Victoria Symphony (VS) is celebrating a milestone anniversary, highlighted by the return of the beloved Symphony SPLASH! as part of the annual Symphony in the Summer Festival (July 24 – August 3, 2025).
The 2025/26 Season will run from September 14 to May 10 and feature 30+ extraordinary programs across Southern Vancouver Island.
“This season reflects the heart and spirit of Victoria,” says VS Music Director Christian Kluxen. “With exciting new faces joining our already exceptional core of musicians, every performance will be more vibrant than ever.”
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Beethoven’s Violin Concerto played by rising Canadian star Kerson Leong as our season opening.
Victoria Symphony’s 85th Anniversary Season
Symphony SPLASH! Returns to the Inner Harbour
• The Victoria debut of the Choir of King’s College , Cambridge in a program featuring Mozart’s Requiem as our season special.
• A diverse Pops Concert series led by VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin anchored by a unique orchestral collaboration with two-time Polaris and Juno Award winning singersongwriter Jeremy Dutcher.
• The debut of Leeds International Piano Competition winner, pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
• Stewart Goodyear playing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in a special presentation featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony.
• Internationally renowned Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins in a new work for orchestra and soloist by Jake Heggie with poetry written by Margaret Atwood.
• The return of two iconic Canadian jazz artists for Christmas Pops —Denzal Sinclaire and Dee Daniels.
• Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons played by BC-born star of the baroque violin and current Concertmaster of Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society, Aisslinn Nosky.
• Three ‘Films in Concert’: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Elf, and Back to the Future.
• Exciting community collaborations with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra for Fauré’s Requiem and SaintSaëns’ Organ Concerto, and The Belfry Theatre and Victoria Choral Society for a semi-staged production of Grieg’s Peer Gynt.
• Mahler’s majestic Symphony No. 5 led by Maestro Christian Kluxen as our season finale.
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW ON SALE
Our flexible subscription model makes booking easy—choose any five (5) concerts available with a subscription and SAVE 25%. Enjoy unlimited exchanges, a Bring-A-Friend ticket, reciprocal membership discounts, and more! 250.385.6515 boxoffice@victoriasymphony.ca victoriasymphony.ca
Theatre SKAM
2025 marks Theatre SKAM’s 31st season, and the company has big plans for the summer.
“We celebrated our 30th anniversary on January 11th and are about to launch a 30 Days of SKAM campaign this April, culminating with our 2025 AGM, SKAMpede lineup announcement, and more on April 30!” says Logan Swain, Theatre SKAM’s Artistic & Managing Director. He adds, “My goal in programming this season was to increase opportunity for community involvement in our work. We need three spaces now more than ever before, and I can’t wait to welcome folks to the exciting shows and activities we have planned.”
Season 2 of SKAMnanigans:
The Theatre SKAM Podcast is underway, with a new episode launching on the first Thursday of every month. Tune in for exciting behind-the-scene insights into all things SKAM, plus exclusive interviews with the emerging artists behind the hottest new shows hitting Victoria stages this summer.
The annual SKAMpede festival returns to the Galloping Goose trail July 11-13 with ten exciting short shows. Join us on April 30th at 5 PM at Studio 846,
846 Broughton St. for the full lineup announcement.
Introducing Eco Hour, a community-focused ecogathering with rotating activities and topics, meeting the last Wednesday of every month at 6 PM at Studio 846, hosted in collaboration with local business, The Sustainable Fox.
What is waste to you, and how do you feel about seeing it onstage? Join us in creating an interactive theatrical experience exploring waste, sustainability, and eco-conscious community. Created by Logan Swain and Sadie Fox (The Sustainable Fox), A Waste of Stage Time premieres at the 2025 Victoria Fringe Festival this August.
Coming to the SKAM Satellite Studio this June, The Strange Hour is a curated monthly variety show highlighting local talent across various genres. Join us at 849 Fort Street at 10:30 AM on Sundays, June 22, July 27, and August 17, for this exciting new collaboration with Spec Theatre and Keith Sonic.
For more information on all things SKAM, visit our website at skam.ca
Pacific Opera Victoria presents
Rigoletto
A tragic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge
Rigoletto is a gripping opera that delves into the depths of human emotion, showcasing the tragic tale of Rigoletto, a court jester consumed by vengeance. The opera follows Rigoletto’s tumultuous journey as he navigates the intricate webs of power, deceit, and desire. With its iconic characters, including the manipulative Duke of Mantua and the innocent Gilda, Verdi’s masterpiece weaves a narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption.
As Rigoletto seeks retribution for the dishonour inflicted upon his daughter, the opera unfolds with breathtaking intensity, propelled by Verdi’s soaring melodies and iconic characters. From the exhilarating grandeur of the Duke’s court to the heart-wrenching tragedy of Rigoletto’s downfall,
each moment resonates with raw emotion and visceral drama.
As the plot twists and turns towards its devastating climax, audiences are drawn into a world of passion, intrigue, and ultimately, catharsis. With its timeless themes and unforgettable music, Rigoletto remains a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling and powerful resonance.
See Pacific Opera Victoria's production of Rigoletto at the Royal Theatre April 23-29, 2025.
To book your tickets, visit pacificopera.ca or call 250.385.0222
Tommy Emmanuel
Atommy emmanuel cgp
nytime you talk to any of Tommy Emmanuel's fans, whether musicians or civilians, invariably they will speak of not one but two qualities that define his greatness. The first, predictably, is his extraordinary guitar playing. Considered by those in the know to be among this planet's greatest guitarists, his playing is simply miraculous, as it would take three musicians, or more, to do what Tommy does solo. Who else, for example, when playing "Day Tripper," can lay down the rhythm part, dig into the riff and sing the melody all at once on just one acoustic guitar? Which brings us to the other aspect of his music always mentioned, and without which the first might not be as powerful or as infectiously appealing: the joy. Yes, joy. Because it's one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that
evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistible invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does. "The joy", he says, is there always because I'm chasing it through music. Seeing the surprise in peoples' eyes is worth living and working for... I can't help but play to the people with all my heart, which is overflowing with joy of being in that moment that I've worked all my life for. And here it is!"
The inspiration for Tommy was his hero, Chet Atkins. Eventually Tommy met Chet who welcomed him into guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an honour awarded only to four other humans ever. From sold out shows all over the world to multiple Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, IBMA Awards, and countless “Best Acoustic Guitarist” wins in numerous music magazine readers polls…. the world is taking notice.
Ode to Joy: Beethoven Symphony No. 9
Sat. May 3, 2025 at UVic
Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and the 90th anniversary of the Victoria Choral Society on Saturday May 3rd, 7:30 PM. We will be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy”, conducted by Yariv Aloni at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.
Order tickets online at the UVic Ticket Centre: tickets. uvic.ca (250-721-8480), which is also linked through our website: victoriachamberorchestra.org.
Total price for all seats, including fees: $38.75.
The chorus in Beethoven’s choral symphony is the 150-voice Victoria Philharmonic Choir, prepared by Music Director Brian Wismath.
The outstanding vocal soloists all live in Victoria and perform internationally: Anne Grimm (soprano), Jennifer Lang (mezzosoprano), Benjamin Butterfield (tenor), and Nathan McDonald (baritone).
Music Director Yariv Aloni has led the Victoria Chamber Orchestra for our entire 30 years. The secret of our conductor’s popularity is that he helps the musicians to achieve more with their instruments and experience the group dynamics of playing great works. With Yariv Aloni, every concert is exhilarating for us. Aloni is also an inspiring and supportive fellow string player who has performed on viola in orchestral and chamber concerts in Israel, Europe, and all over Canada.
Our not-for-profit community orchestra is blessed by talented wind, brass and percussion players who donate their services, as do all the adult string players. We offer honoraria to youthful players as they establish their careers.
On May 3rd, experience the power of the human spirit and, in the poet Schiller’s words, “join in our chorus of jubilation!” Contact: 250-598-1966 victoriachamberorchestra@ gmail.com
BrianWismath ,Music Director
Victoria Operatic Society
Victoria on Stage Musical Theatre Society is thrilled to celebrate our 80th Season! Performing since 1945, we welcome you to join us at the McPherson Playhouse in Downtown Victoria to celebrate this milestone year with outstanding local talent.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (MAY 2-11, 2025)
Kicking off the season, Legally Blonde The Musical is a highenergy, feel-good production with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach. Based on the adored movie, the story follows Elle Woods, a determined and charismatic young woman who seems to have it all—until her boyfriend, Warner, leaves her to attend Harvard Law. Determined to win him back, Elle charms her way into Harvard, only to discover her own strength and ambition. Filled with catchy songs, dynamic dances, and an empowering message, this show is an unforgettable theatrical experience. It’s so fun it should be illegal!
IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS (NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 8, 2025)
Next, we present the heartwarming holiday classic, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
This timeless musical follows WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a song-and-dance duo who reunite with the talented Haynes sisters at a rural inn. When they discover their former commander owns the struggling inn, they plan a spectacular holiday show to save it. Featuring classics like "Blue Skies," "I Love a Piano," and "White Christmas," this production is sure to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (MAY 1-10, 2026) CLOSING OUR SEASON,
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. This vibrant musical follows the story of Joseph, whose colourful coat and prophetic dreams lead him on an extraordinary adventure. Filled with a dazzling mix of musical styles—including country, calypso, and rock 'n' roll—and beloved hits like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door," this production is a celebration of hope and storytelling.
Celebrate 80 years of musical magic with Victoria on Stage Musical Theatre Society! Join us for an unforgettable season of song and dance at the McPherson Playhouse.
Victoria on Stage Musical Theatre's 2024 production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Pictured: Cast Ensemble
Victoria on Stage Musical Theatre's 2025 production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Pictured: Katie Van Bergeyk
Modolive Arts & Entertainment Inc
Tony Ann is a virtuoso solo pianist who seamlessly blends contemporary and classical styles. As a harmony connoisseur, Tony pushes the limits of neoclassical and popular music, crafting emotionally rich compositions using the full range of the piano’s 88 keys. This fall, Tony Ann brings his world tour to The Farquhar Auditorium at UVic on Friday September 5th for an all ages concert.
As a self-proclaimed harmony connoisseur, Ann is always thinking of ways to not only push the boundaries of neoclassical and instrumental music but also
popular music. While Tony may be limited to music without words he successfully uses all piano keys to his advantage with original compositions steeped in emotion, technique and range.
With over 100 million views and more than 6 million followers on social media, Tony has introduced younger generations to neoclassical music through his “#playthatword” series. In partnership with Decca Records France (Universal Music Group), he released a trilogy of EPs—EMOTIONALLY BLUE, ORANGE, and RED—exploring diverse human emotions.
Tony continues to release new music monthly, with his latest album 360° themed around horoscopes, captivating audiences with his innovative and emotionally resonant performances. Each of the 12 songs on this album functions as a meditation on a different horoscope, encompassing 12 keys at different meters and tempos.
Away from his solo work, Tony loves collaboration in which he has released tracks with artists like Don Diablo, Wrabel, and L.Dre, showing his musical elasticity and willingness to immerse himself into different
genres such as EDM, Lofi and Pop. He co-wrote the platinum US singles "Sick Boy" and "Call You Mine" with The Chainsmokers, and toured with them on the “Memories: Do Not Open” North American arena tour, performing on SNL and Good Morning America.
Tony's world tour has seen sold-out shows in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur, connecting with fans worldwide. Tony continues his international tour into 2025. Tickets are on-sale now for his Victoria concert this September at tickets.uvic.ca
Victoria’s 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival
Is back with its most SUBLIME lineup yet!
As Canada’s longest-running festival of its kind, this family-friendly destination event brings together acts you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
Running from Wednesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 22, 2025, this year’s festival promises to be more electrifying than ever. Enjoy three days of free shows at Ship Point in Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour, plus ticketed late-night events at the Victoria Curling Club and Wicket Hall. Skank, sway, and mosh your way through an epic lineup of ska, reggae, punk, and hip-hop legends.
Headliners include Canadian punk icons Propagandhi, hip-hop heavyweights The Pharcyde, and Australian beatbox-looping sensation Dub FX.
Jakobs Castle featuring the lead singer of Sublime (Jakob Nowell) and son of the late Brad Nowell, (Sublime’s first lead singer) will deliver original music and heartfelt tributes to his father.
Ska queen Sister Nancy returns to the stage with her iconic track "Bam Bam," while Long Beach Dub Allstars bring their Californian reggae-skapunk fusion to Victoria. Other exciting global acts include Save
Ferris, Mad Professor & Amarra (UK), Marlon Asher (Trinidad & Tobago), Turbulence (Jamaica), Montebong (Mexico), and La Severa Matacera (Colombia).
The festival has the lowest ticket prices you'll find at any major international festival. All shows except the Island Ska/ Punk Showcase at Wicket Hall on June 19th are all-ages and licensed for 19 years with ID. Kids 10 & under are free with an adult. But if you’d like to treat yourself you can purchase VIP Passes which gives you side stage access, gourmet snacks, and a specialized beverage menu along with other perks.
The Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival is a concoction of some of the world’s best artists combined with brilliant visual arts, a kids area; workshops, delicious international cuisine and tasty beverages. The warm feeling you get when you arrive is better experienced than described on paper.
It’s no wonder the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival continues to bring a world class destination festival to our doorstep for 26 years and counting.
For full details and the complete lineup, visit victoriaskafest.ca
Professor Alice Roberts
On the heels of her sold-out Australian tour, acclaimed anthropologist, academic, author and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts brings her compelling live show across Canada, including Vancouver on May 10th at the Centre and Victoria on May 12th at the Royal Theatre. Author of Sunday Times bestseller, Crypt, and Forbes Magazine’s Book of the Year: Incredible Unlikeliness of Being, The London Standard proclaims, “Roberts is a brilliant guide to the cutting edge fusion of Archeology and Genetics”.
In this dramatic show, for all ages and minds, Prof. Roberts promises to unveil the mystery of life itself. Biology and archaeology collide in this visually stunning and state-of-the art show, tracing the evolutionary history of humans, all the way
to the emergence of the first civilizations.
“I’m delighted to be bringing my new show to Canada - blending theatre with science to tell the story of us,” says Prof. Alice Roberts. “From the origin of life on earth to the evolution of our own species, and the flowering of culture, I bring biology and history together in this dramatic journey into the past. I was last in Canada in 2008, tracing the story of the origins of humankind for my BBC series The Incredible Human Journey - and it’s great to be coming back!”
The evening begins nearly 4 billion years ago, with the first spark of life, as Roberts tracks the evolution and connectivity of all living things. She follows evolution’s trail, tracing the footsteps of our ancestors from Africa into Asia, into Europe and Siberia,
and, eventually, to the last continents to be peopled: the Americas.
Prof. Roberts has presented over a hundred TV documentaries on human biology, history, and archaeology. She’s written and presented BBC landmark series such as The Incredible Human Journey. She’s also presented history and archaeology series like Ancient Egypt by Train, Curse of the Ancients, and Royal Autopsy. She’s presented 12 series of BBC Two’s archaeology series, Digging for Britain.
In 2020, she received the coveted Royal Society’s David Attenborough Award for Public Engagement.
PHOTO: GOOD THANKS MEDIA
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Music and Gardens
The Pacific Northwest’s longestrunning Garden Tour is back!
The 43rd annual Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour, hosted by the Victoria Conservatory of Music, is an enchanting way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend. Over two days, explore nine beautifully curated gardens, each bursting with the vibrant colors of spring. As you stroll through these serene spaces, enjoy live performances by talented students and faculty from the Conservatory, bringing a unique harmony of music and nature.
From well-established landscapes to hidden gems, each garden on the tour offers a distinct atmosphere and charm. Whether you are an avid gardener, a music lover, or simply looking for a memorable way to spend time with loved ones, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
Your Support Creates Lasting Impact.
The Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour is more than a feast for the senses—it’s a powerful way to support music education and wellness in our community.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit thousands through the Conservatory’s programs, ensuring that music remains accessible to all.
• Expanding access to music
– Every ticket purchased helps provide lessons, classes, and outreach programs for students of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a child picking up an instrument for the first time
or an adult rediscovering a love for music, the Conservatory nurtures a lifelong passion for learning.
• Supporting music therapy –
The Centre for Music Therapy and Wellness—Canada’s largest not-for-profit music therapy practice—relies on funding from events like this to offer lifechanging programs that have profound effects on health and well-being.
• Fostering the next generation of musicians –The Conservatory has been shaping young artists for over 60 years, providing mentorship, performance opportunities, and world-class training that prepares them for careers in music.
For more than four decades, the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour has been a cherished Victoria tradition, blending beauty, music, and community impact.
Join us in celebrating the power of music and gardens this Mother’s Day.
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic Announces Canada Shows For 2025
National Canada Tour, April to September, Tickets on Sale Now
Following the huge success of its 2024 national tour, Australian tribute sensation Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic is returning to Canada this year including a ‘one night only’ stop at Victoria’s own Royal Theatre on Wednesday May 28th.
The Canada tour kicks off a busy year for the in-demand stage show which is also slated to visit Australia, New Zealand and Asia before Christmas with over 100 performances on the 2025 calendar.
Classically trained South African singer and pianist Warren Vernon-Driscoll will show-off all
his impressive musical skill when he reprises his role as ‘Freddie Mercury’, performing what he calls “some of the hardest vocals to master,” live on stage and in Freddie’s original key.
“He’s an icon for a reason,” says Vernon-Driscoll. “His talent was immense, but he also had great charm and uniqueness, that’s what made him such a great star.”
The show, which producers Showtime Australia tout as the biggest Queen tribute in the world, brings a full international cast, crew and production including custom-made lighting, LED walls and numerous outlandish costumes
SHOWTIME AUSTRALIA
Showtime Australia is part of the Showtime Australia Group of international companies specializing in the production, promotion and touring of world-class tribute shows. With more than 10,000 performances on the books and ten marquee shows currently touring the globe – including Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, The Greatest Love of All starring Belinda Davids and TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift - Showtime is the premier name in tribute entertainment.
to ensure a true Rock concert experience. Fittingly, the setlist promises a night full of non-stop rock anthems, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, Another One Bites the Dust and more.
Royal Theatre, Victoria Wednesday May 28th 2025, Tickets from rmts.bc.ca
The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is jumping straight into spring with a line up of upcoming concerts, theatre performances, dance and much more! Kicking off on April 10th & 11th, Queen Margaret’s School’s Mamma Mia! features the classic music of ABBA, and the Cowichan Symphony Society welcomes the Victoria Symphony on April 12th for an evening with soloist and director, Angela Hewitt – a performance sold out at Victoria venues! On April 25th, Warmland Dance showcases an encore performance of Unfolding: Humanity in Motion , a modern dance spectacle which garnered audience praise during its premiere at the CPAC in January. The group is now reprising the moving performance in a short South Island tour.
Fan-favourite and Canadian rock classic, The Stampeders, are back in the Cowichan Valley on May 2nd with their hits of the 70s: Wild Eyes, Carry Me, Sweet City Woman and so much more! On May 3rd, the CPAC offers a 19+ presentation of The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue! Armed with a sassy-silliness, and a g-force of glitter, these girls pack a
sparkly punch that will make your heart happy and leave you loving the skin you’re in!
Keeping the Canadian music front and centre – the CPAC also welcomes alternative country music artist, Kyle McKearney on May 4th. 2023 Canadian Country Music Award and Canadian Folk Music Award winner, McKearney and his lively band performs new music from his highly anticipated 2025 album “To The River,” which releases on April 25th. On May 15th, renowned mythologist and storyteller, Martin Shaw hosts an intimate evening of sacred stories, depth and humor. Fans of movie musicals will enjoy Sound The Alarm’s (Music of The Night Concert Tour) our newest concert production on May 20th celebrating Hollywood’s legendary songs from Disney, The Sound of Music, Grease, Moulin Roug e and more!
With film screenings, music, theatre and more – there is something for everyone this spring at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. The full event list can be found at cowichanpac.ca and tickets can be purchased online or at 250-746-2722
Capriccio Vocal Ensemble presents
Celebrating the Choral Music of BIPOC Women Composers
2:30PM, MAY 10, 2025
This Mother’s Day weekend, join us for a kaleidoscopic journey of sound and emotion as Capriccio Vocal Ensemble presents a dazzling celebration of choral music by BIPOC women composers. This extraordinary concert shines a brilliant spotlight on the powerful and diverse voices of trail-blazing female artists, bringing their rich and varied musical traditions to life
in breathtaking harmony. With every note, the ensemble will weave a tapestry of sound that honours the creativity, resilience, and genius of women composers from around the globe. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon that celebrates not only the beauty of music, but also the vibrant spirit of motherhood, culture, and exceptional artistic expression.
The Canadian Heritage Arts Society and the Canadian College of Performing Arts are pleased to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
Cinderella
Bringing to the stage a new version of a classic tale is a unique opportunity to remind us of the magic of fairytales with a strong moral at the heart, but to update that to include more contemporary considerations. Still an enchanting and entertaining magical experience, this 2013 Broadway version of Cinderella is refreshingly quirky, with an irreverent twist. With a new book by Douglas Carter Beane, this adaptation along with the timeless music of the great Rodgers and Hammerstein, the production will highlight the themes of transformation. Director and choreographer, Naomi Costain, says “within us all is a kernel of belief that we have value and deserve love. This theme shows up throughout the show as Ella grows to believe in herself. What better message to leave with, than the power of our own self worth?” This theme is reflected in the storylines of Topher, our Prince and in a more
sympathetic stepsister than we are accustomed to meeting as well. There is also a great power in dreaming of something different. Managing Director Erin Gavaghan sees this resonated in the character of Jean-Michel seeking social justice and in Ella’s imagination of adventures from her own little corner – a tune that leaves you humming and dreaming your own wild maybes.
Performed by the talented students of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, accompanied by an orchestra assembled by Music Director Jeff Poynter for the production, this is a musical spectacle that will enchant all ages.
Opening on Friday April 18, with 8 performances until Saturday April 26, 2025 at the McPherson Playhouse, Victoria BC. Come and fall in love with an all new Cinderella, one who doesn’t lose that glass slipper!
Get your tickets today, through rmts.bc.ca
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sooke Fine Arts Show
Discover West Coast art at its finest during the 2025 Sooke Fine Arts Show, running July 26 through August 4 at the SEAPARC Recreation Centre in Sooke. Over 375 original and diverse works of art will be on display in a stunning 16,000-square-foot gallery, converted from the local ice arena.
Now in its 39th year, the Sooke Fine Arts Show is the premier 10day community arts event, proudly holding the title of the largest juried art show on Vancouver Island. It remains one of the most prestigious and longest-running juried exhibitions in the province, attracting art lovers, collectors, visitors and locals to this renowned community event.
The show celebrates the rich artistic talent from artists living on BC’s Coastal Islands, featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, fibre art, glasswork, ceramics, and handformed jewelry. Throughout the show, visitors can enjoy live music, observe artist demonstrations and lectures, buy unique handmade gifts at the onsite gift shop, and engage in interactive activities for all ages. From a refined afternoon of tea and scones for seniors, to a day of artistic exploration for families, or a m-ART-ket night with
extended evening hours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Behind the scenes, the show is brought to life by a team of over 350 volunteers. From setup to design to the smiling faces that
greet you at the door, their passion and dedication helps to foster the legacy of community spirit that founded the Sooke Fine Arts Show in 1986.
The show kicks off on July 25 with an exciting Purchasers’ Preview Night, where keen collectors gather to get a first look & chance to buy the artworks as they peruse the gallery enjoying drinks & hors d'oeuvres. Tickets
go on sale in May, and always sell out for this exclusive event.
Whether you're an artist submitting work, a volunteer eager to contribute, a buyer searching for a unique piece, or an art enthusiast seeking inspiration, the Sooke Fine Arts Show welcomes you to be part of the experience.
For more information visit sookefinearts.com
It’s time to start dreaming of June and the arrival of Eine Kleine Summer Music! Our 2025 season begins (June 1/2) with our resident artists, the Muse Ensemble, and guests. Featured works include Ernest Chausson’s stunning Concert for Piano, Violin, and String Quartet, Op. 21 and Joachin Turina’s Piano Quartet in A minor.
Eine Kleine Summer Music
• June 8/9 will bring performances by one of the top ensembles in the world: the Calidore String Quartet. Renowned for their “deep reserves of virtuosity and irrepressible dramatic instinct” (New York Times), their programme includes Beethoven’s String Quartets Op 131 and Op 135, as well as a shorter work, Strum, by Jesse Montgomery.
• June 15/16 will mark the EKSM debut of the Galvin Cello Quartet - yes, that’s four cellos. This award-winning group will play a concert called ‘Voice of the Cello’, including works by Paganini, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Debussy and more.
• EKSM’s season wraps up (June 22/23) with a young dynamo of the violin. Joshua Brown has recently won top prizes in several of the world’s most prestigious violin competitions. His programme includes J.S. Bach’s Sonata No 3 in C Major for Solo Violin, Ravel’s Sonata no. 2 in G Major for violin and piano, and (with members of Muse Ensemble) the sublime F minor piano quintet of César Franck.
First Unitarian Church of Victoria , 5575 West Saanich Road Sundays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 2:30pm
Deep Cove Winery, 11195 Chalet Road, North Saanich Mondays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 7:00pm
Tickets may be ordered by: Email: eksmticket@gmail.com Online: www.eksm.ca/tickets/ Phone: (250) 382-7717
In person: Evergreen Business Services, 550 – 2950 Douglas St
Mail: an order form may be found on our website: www.eksm.ca Tickets are available April 22nd through Eventbrite or our box office partners.
EKSM concerts are frequently sold out; please order tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Galvin Cello Quartet
Calidore String Quartet
Intrepid Theatre Company Society
Next up is the biggest show Intrepid Theatre has ever presented in its nearly 40 year history, Urban Ink’s Children of God, written and directed by Corey Payette. A gorgeous, powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario, this show has been called “must see theatre for all Canadians” and it plays just two nights, April 1 & 2 at The McPherson Playhouse.
The biggest theatre event on Vancouver Island, the Victoria Fringe Festival returns for its 39th year August 21 - 31. With shows from around the globe and our own backyard, there is comedy, storytelling, music & movement at venues across the city, plus the everpopular free event for the youngest Fringers, FringeKids, and a kick-off event in Market Square where you can watch 2 minute teasers from every show in the festival.
Kick off Pride month with our celebration of the art of drag, May 29 - June 1 with shows, workshops and a raucous cabaret - the Diva Cabaret, where local leaders and arts aficionados get transformed into queens or kings for the first time and hit the stage in full glam.
This fall, our festival of new theatre, Incoming Festival, running November 19 - 29, features BC premieres and world premieres from fan favourite touring companies and brand new artists that are destined to become audience favourites. Catch the next hot show that is going to be the talk of festivals across the country at Incoming.
With upwards of 40 curated shows per year, and more than 250 artists that are part of our festivals and year-round series, plus the Victoria Fringe Festival, Intrepid Theatre brings remarkable and thrilling work to the stage, join us this season!
Bold theatre, fearless artists and innovative experiences lie ahead at Intrepid Theatre this year.
