases exceptional artists at one-night only events. Experience an extraordinary evening with soprano Barbara Hannigan and pianist Bertrand Chamayou as they explore the mystical and nature-
inspired compositions of Messiaen; Scriabin's dreamy, transcendent works; and Zorn's avant-garde exploration of sound. Tenor Lawrence Brownlee captivates with music from his GRAMMYnominated album Rising, featuring works by six leading AfricanAmerican composers and poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Finally, the Gryphon Trio’s ECHO: Memories of the World presents a multimedia journey through submerged histories, blending music, video, and spoken word. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or exploring this art form for the first time, join Pacific Opera for a season filled with passion, drama, and musical brilliance.
Andrew Love (right; with Stephen Hegedus & Brett Polegato in Pacific Opera’s 2018 production of La Bohème returns for The Little Prince in February, 2025.
PHOTO: DAVID COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Chemainus Theatre
THE PIANO TEACHER
by Dorothy Dittrich
“ ... a beautiful, graceful and incredibly moving piece of theatre, filled with maturity and thoughtfulness.”
David C. Jones
Written by local playwright Dorothy Dittrich, The Piano Teacher was originally a 2017 Arts Club Theatre Silver Commission and opened to critical acclaim.
Vancouver Presents shared, “The Piano Teacher remains a beautiful, graceful and incredibly moving piece of theatre, lled with maturity and thoughtfulness.” Winner of The Governor General’s Award for English-Language Drama and Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Original Script, The Piano Teacher is sure to be a memorable experience for theatre-goers in Chemainus.
quietly riveting, as is the gentle progression Elaine uses to help Erin overcome her fear of the piano…”.
When classical pianist Erin (Rebecca deBoer) experiences a devastating family tragedy, she nds herself unable to play music or even touch a piano. Navigating through the traumatic loss of the life she knew, she meets an unconventional piano teacher, Elaine (Erin Ormond), who gives her new hope for the future. Rounding out the story is a contractor, Tom (Victor Hunter), who brings a new perspective and love of music into the equation.
According to a Georgia Straight review of The Piano Teacher’s world premiere, “Dittrich’s unadorned dialogue is refreshingly direct: the characters speak and listen intently to one another, usually without subtext. It’s
The Piano Teacher is a story of loss, love, friendship, and the healing power of music. It was the arts we collectively turned to in 2020 when the world shut down and this story illuminates how creative expression allows us to survive dif cult times. Join the Chemainus Theatre Festival this fall and rediscover the connections we nd as a community. Whether you are a classical music a cionado, took a few piano lessons as a child, or can get lost in a song on the radio, The Piano Teacher will touch your heart and stay with you long after the applause.
Sarah Rodgers returns to the Chemainus Theatre Festival as Director. If you caught her recent production of Gaslight you will know she is a master at storytelling. Not only is Dorothy Dittrich the playwright, but she will also assist in sound design for this production. The creative team supplying the behind-thescenes magic is Hans Saefkow as Set Designer, Hannah Case as Costume Designer, and Harika Xu as Lighting Sesigner. Gina Moe will be managing the stage and assisted by apprentice stage manager Lourdes Sumners.
Ballet Victoria
2024-25 season is filled with passion, poetry, fairies, and humour for the whole family
Frankenstein (frightful) - The doctor’s “creature” meets Giselle’s “willies”, in this original zombie ballet! Enjoy an alchemy of horror, romance, humour and science fiction driven by a captivating score. The Gift of the Nutcracker (festive) is our holiday classic with fresh elements each season to lift everyone’s spirit. Revel in Tchaikovsky’s brilliance performed by the Victoria Symphony and the magical grace of ballet. Carmina Burana (fiery) boasts Carl Orff’s epic score, live music, and the emotionally charged voices of the Victoria Choral Society under the baton of Brian Wismath. Don’t miss this riveting physical dance performance. A Midsummer Night’s Dream and New Works (frivolous) closes the season with “Shakespeare’s wit,
Mendelsohn’s musical brilliance and Destrooper’s choreographic magic. Watch the dancers light up the stage in this “amusing tour de force.”
September16th to 21st 2024
ThePhoenix Theatre, Victoria BC
neworldtheatre.com/climate
Paul Destrooper
The Farquhar Auditorium
The Farquhar at UVic is pleased to announce their upcoming season and the third season of Voices in Circle, amplifying Indigenous Cultural Voices.
• Tanya Tagaq with the Victoria Symphony - Sept 18, 2024
• Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders-Dec 7, 2024
Vitaly Beckman returns to wow us with some of the most impressive illusions seen on any stage in the world. Brace yourself for the unexpected and secure your tickets before they vanish into thin air.
• International Guitar NightJan 29, 2025
The 25th Annual North American Tour includes a stellar lineup featuring Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Alexandra Whittingham (Britain), Niwel Tsumbu (Democratic Republic of The Congo) and Sönke Meinen (Germany), promising a night of breathtaking performances that span the global spectrum of guitar artistry.
Experience the extraordinary talent of Tanya Tagaq, an improvisational singer, avantgarde composer, and bestselling author, performs with the Victoria Symphony and Emily Carr String Quartet.
• Crow’s Theatre production of As You Like It, or The Land
Acknowledgement by Cliff Cardinal-Oct 10 to 12, 2024
Dubbed “the Canadian arts surprise of the year” by The Globe and Mail, Cardinal’s brilliant play offers you the unvarnished truth of the state of the reconciliation process between Indigenous communities and colonial settlers in Canada. Partnered with Intrepid Theatre, performances will be held at the Metro Studio.
• Shane Koyczan, Spoken Word Artist-Feb 26, 2025
Spoken word artist extraordinaire, Shane Koyczan will bring his unique voice to the Farquhar.
• Anda Union-March 15, 2025
The nine-member group sings their history as a fascinatingly addictive combination of Mongolian musical styles representing their diverse ethnic nomadic cultures.
• Sechile Sedare-April 25, 2025
This contemporary roots duo features sibling songwriters Leela Gilday and Jay Gilday showcasing their talents as deeply insightful and genuine storytellers.
• V’ni Dansi-June 17, 2025
Our last show of the Voices in Circle season will be Vancouver-based traditional and contemporary Metis dance group V’ni Dansi performing La Mitchin di Mitchif.
Early Music Society of the Islands
Celebrates 40th Anniversary
The Early Music Society of the Islands has been bringing leading early music artists and ensembles from around the world to Victoria for four decades, and the society is planning a spectacular season for 2024/2025 to celebrate this milestone.
“Victoria has a vibrant early music community,” said Bill Jamieson, Executive and Artistic Director, “and we believe that EMSI has played a major role in developing that community. For 40 years, we have followed the goal of raising awareness and appreciation for early music by presenting concerts that are of the highest
artistic merit, but at the same time are accessible and entertaining for the audience.”
For EMSI, “early music” encompasses some 800 years of music, reaching back to the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras. “There is an element of time travel as the artists perform the music as closely as possible to how it was originally performed,” said Jamieson. “Ultimately, though, we mostly want our audience just to sit back and enjoy intimate and engaging performances of this captivating music.”
For their anniversary season, EMSI is pulling out all the stops – to
use an early music metaphor. It will be launched with a unique and ambitious dinner-and-opera event that captures the spirit of the first performance of an early Handel work, Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, at an Italian noble wedding in 1708.
The season will continue with a string of concerts that feature
world-renowned artists and ensembles, including acclaimed Canadian bass-baritone Jonathon Adams and violinist Chloe Kim; one of the world’s leading countertenors, Iestyn Davies, with the celebrated ensemble Fretwork; a grand program of festive cantatas in time for Christmas
by Vancouver’s Pacific Baroque Orchestra under Alex Weimann; the peerless Benjamin Bagby with medieval Sequentia Ensemble; the Argentinian duo of Jonatan Alverado and Ariel Abramovich; critically acclaimed American Baroque ensemble, Quicksilver; and closing out the season in a unique performance of Renaissance music and dance, by the French ensemble Doulce Mémoire with historical dancer and choreographer, Hubert Hazebroucq.
For more information and to find out about EMSI’s Flex Pass subscription model, visit earlymusicsocietyoftheislands.ca
Aci, Galatea e Polifemo
Uniq ue D inn e r & Opera Expe ri e nce Septembe r 22, 24, 26 a nd 28, 202 4
Out of the Deep Jona thon Ada ms , Chloe Kim , & Frie nds (Ca nad a) Oc tobe r 25, 2024
Lamento
Fre twork and Ie sty n Dav ie s (UK) Nove mber 28, 2024
Festive Cantatas
P acifi c Baro qu e Orches tra (Can ada) Dece mb er 21, 20 24
Gregorius, the Holy Sinne Sequ enti a (USA) Janu a ry 18, 2025
Huehuetenango
Arie l A br am ovi ch a nd Jona ta n Alve r a do (Arg e nti na) Fe bru ar y 15, 2025
Early ModernsVienna’s Rise
Quicksil ver (USA) M arch 22, 202 5
Eh bien, dansez maintenant ! Dou lce M é mo ire (Fran ce ) Apr il 11, 20 25
Cast for Aci, Galatea
e Polifemo: Trevor Eliot Bowes, Stefanie True and Margherita Maria Sala
Opera West Society
Opera West Society is thrilled to present its upcoming event, Singer Behind the Song, featuring the world-renowned tenor Javier Camarena in his highly anticipated Canada debut. This unforgettable evening will take place on October 3rd at the historic Old Auditorium in Vancouver, a venue that has long been a hub for extraordinary musical performances.
Known for his rich, warm timbre and electrifying high notes, Camarena, often referred to as the "King of the High C’s," has captivated audiences in major opera houses across the globe.
From the Metropolitan Opera to La Scala, his performances have earned standing ovations, encores, and a reputation as one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation. This performance promises to be no exception, offering an evening of sheer vocal brilliance.
But Singer Behind the Song is more than just a performance—it's an immersive experience that takes you beyond the stage. The evening includes a 45-minute performance by Camarena, followed by a 15-minute interview where he will share stories from his remarkable career.
Conducted by Alfredo Santa Ana, a distinguished Mexican-Canadian composer with collaborations
ranging from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to the NYO Canada, this conversation will reveal the passion, discipline, and artistry that have shaped Camarena’s journey to international stardom. Santa Ana’s unique perspective will enrich the dialogue, offering a deeper glimpse into the life of a worldclass opera singer.
The evening doesn’t end there. Opera enthusiasts and aspiring performers alike will be treated to a 2-hour masterclass, where Camarena will work directly with UBC Opera students. This is a rare opportunity for ticket holders to witness the intricate process of refining vocal technique and performance skills, providing an in-depth look at the art of opera from a master at the peak of his craft.
Presented by Opera West Society in collaboration with UBC Opera, Singer Behind the Song exemplifies the Society’s mission to bring world-class opera to Western Canada while nurturing the next generation of operatic talent. Tickets are now available, and with only 525 seats, they are expected to sell out quickly. Secure your spot for this once-in-alifetime experience and join Opera West Society for an evening that celebrates the beauty, power, and passion of opera.
Art of the Cocktail
Cocktails, fashion and lm come together for an unforgettable evening with Art of the Cocktail presented by the Victoria Film Festival. Journey back to the 1920s where the style, ritz and glamour combine with contemporary cocktail concoctions from the city’s most innovative mixologists.
Enjoy classic recipes, inspired re-creations and delectable hors d’oeuvres – all promising an unforgettable evening. Journey back to one of the most de ning decades of the 20th Century, an era de ned by icons like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Al Capone.
Snap your ngers, tap your toes, and treat your tastebuds to great
vibes and even better drinks. The event will include interactive photo booths, billiards and a Best Dressed Competition for a chance to win four tickets to the Victoria Film Festival
Opening Gala!
Vote for Best Cocktail and Best Exhibitor Display from the 45+ bars, breweries, distilleries, and vineyards. Local vendors are as varied as To no Distillery, Victoria Distillers, Wind Cries Mary, Jura, Cloudhouse and Georgian Bay.
VIP tickets are sold out, but you can still snag General Admission for $89.00 plus tax.
Chocolate – a tasting event
The second annual Chocolate: A Tasting Event will bring an enchanting, velvety, delectable and aromatic cocoa experience to the Crystal Garden on October 20. Ticketholders can sample the tastiest chocolates, pastries and cookies from all over Vancouver Island and beyond.
If you’re an aspiring chocolatier, you can learn how to create new mouth-watering, gourmet recipes to enhance your skillset and show off later in your own kitchen.
Imported chocolate bars, milk-chocolate drizzled strawberries, dark chocolate brownies and many other chocolate-tasty treats will be available to sample and purchase. Vegan and Gluten free options will also be available.
Don’t miss this opportunity to taste, discuss and bring home amazing chocolate delicacies from more than 30 local purveyors such as: Terrible Truf es, Chocolats Favoris, Pure Lovin', DesBarres Chocolate, Black Jaguar and The GOOD Chocolatier.
Tickets are available for only $20 plus tax, choose either 12 or 2:30 PM entry time.
Celebrating 90 Years of Choral Music!
PRESENTING
Wolfgang
Mozart’s
Per formed with members of the Victoria Symphony, and soloists: Jennifer Turner (soprano), J
,
TI CKE TS $35 adults, $10 students /in come ac ce ss ible
Available at the door or on line at victo riac ho ral soc ie ty.ca/ c onc e rts
Victoria, BC — The Victoria Choral Society, under Music Director Brian Wismath and with accompaniment by members of the Victoria Symphony, will present Mozart’s Requiem, Laudate Dominum, and Ave Verum Corpus at Christ Church Cathedral at 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 16th, 2024. The program features four soloists: soprano Jennifer Turner, mezzo Jennifer Lang, tenor Jan van der Hooft, and bass Nathan McDonald. Tickets are available at the door or online starting October 1st at https://www. victoriachoralsociety.ca/concerts/
In celebration of our 90th Anniversary, we are offering VCS Alumni a complimentary ticket. Please contact membership@ victoriachoralsociety.ca by September 30, 2024 to claim your complimentary ticket. Un nished at the time of Mozart’s death in 1791, “[…] the Requiem Mass for the Dead, arguably the most potent and all-embracing of the Church’s liturgical rites, encompasses the
whole range of human emotion from terror and awe to con dence that the dead can indeed depart in peace. Mozart’s music takes us deep into the human condition with pleas to be heard and comforted (Voca me), pleas for healing (Salva me), nding the still centre in the rest (Requiem) at the end of tears (Lacrimosa) [...]” – Elizabeth Courtney, VCS Alumna
The Laudate Dominum from Mozart’s 1780 opera, “Vesperae solennes de Confessore K. 339,” is one of his masterpieces. Set as an extended aria, its radiantly poised melody of long, luxurious lines for solo soprano, answered and supported by the chorus, breathes an inward spiritual air.
Ave Verum Corpus was composed in 1791, six months before Mozart’s death. This short motet of 46 measures is a choral gem recognized for its beauty and simplicity. The text, a 14th century Eucharist hymn, contemplates suffering and redemption, while elements of the composition foreshadow his magni cent Requiem.
ABOUT THE VICTORIA CHORAL SOCIETY
The Victoria Choral society, founded in 1934, is a mixed-voice auditioned symphonic choir dedicated to presenting the finest choral music from baroque to contemporary, achieving excellence through innovation and collaboration. It continues to play a leading role in Victoria’s cultural life.
Tommy Tiernan: tommedian
Following a sold-out U.S. theatre tour last year, legendary comedian, Tommy Tiernan, will bring his new show, Tommy Tiernan: tommedian, to The Royal Theatre on November 5, 2024, as part of his North American theatre tour.
A fun-fueled trip through the comic imagination of one of the best comedians in the world, Tommy Tiernan: tommedian is a wild, uninhibited and fiercely physical display of stand-up. A madcap parade of characters, memories and ridiculous flights of fancy. Theatrical, poetical and slightly unhinged.
Performing stand-up for close to thirty years, Tommy Tiernan
is a comedian, actor, chat show host, writer and podcaster who has won international awards for his comedy and is one of the most widely respected comedians in the business.
Hailed by Billy Connolly as one of his 3 favourite comedians in the world, Tommy was voted Ireland’s Funniest Living Person and holds a Guinness World Record for the longest stand-up comedy performance at 36 hours and 15 minutes.
He has starred in ten hour-long stand-up specials and has made multiple television appearances, including three on Late Show with David Letterman.
On April 30, Tommy premiered his tenth hour-long standup special, Tommy Tiernan: Tomfoolery, available to rent or buy worldwide.
Tommy stars as 'Da Gerry' in the award-winning Netflix tv show
Derry Girls and can be seen in the Hulu TV series, Conversations with Friends. Tommy's film and theatre career spans over 25 years appearing in movies such as Dark Lies the Island, the Oscar nominated Wolf Walkers, and on stage most recently with Druid in Sive.
The eighth season of Tommy’s critically-acclaimed TV show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, ran from January through April 2024 on RTÉ One in Ireland. In this improvised talk show, neither Tommy nor the viewers are told the identity of the guests until they are introduced.
Belfry Theatre
Get ready for a thrilling new season at the Belfry, where magic, laughter, and poignant storytelling come to life!
Kicking off this week is the English-language premiere of the enchanting Quebecois play, From Alaska. Written by Sébastien Harrisson and translated to English by Leanna Brodie, this play whisks you away to a world where the ordinary meets the magical.
Next up is 1939, a strikingly beautiful and humorous Indigenous play that wowed audiences when it premiered at the Stratford Festival in 2021. Writer and director Jani Lauzon, joined by co-writer Kaitlyn Riordan, returns to the Belfry to intertwine the lives of students at a Residential School with one of Shakespeare’s most mystical works.
As the new year unfolds, don’t miss Behind the Moon, a deeply moving drama from awardwinning South Asian-Canadian playwright and novelist Anosh Irani. Dive into the world of a young South Asian immigrant working in a Toronto restaurant and a mysterious stranger drawn to the same place.
FRO MA LA SKA
“a play about coming to terms with identity,beit social, political, sexual…”
—M ONTREAL
GAZETT E
In December, prepare for holiday fun with the Mom’s the Word Collective’s hit comedy Talkin’ Turkey. Nothing is sacred as the Moms tell their truth, the hilarious truth and nothing but the embarrassing truth. This show is for anyone who has had a tough time getting in the spirit of the season.
April brings the highly anticipated world premiere of If You Could Read My Mind: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot Following the success of our sold-out Joni Mitchell show, this new production features Gordon Lightfoot’s timeless classics reimagined by the talented Tobin Stokes and Michael Shamata, the duo behind I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell . The Belfry Theatre offers exible pricing options with Pay-What-You-Want and Pay-WhatYou-Can tickets for both season packages and individual shows. Grab yours by calling 250-3856815 or visiting belfry.bc.ca Don’t miss this spectacular season of theatre!
PHOTO: DAVID COOPER
L-R: Grace Lamarche, John Wamsley, Brefny Caribou, and Richard Comeau star in 1939 by Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan. 1939 starts October 29 at the Belfry Theatre
PHOTO: DAHLIA KATZ
The Canadian College of Performing Arts
The Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA), Victoria, brings you a season of nostalgic classics, edge-of-your-seat adventures, rapturous musical experiences, and thought-provoking plays. Subscriptions are now open. Get yours at ccpacanada.com/ tickets
OCTOBER 17-20 2024
Ten Lost Years by Jack Winter and Cedric Smith
Directed by Glynis Leyshon
Equal parts despairing and heartwarming, these stories of 1930s middle-class Canadians —“from farmyards to highways, from kitchens to boxcars…”— draw you into a rich tapestry of personal narratives from the Great Depression, underscored by evocative folk music. These stories will fill you with a deep sense of appreciation for the indomitable human spirit.
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1
2024
Antigone by Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho)
Directed by Marjorie Chan
Powerful and hard-hitting, Ho Ka Kei’s retelling of a Greek classic is inspired by the 2014 Umbrella Movement student protests in Hong Kong and the 1989 uprising in Tiananmen Square. This play will sweep you up with its unforgettable characters and references that are all too relevant today. Be inspired: “In the courage of a young woman there is hope for the future”.
DECEMBER 12-15 2024
Sense and Sensibility by Michelle Deines, based on the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Barbara Poggemiller
Choreographed by David Roland
A literary classic comes alive on stage! Watch the Dashwood sisters navigate love, loyalty, and longing in this brilliant adaptation of Jane Austen’s masterpiece by a Canadian playwright. Poignant and nostalgic, punctuated by inimitable English wit, this timeless tale has something for everyone.
FEBRUARY 7-16 2025
Ride the Cyclone by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell
Directed by Jordan Laffrenier
Choreographed by Laura Ross
Music Director Stephanie Sartore
A hit off-beat, off-Broadway musical created in Victoria!
Follow six teenagers who awake in limbo and meet a mysterious fortune teller who gives them a chance to return to earth if they can tell a story "like no other".
Packed with music, magic, and mirth, this dark comedy now comes back to the Island. Buckle up!
April 18-26 2025
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, New Book by Douglas Carter
Beane, Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed & Choreographed by Naomi Costain
Music Direction by Jeff Poynter
This magical play reimagines one of the world's most beloved characters with a refreshingly quirky, irreverent twist. With stunning visuals, tongue-in-cheek humour, stagecraft, and real magic, this is one walk down memory lane you don’t want to miss.
Langham Court Theatre
Invites you to join us for our 2024/25 Season
SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 13, 2024
Ravenscroft by Don Nigro; directed by Diana Budiachenko
On a snowy night, Inspector Ruffing is called to a remote house to investigate the headlong plunge of Patrick Roarke down the main staircase. He becomes involved in the lives of five alluring and dangerous women. Thrills and chills abound before the story reaches its conclusion.
NOVEMBER 13 – DECEMBER 1, 2024
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Nelson; directed by Janine Longy
While celebrating Christmas at Pemberley, the servants downstairs find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal. An unwelcome visitor has stumbled into the hall in the middle of the night – Mr. Darcy’s nemesis and Lydia’s incorrigible husband, Mr. Wickham
JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 16, 2025
Now and Then by Sean Grennan; directed by Francis Matheu
As Jamie is closing the bar where he works, a desperate lastminute customer offers him and his girlfriend, Abby, $2,000 to sit and have a drink with him. Who
wouldn’t take it? The young couple begins to realize that this older man is unusually invested in their choices when a very displeased second stranger arrives.
MARCH 26 – APRIL 13, 2025
An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestly; directed by Tony Cain
A young girl has committed suicide. An eminently respectable British industrialist and his family are subject to a routine inquiry in connection with the death during a dinner to celebrate the engagement of the couple’s daughter. During the course of the Inspector’s questioning, all members of the group are implicated in the girl’s undoing.
JUNE 25 – JULY 13, 2025
Send Me No Flowers by Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore; directed by Toshik Bukowiecki
George Kimball is a Westchester commuter whose favourite hobby is hypochondria. When he mistakenly overhears his doctor discussing another patient with heart trouble, George begins to put his affairs in order and even arranges a good second husband for his soon-to-be widow, along with a cemetery plot for three: himself, his wife, and the new future Mr. Kimball.
Tickets for all shows are available online at www.l anghamtheatre.ca or our Box Office at 250-384-2142
GOLDEN GIRLS THE LAUGHS CONTINUE - COMING TO VICTORIA NOV 9 AT MCPHERSON THEATRE.
Sophia is out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed boyfriend. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends in this all new show live on stage. Tickets and more info at GoldenGirlsTour.com
Murray & Peter Present
A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMASCOMING TO VICTORIA DEC 20 AT ROYAL THEATRE.
Hosted by Brooke Lynn Hytes with amazing performances by Shea Coulee', Trinity The Tuck, Manila Luzon, Miz Cracker, Q, Plasma, Venus and Gisele Lullaby. 18+ suggested for adult content. Tickets and more info at DragFans.com
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas 2024
Zachary Stevenson is the leading man from the hit musical “The Buddy Holly Story”… he is the main attraction and host for this special Christmas concert… Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas. Stevenson will be joined by the Chicago-based trio The Lovettes with their show-
stopping salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 50s and 60s featuring a special tribute to Tina Turner. For over a decade, The Lovettes have been putting their own twist on the ladies who shaped Rock and Roll music… performing all over the US, Canada and Europe. They are endorsed by founding members of The Shirelles and Chiffons and have made television appearances on David Letterman and PBS’ Next Doo Wop Generation! Hear all the big hits plus a sprinkle of your favourite seasonal tunes performed by the cast with backing provided by the Legends All-Star Band. More Info & Video at legendsofrocknroll.com
The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
Is
excited to announce our 2024/25 Season!
Performing under the masterful direction of our musical directors Yariv Aloni (Orchestra) and Nicholas Fairbank (Chorus) we welcome you to come and share with us as we perform works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Mozart, Schumann and others!
Our first concert of the new season will be held November 3rd in the Sooke Community Hall, and will feature Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto performed by Filbert Zhang, the winner of the 2024 Don Chrysler Concerto Competition as well as Tchaikovsky’s majestic Second Symphony.
Our Christmas concert will be on December 8th in the Sooke Community Hall, featuring our Chorus singing Handel’s Dixit Dominus, as well as excerpts from Handel’s Messiah for your listening pleasure.
The rest of the season continues with our famous Tea & Symphony on the afternoon of February 16th, another choral concert on March 23rd, and our spring concert on April 27th, to be followed on July 6th by the “Sooke Philharmonic Fling” outdoor concert in Ed MacGregor Park in Sooke.
The Sooke Philharmonic was founded over 25 years ago by Maestro Norman Nelson and enthusiastically continues to entertain our audiences
with a great variety of musical experiences and outstanding musicianship by all participants.
Conductor Nicholas Fairbanks mentions: “Dixit Dominus is one of my favourite choral-orchestral works and includes what I think is some of Handel's finest writing. It presents a bit of a challenge to both chorus and orchestra, but the music is well worth the extra work."
Further information on our concerts and ways to donate is available at sookephil.ca
Tickets are available in advance, or at the door (if there’s room!)
Hope to see you there!
Expressive, Focused, Adventurous!
GREATER VICTORIA YOUTH ORCHESTRA
YARIV ALONI, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Symphonic sounds spring from the Baumann Centre in downtown Victoria every Saturday morning. Sixty young musicians from early teens to midtwenties –collaborators committed to their musical craft – make up the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. Expressive, focused and adventurous, the GVYO is respected as one of the finest youth ensembles in the country.
GVYO players are guided by Music Director Yariv Aloni
and a faculty of Victoria’s top musicians, through rehearsals and sectional coaching sessions, where they develop ensemble and performance skills and build lasting friendships. Over the years the GVYO has been further enriched by working with internationally esteemed guest artists such as Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Jonathan Crow, Ben Heppner and Timothy Vernon. The results are performances of an impressive calibre, and invaluable experience for young people, who mature not only as musicians, but as contributors to their community. For 38 years, the GVYO has enchanted
audiences across Vancouver Island and as far afield as the Kootenays, Haida Gwaii and Yukon Territory. GVYO alumni occupy positions in ensembles, orchestras, and academies throughout the world.
Join the GVYO for three Sunday afternoon concerts at The Farquhar at UVic: November 17, February 9, and April 13. Program highlights include Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 (Reformation) and Elgar’s Enigma Variations as well as music by Khachaturian, Copland and Tchaikosvky.
Phone: 250-360-1121
Email: gvyorchestra@gmail.com
Visit: www.gvyo.org
Pure Holiday Magic
An unforgettable reimagining of the greatest Christmas story of all time
Acclaimed theatrical imagineers the WONDERHEADS will light up the McPherson Playhouse and Port Theatre stages this December with A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol, an extraordinary reimagining of the Charles Dickens’ classic. The multiaward-winning company brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical Christmas eve journey to life with giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention in this unmissable and beautifully unique production.
The WONDERHEADS, who specialize in visual storytelling, have been praised by the CBC as “Pure magic” and the Globe and Mail as “Powerful, surprising, and moving.” Now in its fifth year of touring, A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol has become a holiday tradition for thousands of theatregoers, and it will tour across BC and Alberta this December with stops in Calgary (DJD, Dec 4-7), North Vancouver (Centennial Theatre, Dec 11-12), New Westminster (Massey Theatre, Dec 13-14), Victoria (McPherson Playhouse, Dec 1821) and Nanaimo (Port Theatre, Dec 23-24).
Co-Founding Artistic Director Kate Braidwood embraces the ‘live-action Pixar’ comparison often used to
describe WONDERHEADS’ work:
“It’s a real compliment because, like Pixar, we set out to create entertaining and enchanting shows that resonate with all ages. If we haven’t made you laugh, cry, and gasp with wonder, then we haven’t done our job!”
The production’s four performers share more than twenty roles between them, and the virtuosity on display is world-class.
“Our ensemble is breathing hard by the end of the 75-minute show!” says Andrew Phoenix, Director. “In one moment, a performer is playing Bob Cratchit, in the next, bringing to life an enormous backpack puppet, and the next, spinning set pieces through the air in a cyclone of time travel.”
The WONDERHEADS have spent more than a decade touring the world to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences who describe the experience as watching animation come to life. Performed entirely without dialogue, their enchanting work has earned widespread praise, including six Critics’ Choice Awards and twelve Best of Fest honors.
In what the CBC describes as “Captivating and magical,” the oneof-a-kind theatrical experience of a WONDERHEADS show is not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now – to book, or for more information, visit wonderheads.com
Victoria Philharmonic Choir
Celebrates 20 years of joy!
If your choir is going to celebrate a signi cant birthday, why not do it with some of the best choral music ever composed?
The Victoria Philharmonic Choir, directed by Peter Butter eld, marks its 20th season, opening on November 30 with J.S. Bach’s majestic and incomparable Mass in B minor, his last major work before his death in 1750.
To follow will be the annual Family Christmas Carol Sing-along December 22.
In March 2025, the VPC brings on the aming chariot and battling divinities of Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Composed in the spirit of Mendelssohn’s musical heroes,
Bach and Handel, this oratorio has been an audience and chorister favourite since its 1846 premiere.
The guest soloist, in the title role, is the internationally renowned Canadian operatic baritone, Russell Braun. This is a performance not to be missed!
And in June, the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy brings
its thrilling sound to the choir’s performance of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, by Karl Jenkins. And there’s more exciting news: for the rst time, the VPC is offering its loyal patrons a Season Subscription to the three major concerts (does not include the Christmas Sing-along), at a signi cant discount off the
total of single ticket prices. The deadline to purchase a subscription is November 23rd. For concert details and info on tickets and subscriptions, please visit vpchoir.ca
Memorable moments of the VPC’s past seasons include Bach’s Passions, with the St. John Passion semi-staged; several productions of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers, Rossini’s not-so- Petite Messe Solennelle with two pianos and harmonium, summer workshops that included baroque choreography, Christmas concerts featuring a bevy of toddlers “conducting” the choir, several Requiems from Mozart to Brahms to Verdi to Duru é, and recent collaborations on special multimedia productions supported by the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Fund.
Please join the VPC in celebrating this milestone, and also for the seasons to come!
Victoria Conservatory of Music: Music Lives Here!
This year, we proudly celebrate 60 years of enriching lives through music and 25 years at our historic location, the iconic Alix Goolden Performance Hall. As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to providing music education, performance opportunities, and wellness programs for people of all ages and abilities. At the Victoria Conservatory of Music, music lives here, and everyone is welcome to discover the joy of music. Join us for a series of memorable concerts that capture the spirit of our community:
DANIEL LAPP'S HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS:
Celebrate the holiday season with two magical evenings of music on Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 pm at the Royal Theatre. Led by Daniel Lapp, these festive concerts feature the Joy of Life Choir, the BC Fiddle Orchestra, and a mix of holiday favourites and folk classics.
SPARK TO FLAME STUDENT SHOWCASE:
Discover future music stars at the Spark to Flame Student Showcase on Saturday, March 1, at 7:30 pm in Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Our most talented students perform alongside professional musicians.
DANIEL LAPP'S JOY OF LIFE CONCERTS:
Conclude the series with Daniel Lapp's Joy of Life Concerts on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 pm in Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Daniel Lapp and a diverse group of artists celebrate music across genres, from jazz and folk to original compositions. We also offer a wide range of free or by-donation student and faculty concerts throughout the year, providing endless opportunities to explore and enjoy music. Stay tuned to our events calendar for the latest updates. Want to take the stage
yourself? Join our community by signing up for group classes or private lessons! Whether you’re interested in singing with the Joy of Life Choir, playing with the BC Fiddle Orchestra, or exploring another musical passion, our programs offer the chance to learn, grow, and perform at renowned venues like the Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Bursaries are available to help make music education accessible to all.
Discover more and stay connected by visiting vcm.bc.ca
Performance ormance Lives Here
Experience thejoy of musicwithus
Capriccio Vocal Ensemble
Capriccio Vocal Ensemble, founded by Michael Gormely in 1989, and under the current direction of Artistic Director Dr. Adam Con, is an auditioned mixed-voice chamber choir dedicated to high-quality performance of choral music of many eras and genres. Capriccio begins the 2024/2025 season with two concerts: November 11 and December 23.
A Remembrance Concert
November 11, 2024 - 2:30pm Christ Church Cathedral NEVER FORGOTTEN WITH NATHAN ROBERTS, BAGPIPES, MARK MCDONALD, ORGAN, AND THE FESTIVE BRASS QUINTET
Join Capriccio Vocal Ensemble as we launch our season with a concert that shines a powerful spotlight on the untold stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Canadians who served our country in the military. This unforgettable performance will feature the dynamic energy of the Festive Brass Quintet, the majestic sounds of Christ Church Cathedral’s Wolff pipe organ, and the evocative, soul-stirring melodies of bagpipes. Together, these elements will create a moving tribute that uplifts and honours the voices and legacies of the forgotten.
Lest We Forget.
Join us on The Night Before The Night Before - for a Christmas Celebration
December 23, 2024 - 7:30pm Christ Church Cathedral A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS WITH MCKENNA SHEELEYJENNINGS, HARP, AND A STRING QUARTET
The annual favourite, “The Night Before the Night Before Christmas” returns for another thrilling holiday concert! Immerse yourself in the warmth and joy of the holiday season with Capriccio Vocal Ensemble’s family-friendly Christmas concert – a heartwarming evening crafted to wrap you in comfort and fill you with festive cheer. Accompanied by string quartet, harp and organ, imagine gathering by the fireside as the ensemble breathes life into the timeless beauty of Bach, the radiant melodies of Mendelssohn, and the enchanting carols of Britten. Let the voices of Capriccio Vocal Ensemble fill your heart with the true joy of Christmas, creating an unforgettable evening of peace, joy and musical brilliance.
Visit our website (scan the QR code in our ad or go to www.capriccio.ca) for more information and to purchase tickets.
Early Music Vancouver
Brings two mesmerizing performances to Victoria!
On September 21st, the Paci c Baroque Orchestra performs the Victoria premiere of a new arrangement of J.S. Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations for chamber ensemble. An iconic monument in Western music, the Goldberg Variations have delighted and intrigued listeners for centuries and demonstrate Bach’s technical development, virtuosic nesse, and compositional sophistication. EMV will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Festive Cantatas on December 21st, presenting Bach’s ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ cantata with the Paci c Baroque Orchestra, Vancouver Chamber Choir, and soloists Hélène Brunet, Suzie
LeBlanc, Cecilia Duarte, James Reese, and William Kraushaar. For more information and tickets, please visit earlymusic.bc.ca
Theatre SKAM to Launch Brand New Presentation Series
This fall, Theatre SKAM will welcome four local theatre companies to perform at the SKAM Satellite Studio as part of their brand new presentation series, the SKAM Satellite Series. From October 17 to 27, audiences can expect to see original productions from both COWBOY and Spec Theatre. Later in the season, from November 28 to December 8, SNAFU Society of Unexpected Spectacles and iuvenis Productions will take to the stage of the Satellite Studio.
Logan Swain, Theatre SKAM’s Artistic Producer, says this about the upcoming series, “As we look ahead to our 30th season in 2025, I’m thrilled to introduce a new presentation program: the SKAM Satellite Series. As a company mandated to support the careers of Victoria-based and emerging artists, it’s vital that we provide paid performance opportunities like this.”
This program is central to the ethos of SKAM. A long-time
Harville, Music Director
supporter of local and emerging artists, SKAM has produced the beloved SKAMpede festival for the past sixteen years. Unlike the sprawling outdoor festival SKAMpede, the SKAM Satellite Series will take audiences indoors to a more intimate setting. The SKAM Satellite Studio, or “the Satellite” as it’s affectionately known, is a 40-seat black box theatre in downtown Victoria at 849 Fort St. Fresh off a facelift, in which SKAM has added new audience risers and overhauled the lighting and sound systems, the Satellite is primed to be the home of this new series and help realize the vision of the presented artists.
Swain welcomes anyone curious to attend, “Join us in our intimate black box theatre this fall as we shine a spotlight on talented local artists and the amazing work they do. Are you in?”
Tickets launch mid-September. For more information, visit the SKAM website at skam.ca/
Sooke Fine Arts Show
Discover the enchanting world of West Coast art at the Sooke Fine Arts Show, taking place in 2025 from July 26 through August 4 at the SEAPARC Leisure Centre in Sooke. Delight in an immersive experience as the local ice arena is transformed into a dazzling 16,000 square foot gallery, adorned with over 375 original and diverse works of art.
Coming in to its 39th year, the Sooke Fine Arts Show stands as the premier 10-day community arts event, proudly holding the title of the largest juried art show on Vancouver Island and remains one of the most prestigious and longestrunning juried exhibitions in the province.
The festival celebrates the rich tapestry of artistic talent from Vancouver Island and BC's Coastal Islands. Beyond the breathtaking display of artworks, visitors can
of artistic exploration for families, children, and youth, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Step into a realm of creativity showcasing over 250 established and emerging Island artists.
Explore an array of artistic expressions spanning painting, sculpture, photography, bre art, ceramics, and hand-formed jewelry. Witness the unveiling of exceptional talent as artists vie for prestigious awards totaling over $12,000, honouring their ingenuity and mastery.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of over 300 volunteers works tirelessly throughout July, infusing the gallery with the spirit of the community that created the inaugural Sooke Fine Arts Show in 1986. Their efforts encompass every aspect of the exhibition, from constructing and illuminating the gallery to arranging and presenting the artworks, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all.
immerse themselves in live music, artist demonstrations, enlightening lectures, and engaging activities tailored for all ages. From a leisurely afternoon of tea and scones for seniors to a vibrant day
Be among the rst to discover and acquire your favourite pieces at the exclusive Purchasers' Preview Night on July 25. Indulge in an evening of artistic splendor, complemented by beverages and delectable canapes. Secure your tickets for this special event available online at sooke nearts. com starting in May 2025.
Experience the magic of the Sooke Fine Arts Show – where art comes to life.
UVic School of Music
SCHO OL OF MU SI C
SEPT 28 Gathering OurVoices
Brahms’s Liebeslieder Waltzes arethe centrepiecetothisconcer twelcoming mezzo-soprano Marion Newmanasthe newestmember of ourvoicefaculty.
OCT7 MinsooSohn Plays Bach
Renowned pianist MinsooSohn per formsBach’s Goldberg Variations
OCT26 Stories Within the Notes
CellistPamela Highbaugh Aloni and guest pianist Futaba Niek awaoffer an evening of vivid stor ytelling through music.
UVic Musicand Fine Ar ts facultycollaborateinan eclec tic afternoon of culturaltraditionsofthe season.
The 2024/25 season at the UVic School of Music will take you on a journey through diverse musical experiences, showcasing the immense talent of our students, faculty, and esteemed guest artists. Whether you're a fan of grand symphonic works, intimate chamber music, or innovative contemporary compositions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
OUR ENSEMBLES
From world premieres of creative new works to fresh interpretations of classical masterpieces, our student ensembles will captivate you with a rich blend of new voices and timeless music. 2024 will culminate in our festive Winter Choral Concert to fill you with holiday spirit!
• NOV. 30 | Winter Choral Concert at Christ Church Cathedral
• FEB. 6 | UVic Wind Symphony and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
• FEB. 13 | UVic Symphony Orchestra
• MAR. 28 | UVic Chorus and Orchestra
• APR. 4 | UVic Wind Symphony
ORION SERIES IN FINE ARTS
World-class artists visit the School of Music for a series of unforgettable and illuminating presentations showcasing inspiring research and collaborations.
OCT. 21-22: Cree-Métis twospirit baritone Jonathon Adams, Canadian violinist Chloe Kim, and respected harpsichordist Tom Foster present a talk/ open rehearsal titled “Virtuosic Technologies: Indigenous and European musical storytelling in the 17th century,” as well as a masterclass with Baroque Collegium and voice students.
DEC. 3: Renowned soprano
Barbara Hannigan and brilliant pianist Bertrand Chamayou discuss composing for the voice, coach masterclasses and answer your questions in a Q&A.
MORE GUEST ARTISTS
On Oct. 7, celebrated pianist Minsoo Sohn performs Bach’s Goldberg Variations—one of the most iconic works of the Baroque period. This is sure to be a highlight of our season.
The award-winning Viano Quartet returns to UVic on Oct. 30 and Mar. 20 with concerts that bridge the emotional depth of the past with innovative sounds of the present.
Many events are free or by donation. For ticketed concerts, we offer special pricing for students, alumni and seniors, and pay-whatyou-can options. Info and tickets at uvic.ca/music/events
Menopause The Musical®
Come join our SISTERHOOD at Victoria's McPherson Playhouse on Friday October 11th!
Modo Live & Shaggypup Productions, the exclusive Canadian producers of “Menopause The Musical” are teaming up, to bring the smash hit to Victoria.
This original Off-Broadway musical comedy is set in a department store, where four women meet by chance while shopping for a black lace bra. After noticing unmistakable similarities with one another, the female, All-Star Canadian cast, jokes about their woeful hot ashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain, memory loss, too much sex, not enough sex and more. These 4 women form a sisterhood and a special bond with audiences as they rejoice in celebrating that Menopause is not “The Silent Passage” anymore!
The show illustrates through comedy and 27 hit songs from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, that underneath it all, women are so similar, especially around the “Change of Life” and there’s a need to embrace it with one another as a giant sisterhood.
“Menopause The Musical is a worldwide phenomenon because it’s so brilliantly funny, but at its core, it’s really about female empowerment” says Zimmerman.
Since its debut in 2005, Menopause The Musical® has evolved into a "grassroots movement” for women, dealing
with life’s so called adjustments like the aging process, especially after 40.
This laugh- lled 90-minute production, gets audiences out of their seats, cheering, dancing & singing along to chart topping hits, that feature new, tongue in cheek, brilliantly funny lyrics.
Menopause The Musical®, now in its 19th year, is recognized as the longest-running musical, comedy to ever play Las Vegas continuously.
Bring your Mother, Daughter, Sister or Friends to witness this world wide hit. See it for the 1st Time - or - Come Love It Again. Tickets are selling fast! Don't miss out - 1 show only.
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® COME JOIN OUR SISTERHOOD!
Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what more than 17 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for over 20 years!
Victoria Festival of Authors Society
Love books? Want to meet some of your favourite authors and discover new ones to add to that list? Victoria Festival of Authors (VFA), Vancouver Island’s largest, and liveliest, celebration of books and book lovers, is back for its nineth year from October 16-20. There are panel discussions about Indigenous representation in children’s books and on the writing process itself (with a sneak peak of the current projects of celebrated local authors). There’s a night of poetry, of speculative fiction, and of short
stories. Ian Williams and Nahlah Ayed will discuss this year’s Massey Lecture series, centered on the question: Why can't we talk to each other? There are even two walks along the trails of W MÍYE T EN Nature Sanctuary (formerly Mary Lake). On one you’ll be accompanied by four poets, who will read poems on stops along the way. On the other, writers with books focused on ecology and the environment will be the soundtrack of your journey.
bestselling Quintland Sisters, and Carleigh Baker, whose book Bad Endings was shortlisted for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and won the City of Vancouver book award.
VFA is a hybrid festival, which means if you can’t make it to the five evening events at Langham Court Theatre, you don’t need to worry. Those events will be
livestreamed. VFA has sliding scale tickets with a free option for all theatre events and all virtual and livestreamed programming. If you haven’t yet attended VFA, make sure to join the celebration this year! For more information check out victoriafestivalofauthors. ca and make sure to sign up for the newsletter.
September 21 & 22 is the festival launch weekend, offering slidingscale workshops by award winning authors. The weekend culminates with a reading at the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
This year marks the fourth year VFA has focused almost entirely on authors from our province. Of the 42 authors at this year’s festival, 39 live in British Columbia, 17 of those on Vancouver Island. The participants include new authors and others who are bestsellers and award winners. This includes Shelley Wood, writer of the
Dance Victoria’s 2024/25 season showcases the World’s Best Dance at the historic Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale! Save up to $136 off regular ticket prices with a four-show subscription. Discounted Pay Your Age (ages 12 to 29) and Night Moves (ages 30 to 45) tickets and Flex Passes all offer spectacular dance at sensational savings.
The Dance at the Royal Series features four internationally renowned companies hailing from Vancouver, New York, and Spain. These artists invite us to step into their worlds – to immerse ourselves in their visions and imagine new possibilities to ignite transformation. A.I.M by Kyle Abraham (New York), “one of the most consistently excellent troupes working today” (New York Times), launches the season on a high note with a mixed contemporary program featuring works by Abraham, Andrea Miller, and Paul Singh. The beloved all-male comic group Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (New York) celebrates its 50th anniversary delighting die-hard ballet fans and newcomers alike. Ballet BC (Vancouver) continues to push creative boundaries with two new commissions by Fernando Hernando Magadan and Andrea Peña and the return of Johan Inger’s masterful PASSING.
Immerse. Imagine. Ignite.
Discover Dance Victoria’s 2024/25 Season
The season concludes with the North American premiere of Compañía Rafaela Carrasco’s (Spain) award-winning Nocturna, a poetic exploration of nighttime as a dark mirror into the human soul – and Dance Victoria’s first contemporary Flamenco presentation!
Subscribers receive discounts on three special presentations in 2024/25. At the Royal Theatre, Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker, featuring live accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony, brings us the wintertime classic we all love –with a Canadian twist.
Dancers of Damelahamid’s (Squamish Territories) Raven Mother is an ambitious work, cocommissioned by Dance Victoria, that honours the late Elder Margaret Harris (1931–2020), a powerful upholder of Indigenous culture and revitalization.
Shamel Pitts | TRIBE (Brooklyn) will hypnotize
audiences with the Western Canadian premiere of BLACK HOLE – Trilogy and Triathlon, combining dance, original sound, video projection, and light design in a tale of vitality and tenderness, darkness and light, personal growth and collective empowerment.
Dance Victoria (DV) is committed to cultivating a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Through the Chrystal Dance Prize, the organization has awarded more than $492,000 to support independent and emerging dance artists from Western Canada making new work or continuing their training at international dance institutions. Community engagement is at the heart of Dance Victoria. Each season, DV offers free masterclasses and movement workshops by world-
renowned dancers. The annual Dance Days Festival (Jan. 24-Feb. 2) offers 80+ free dance classes and workshops across the city, while DV’s Quadra Village studios welcome 5,000 young dancers to a diverse range of classes each month.
DanceVictoria.com
Box Office: 250-386-6121
Compañia Rafaela Carrasco in Nocturna.
Ballet BC in PASSING.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham in MotorRover.
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham NEW YORK
NOVEMBER 15 + 16, 2024 • 7:30 pm
Mixed Program
A “post-modern gumbo” of movement exploration, with a vocabulary drawing from Modern, ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop led by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Kyle Abraham.
“One of the most consistently excellent troupes working today.” NEW YORK TIMES
Les Ballets Trockadero
de Monte Carlo NEW YORK
FEBRUARY 7 + 8, 2025 • 7:30 pm
Mixed Program
The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company returns to Victoria with its internationally beloved troupe of dancers as part of its landmark 50th anniversary season.
“The amalgam of ballerina finesse and daft diva antics is brilliant, unsettling, riveting: the epitome of Trocks style.” NEW YORK TIMES
Ballet BC VANCOUVER
MARCH 14 + 15, 2025 • 7:30 pm
Mixed Program
A thought-provoking mixed contemporary ballet program featuring top international dance talents and works by celebrated choreographers including Johan Inger and Andrea Peña.
“Ballet BC continues to innovate while combining an awareness of current social injustices and realities.” LA DANCE CHRONICLE
Compañia
Rafaela
Carrasco SPAIN
APRIL 11 + 12, 2025 • 7:30 pm
Nocturna (Architecture of Insomnia)
With entrancing dancers and live musicians, this award-winning contemporary flamenco production is a poetic exploration of nighttime as a dark mirror into the human soul.
“Carrasco is one of the most important flamenco dancers of the younger generation, and a revolutionary creator of cutting-edge flamenco choreography.” VIDA FLAMENCA
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
WINNIPEG
+ Victoria Symphony
NOV 29 + 30 + DEC 1, 2024 • 7:00 pm
NOV 30 + DEC 1, 2024 • 1:00 pm
Nutcracker
Featuring a hockey game, a battle on Parliament Hill, and polar bears, Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the wintertime classic we all love with a Canadian twist!
“RWB’s Nutcracker is still the stuff of wonder and dreams.” WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Dancers of Damelahamid
SḴWXWÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH) TERRITORIES
JANUARY 24, 2025 • 7:30 pm
McPherson Playhouse
Raven Mother
Weaving dazzling handcrafted traditional masks, movement, song, regalia, sculpture, and design, Raven Mother illuminates the integral role of women in holding cultural knowledge.
“A visually striking performance that blends customary Indigenous dance forms with modern media. The overall effect is stunning.” ISTVAN REVIEWS Minowin
Shamel Pitts | TRIBE
NEW YORK
February 20, 2025 7:30 pm
McPherson Playhouse
BLACK HOLE - Trilogy and Triathlon
An Afrofuturist dance work featuring the praised Brooklyn-based trio of dancers whose transformative journey through the titular BLACK HOLE is magnified by stunning multi-media elements.
“Curiously stylish and sincere, glossily cold and tender. Always visually striking.” NEW YORK TIMES
