Arts Guide, 2024

17 TH ANNUAL

Your comprehensive guide to the 2024 Victoria Arts Season

International Michael Jackson Tribute

International Michael Jackson Tribute Moonwalking Across Canada In 2024!

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show touring Canada from June to August 2024.

Internationally acclaimed tribute

The Michael Jackson HIStory Show has announced it will return to Canadian stages with new star Garth Field at the helm this June to August.

After roaring success and wowing audiences across the globe, the show is set to perform at an impressive 21 venues with the new and updated production created to stun audiences across the nation.

This tour will be the production’s rst Australian tour since 2022 when former lead star Dantanio was farewelled at his nal performance in New Zealand. The accomplished impersonator toured extensively with the production, however chose to retire from international touring after the close of the 2022 season.

This left producer and director Johnny Van Grinsven with the unenviable task of re-casting one

of the most challenging roles in his entire creative roster, which spans 15+ international stage shows and over 120 cast members.

“MJ is a really tricky role. You have to be able to dance and sing and act and hold that character convincingly, and you have to do it all really well, or fans just won’t get on board. MJ fans are very loyal and they want to see their favourite artist represented in the right way, so it’s important we get it right,” says Van Grinsven.

After auditioning thousands of MJ impersonators across seven countries he eventually landed on the impressive Garth Field as the

cream of the crop, to take on the immense role going forward. With training in various dance styles including hip hop and tap, a musical background in jazz, his intense love of Michael Jackson and his own successful MJ production running in Europe for the past ve years, Field was immediately picked as a promising candidate.

“Garth had the very rare combination of vocal talent, dance talent, the right looks and most importantly the drive and ambition to rise to the role, to work at being the best in the business. Getting all of those things in one person is extremely hard to nd but we’re pretty convinced we have the right person and we’re sure that fans of the show will feel the same once they’ve seen him in action,” Van Grinsven said further.

Joining Field on stage on this Aussie tour will be a full new roster of dancers and musicians, to showcase the updated production which still includes all of Jackson’s biggest Pop hits, but now features a brand new redesigned lighting and FX show.

The tour is strictly limited, and tickets are on sale now from venue box of ces. For more information head to mjhistoryshow.com

PHOTO: GET_FOCUSED

PHOTO: GET_FOCUSED PHOTO: GET_FOCUSED

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

RETURNS TO VICTORIA MAY 28!

The internationally-acclaimed hit theater show The Simon & Garfunkel Story will arrive in Victoria for the nal stop of its 60-city North America tour on Tuesday, May 28 at the Royal Theatre . The immersive concertstyle tribute show recreates the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel live on stage. It chronicles their amazing journey, telling the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s, and to their dramatic split in 1970. The Simon & Garfunkel Story culminates with the pair’s famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 which had more than half a million fans in attendance.

Recently, Grammy winner Art Garfunkel stopped by the Staten Island, New York show and surprised the cast on-stage after the encore. “What an amazing show,” said the folk-rock icon Garfunkel, who stayed to meet the entire cast and crew, tell stories, take photos, and offer advice to the singers and musicians. “Art’s seal of approval means so much to everyone involved in the production,” says the show’s director and creator Dean Elliott.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story features a set list of nearly 30 songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos and original lm footage. A full live band will perform all of the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.

With more than 100 million albums sold since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable songs and poetic lyrics poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 Grammy awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, the Brit Awards honored their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album with Best International Album. In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story performs at 7:30pm at Royal Theatre, located at 805 Broughton Street.

Tickets can be purchased at thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com

PHOTO: TIMOTHY NORRIS

EINE KLEINE SUMMER MUSIC

June is always a much-anticipated month for local classical music fans. Artists from across Canada and beyond converge for a festival of chamber music concerts in the countryside. The music happens in two spacious, beautiful and acoustically ideal venues: the First Unitarian Church among the elds of West Saanich Road, and alongside the vines at Deep Cove Winery.

Eine Kleine Summer Music’s June 2024 performances are held on four Sunday afternoons ( June 2, 9, 16, 23 at 2:30pm) in the First Unitarian Church, and four Monday evenings ( June 3, 10, 17, 24 at 7:00pm) at Deep Cove Winery

The stellar guest list includes, among many others, Conrad Tao and Timothy Chooi.

New York Magazine calls pianist Conrad Tao “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music.” He has appeared worldwide as a pianist and composer and has been dubbed an artist of “probing intellect and openhearted vision” by The New York Times. Tao has performed as soloist

with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony. Tao will bring us a solo program of his favourites, including music by Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Billy Strayhorn, and Harold Arlen.

Internationally acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi has mesmerized global audiences with his virtuosity and emotional depth. Chooi’s accolades include top prizes at the Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition, the international Verbier Festival and many more. Recently, Chooi has toured as soloist with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and with Anne-Sophie Mutter on a European recital tour. Concert and ticket details may be found at eksm.ca

Tickets are available April 22nd through Eventbrite or through our box of ce partners.

Box Of ce: Evergreen Business Services 550 - 2950 Douglas St., Victoria, BC V8T 4N4 (250) 382-7717

EKSM concerts are frequently sold out; please order tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Artistic Harmony

Kathy Demchuk is a woman of many talents, juggling various responsibilities at the 71st annual Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Exhibition & Sale at the Mary Winspear Centre April 27-28 . Alongside her husband Peter, she wears multiple hats - participating artist, standards committee member, hanging committee member, organizer of show greeters, and assistant to patrons. With each hat she wears, Kathy brings dedication and enthusiasm, driven by her love for the annual show.

The SPAC Show is renowned across the island for its display of original paintings, sculptures, pottery, ber arts, crafts, and jewelry. Kathy and Peter are part of the 20 members of the installation team, who dedicate themselves to the meticulous task of hanging over 700 pieces of art in just 8 hours. Under the direction of the volunteer show designer, Cathy Schulhauser their aim is not just

to position artwork but to curate an experience for the viewers. They often start with a focal point and carefully arrange pieces to complement and elevate each other. Often the common link is the colour palette, but sometimes it is the subject matter, shape or other common denominator.

For Kathy, the art isn’t complete without the oral arrangements adorning the displays. To her, it’s like adding the perfect accessories to an out t, enhancing the overall beauty of the show. Setting up such a grand event requires months of planning and over 300 volunteers from the 500 SPAC membership who live throughout Greater Victoria and the Islands.

Artists interested in participating in the show are encouraged to visit the exhibition this year and to join SPAC. Members can volunteer as well as exhibit at a number of venues throughout the year.

The Demchuk’s participate

in a number of smaller exhibits throughout the year but they always save their best three pieces for SPAC’s annual exhibition. Their creations, from Kathy’s intricate fabric art to Peter’s charming wooden giraffes, never fail to captivate the audience.

This year, Kathy draws inspiration from a unique source - her experience of undergoing cataract surgery. The vivid light show she witnessed during the procedure sparks a creative idea, one she’s eager to bring to life on fabric using French fabric paint, applique, and stitching.

Kathy and Peter nd strength and inspiration in each other. For Peter, Kathy is not only his muse but also his most ardent supporter. And Kathy echoes his sentiment, grateful for the mutual encouragement and creative synergy they share.

For ticket information visit: www.spacsociety.com

Caravan World Rhythms

Caravan World Rhythms presents another unique and exciting season of the best in World Music, including Ukraine’s DAKHABRAKHA and Grammy winner ZAKIR HUSSAIN!

In the past 7 years, Caravan World Rhythms has become the leading presenter in the Victoria region of some of the best World music and dance from around the globe, hosting Canadian and international artists as diverse as Tuvan Throat Singing, Spanish Flamenco, Eastern European Indie-Folk, Afro-Cuban Songs & Rhythms, Afrofuturist electropercussion, Indigenous guitar and folk, Estonian & Scandinavian alt-folk, and much more. One of our past highlights was the Grammywinning Soweto Gospel Choir who performed a sold-out show at the Royal Theatre, establishing Caravan as a key presenter of internationally renowned global music in the Capital Regional District.

Caravan’s upcoming Spring and Summer 2024 season promises to be just as exciting, offering unique experiences for Victoria audiences. The season features the return of the now legendary voice of Ukrainian resistance DAKHBARAKHA at the Farquhar at UVic on March 30th , showcasing their powerful and engaging “Ethno-Chaos” multimedia music and video show.

On April 17th , Caravan presents award-winning Toronto-

based world music group AHMED MONEKA and his Arabic Jazz Ensemble at Hermann’s. Ahmed Moneka will be bringing his music and message of multicultural harmony with world-class musicians from Turkey, Syria, Sudan, Greece, and Canada, in uenced by his own Afro-Iraqi roots, in an uplifting and jazzy performance!

On April 28th at the Royal Theatre, multiple Grammy winner, world music icon and Indian Tabla percussion maestro ZAKIR HUSSAIN will be making a rare appearance in Victoria with an all-star traditional Indian Music trio featuring Sabir Khan on the melodious Sarangi, and the talented female ute-player Debopriya Chaterjee.

Looking forward to the Summer, Caravan will be hosting some free outdoor concerts featuring touring Brazilian, African, and Swedish Folk music groups at the Cameron Bandshell. Keep an eye out for our free events on Victoria’s CityVibe program.

Victoria audiences are promised unique and soul-stirring experiences at Caravan World Rhythms events, and they will discover music and culture from around the world that will open their hearts and spirit!

For tickets and more information and about Caravan events, visit caravanbc.com , or follow us on Facebook and IG: @caravanworldrhythm

Sooke Fine Arts Show

Discover the enchanting world of West Coast art at the Sooke Fine Arts Show, taking place from July 27 to August 5 at the SEAPARC Leisure Centre in Sooke . Delight in an immersive experience as the ice arena is transformed into a dazzling 17,000 square foot gallery, adorned with over 375 original works of art.

Now in its 38th 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. With an attendance of over 9,000 in 2023, this year's exhibition promises to be even more captivating.

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 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 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.

Be among the rst to discover and acquire your favorite pieces at the exclusive Purchasers' Preview Night on July 26. Indulge in an evening of artistic splendor, complemented by beverages and delectable canapes. Secure your tickets for this special event, priced at $50, available online at sooke nearts.com starting in May.

Experience the magic of the Sooke Fine Arts Show – where art comes to life.

Victoria Ska Festival

The Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival is back with a massive lineup a quarter century in the making. Running from June 19 to 23, the beloved event now in its 25th year features heavy-hitting headliners from the event’s titular genres across both free and ticketed presentations.

Ska fans can look forward to marquee sets from Less Than Jake, The Suicide Machines, The Slackers, and The Planet Smashers, whereas reggae-lovers will enjoy Gondwana, Macka B & the Roots Ragga Band, Big Mountain, Mungo’s Hi Fi with Marina P and Ammoye.

Gondwana particularly represents a longstanding relationship between the festival and South American artists. While they may not be immediately recognizable to many North

American reggae fans, the group are bona de stars in their home country of Chile. Mexico’s Antidoping and Colombia’s Skampida are other acts bringing some Latin air to the festival’s free outdoor concert series.

While the festival has always retained a focus on Jamaican-rooted music, it’s never been afraid to feature big names from related genres such as jazz, R&B, punk, and hip-hop. This philosophy is best exempli ed in a headlining performance by iconic political rap group Dead Prez.

For festival founder Dane Roberts, the journey remains just as important as the destination.

"A lot of the bands on the bill we have worked with extensively and developed close friendships [with],” says Roberts. “Other bands that are new are excited to play at the festival

and we feel good vibes from them. Of course, we need the festival to thrive and do well so it can continue, but the process of organizing it and the people we connect with is equally important. It is the latter that's made it worthwhile and what's kept me doing this all along."

Look no further than the festival’s closing show to see this focus on lifelong relationships in action. Sunday’s free show is being headlined by Chris Murray, a Canadian cult ska hero who played the festival’s rst edition back in 2000.

Shows take place at Ship Point Inner Harbour, Victoria Curling Club, Wicket Hall, and Lucky Bar. Full festival passes and individual tickets are on sale now on victoriaskafest.ca

PHOTO: COLIN SMITH

PHOTO: COLIN SMITH

Victoria Choral Society

VSTAND NOT FAR APART

and GOLDEN HARVEST by Larysa Kuzmenko

by John Estacio

2:30 PM MAY 19 2024

UVIC CENTRE FARQUHAR AUDITORIUM

TICKET S $ 35 adults, $10 students and income accessible. Order in person at UVic Ticket Centre, call 250 -721- 8480, or go online at tickets.uvic.ca | INFO at victoriachoralsociety.ca

Dramatic, powerful music telling of an immigrant experience, and of sur vival, hope and peace. Performed with members of the Victoria Symphony, and soloists Betty Waynne Allison, soprano, and Nathan McDonald, baritone.

ictoria, BC — The Victoria Choral Society, under Music Director Brian Wismath, will present The Houses Stand Not Far Apart by John Estacio and Golden Harvest by Larysa Kuzmenko at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium at 2:30 pm on Sunday, May 19th, 2024

This beautiful choral program features soloists soprano Betty Waynne Allison and baritone Nathan McDonald, with accompaniment by members of the Victoria Symphony. Tickets are available in person at the UVic Ticket Centre, by phone at 250-721-8480, or online at tickets.uvic.ca

love. Yet there is no neighbourly feeling, no understanding between the families, only hatred and pride dividing them just as the river separates them. This 3-movement piece ends with the words: “Let doubt, resentment and anger cease, And may you nd yourselves at last in peace.”

In 2008 in the midst of world con icts, Edmonton composer John Estacio together with Canadian playwright John Murrell, OC, drew inspiration for a new cantata. Its message is a powerful plea for understanding and harmony. The cantata tells of two identical houses side by side but separated by a river. In each house, families of three generations celebrate life with dancing and

Golden Harvest was commissioned in 2016 by conductor Laurence Ewashko to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Ukrainian-Canadian composer Larysa Kuzmenko was chosen for her heritage and depth of knowledge of Ukrainian culture, and for her “lyrical and accessible” musical style. Librettist Talia Zajac created an unusual Ukrainian/ French/English text which conveys the story and challenges of this early twentieth-century immigration to Canada. It’s a set of experiences that “speaks to any new Canadian who had to survive in the wilderness (literal or otherwise) to help build our nation.”

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.

ROYAL THEATRE

MAY 17 | 7:30 PM

MAY 18 | 2:00 PM

Ballet’s greatest love story is coming to Ballet Victoria.

Deeply moving and visually stunning, Swan Lake is the quintessential classical ballet, steeped in themes of temptation, jealousy, deception, and drama. Set against Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Destrooper is creating a strikingly new rendition of the ballet, while remaining faithful to its classical genre and its themes love and betrayal. The production will feature sleek and elevated projection designs by Jason King

Ballet Victoria – Swan Lake

WORLD PREMIERE  PRESS RELEASE

as well as stunning costumes by Jane Wood.

This new rendering of Petita’s classic offers a rich interpretive and choreographic challenge for Ballet Victoria as it is a small company compared to the general scope and standard of the companies who perform the ballet. Nevertheless, BV’s imaginative and creative productions have already masterfully, and successfully produced full-length works that are traditionally reserved to large international companies (Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, Nutcracker and more) Ballet Victoria’s limited budget and size, is never a factor, thanks to its vibrant imagination, original concepts, clever designs and always beautiful and dramatic dancing.

Ballet Victoria is excited to share this epic new creation at the Royal Theatre this coming May and celebrate a milestone of artistic excellence. The dancers of Ballet Victoria are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and very excited to perform Swan Lake, a world premiere.

Please contact Paul Destrooper, Artistic / Executive Director, for any questions or additional information.

Email: destrooper@ balletvictoria.ca

Tickets at: balletvictoria.ca

PHOTO: © 2015 ELENA ELISSEEVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Victoria Philharmonic Choir

C LAUDIO MONTEVERDI (1567  1643)

VESPERS OF 1610 (VESPRO DELLA BEATA VERGINE)

SATURDAY JUNE 8, 2024

8 PM, ST. ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL

Imagine yourself in Venice’s San Marco Basilica, thrilled by the sounds of a double choir, sackbuts, cornets and lutes, and magical 17th century vocal effects.

Peter Butter eld conducts the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, seven excellent local soloists and a special orchestra of early music specialists in this brilliant work - the largest choral piece in existence before JS Bach’s time.

We are proud to present this great work, with almost every performer a part of our Victoria community.

The collection of pieces, psalms and songs which make up this Vespers in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus, could be called the most creative job application in history, composed in the hope that it would impress the Pope of the early 1600s enough for him to employ Monteverdi at the Vatican. That didn’t work out, but it did eventually lead to the top position at San Marco Basilica.

VPC March 2024 performance warmup.

The Vespers show Monteverdi’s mastery of Renaissance and Early Baroque polyphony, and were a magni cent in uence on the development of Western European music, especially opera.

With choruses that split into as many as 10 vocal parts, stunning instrumental fanfares and a bass

line that would sound right at home in a jazz club, this experience should not be missed.

The VPC’s previous performances of the Monteverdi Vespers, in 2013 and 2017, drew large and enthusiastic audiences. Tickets will be available in April, from vpchoir.ca

PHOTO: REUBEN BUTTERFIELD

VPC conductor Peter Butterfi eld.

Monteverdi Vespers 2017 performance - VPC and guest performers.

PHOTO: DARIN STEINKEY

PHOTO: MEGAN MAHER

Step into the heart of Victoria’s vibrant arts community at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Founded as a non-pro t organization in 1964, the Victoria Conservatory has cultivated an exceptional reputation for quality in education, performance, and wellness. We are committed to providing fully accessible programs for the entire community, welcoming all ages, identities and abilities.

At the Conservatory, creativity knows no bounds. Our programs inspire and nurture the innate creative talent that lies within, waiting to be discovered, through a wide range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary, through engaging with the latest music technologies or through the bene t of adaptive learning strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you to learn, grow, and express yourself through music. Our mission is rooted in inclusivity and achieving one’s best through music. Over the past 60 years, we have become a cornerstone of Victoria’s cultural landscape, offering exceptional music education, internationally recognized music therapy, and performance opportunities that inspire and enrich lives.

The Victoria Conservatory is so much more than a music school; it’s a vibrant community hub where individuals come together to learn, create, to experience the bene ts of wellness through music, and to celebrate the joy of music

Embrace the Harmony: A Community School for All

and the arts. Our commitment to community extends beyond the classroom, with outreach programs, partnerships, bursaries and scholarships designed to make engaging with music a reality for all.

Join us for an exciting season of events showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students and faculty. From Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Concerts on April 26 and 27, to the exquisite performances by the New Orford String Quartet on May 16, the CelloFest featuring cellist Paul Marleyn and Friends in Recital May 17, and our beloved, annual fundraiser, the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour on May 11 and 12, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join us in nurturing creativity, celebrating diversity, and building a harmonious world through the power of music. Let’s create a symphony of joy and inspiration together.

Visit vcm.bc.ca to learn more about our programs and events. Together, let’s make music and art a vibrant part of our community’s fabric.

Learning, performance, wellness.

Music

everyone.

PHOTO: © 2023 JANIS JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Chemainus Theatre Festival

Welcome to 30! Thirty seasons of inspiring musicals bouncing off the walls, comedies running here and there, dramas diving into depths of the heart and all kinds of Canadian confections. Thirty seasons of artistic exploration and discovery with dedicated folks across Vancouver Island – and beyond. For thirty years, family and friends have joined

the Chemainus Theatre Festival, where they have experienced ne dining, theatre, and art from across BC, all under one beautiful dome in a little seaside town called Chemainus.

The 2024 season starts with an award-winning Canadian curling comedy sweeping the country, written by playwright Kristen Da Silva. Canada's most-produced playwright, Norm Foster, has called her "one of the brightest new comedic playwrights in all of Canada." Up next is the delightful fourth Jeeves installment of Wodehouse's tales, a thrilling ride from beginning to end, with just the right dose of humor and intrigue. Then we'll swing into

summer with Dolly Parton's hilarious comedy 9 to 5 The Musical, sharing the outrageous story based on the seminal 1980 hit movie about friendships and revenge in the Rolodex era, and giving the boss the boot! The fall features The Piano Teacher, a Governor General's awardwinning play about loss, love, friendship, and the healing power of music, from a Vancouver Island local and Chemainus Theatre alum. The season nishes with a classic imagining of Jane Austen's characters, a sequel to Pride and Prejudice set at Christmas two years after the novel ends. Along with great stories on stage, enjoy ne dining in

the Playbill Dining Room and creations from over 100 BC artisans in the Gallery Gift Shop. Make your visit a perfect getaway with a wonderful night's stay in a well-appointed suite-style hotel room at the award-winning Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn. As a non-pro t society, we exist to serve Vancouver Island and its visitors by creating exceptional theatre that explores and nourishes truth, hope, redemption, love and the human spirit. Whether you are discovering the Chemainus Theatre Festival for the rst time or have been coming for years – welcome to 30 years of live professional Theatre on Vancouver Island!

SKAMpede Fest

SKAMpede Fest returns this Summer! The beloved outdoor live performing arts festival, which in the past has featured clowning, dance, music, and theatre, will be back along on Inner Harbour and Gorge Waterway from July 12 to 14 . Patrons of the festival have the option of purchasing tickets to two tours on the Galloping Goose and Songhees Walkway. On the tours they

will get to enjoy performances from both emerging and acclaimed professional theatre artists. There will also be free performances at the SKAMpede HUB, conveniently located at Songhees Park beside the Johnson Street Bridge. The line-up for the festival will be announced at the end of April. Guests will be able to purchase Pay-What-You-Can tickets beginning in June. For more information go to skam.ca/