Nikki Chooi's debut performance on the $4.3M violin with the Victoria Symphony

Victoria, BC ��� On October 19 at the Royal Theatre, Nikki Chooi, winner of the use of a 1729 Guarneri del Ges��, debuts the historic instrument with the Victoria Symphony. This concert, Dvo��k Symphony no. 8, conducted by Alain Trudel, features Nikki Chooi performing Saint-Sa��ns' violin concerto.

The Victoria Symphony's Dvo��k Symphony no. 8 concert will be the first time Nikki Chooi will play the "Ex-Heath" Guarneri del Ges�� of 1729 in public, since being declared on of the winners of the Canada Council's Musical Instrument Bank competition on September 23, 2009. He will be performing Camille Saint-Sa��ns' (1835-1921) Concerto no. 3 in B Minor for Violin and Orchestra, op. 61. The Concerto no. 3 is one of Saint-Sa��ns' great works that has survived from its composition in 1880 to the present day.

This concert also marks the debut of Alain Trudel as Principal Guest Conductor of the Victoria Symphony and the performance of his piece Rhea. Rhea, named after one of the most respected divinities in the Greek mythology, is commissioned by and dedicated to Andrea Alexander, whose was the inspiration behind this work.

Finishing the repertoire is the concert title piece, Dvorak Symphony no. 8. Surprised by his own force of inspiration, Dvorak wrote Symphony no. 8 in G major in the summer and autumn of 1889. His work achieved golden opinions worldwide on the basis of their sense of unity and sheer melodic charm.

Alain Trudel, Principal Guest Conductor of the Victoria Symphony, is also the Music Director of l'Orchestra Symphonique de Laval and was the Artistic Advisor to the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra in 2008-09. Trudel made his conducting debut in Russia with the St.Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and conducted the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 2009.

Nikki Chooi born in 1989 in Victoria, British Columbia, Nikki Chooi, is enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music, studying with renowned violinists Joseph Silverstein and Ida Kavafian. His previous teachers include Bill van der Sloot at the Mount Royal Conservatory, and Sydney Humphreys at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He is a recent recipient of the Sylva Gelber Foundation Award of the Canada Council of the Arts. (Full bio of Nikki Chooi attached.)

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island's largest and most active arts organization performing for more than 125,000 people each year, including 10,000 schoolchildren. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists, the Victoria Symphony's 2009-2010 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

The Victoria Symphony wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Series Sponsor Butler Brothers.

Dvo��k Symphony no. 8
October 19, 2009 at 8pm, Royal Theatre
250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121
$12, $29.50, $39.50, $48.50
www.victoriasymphony.ca

Victoria Symphony announces 2009-2010 season

Grammy-award winner James Ehnes headlines Victoria Symphony's 09/10 season!

Victoria, BC ��� On Friday, March 27, Music Director Tania Miller unveiled the Victoria Symphony���s new season of concerts for 2009/10. Highlights include performances by acclaimed violinist James Ehnes and jazz vocalist Michael Kaeshammer and of masterworks such as Holst���s The Planets, Bach���s Magnificat and Rachmaninoff���s Piano Concerto no. 3.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 Victoria Symphony supporters, media and members of the arts community at the Royal Theatre, Maestra Miller, Conductor in Residence Giuseppe Pietraroia, trombonist Marcus Hissen and Concertmaster Terence Tam, presented personal highlights for the season.

The biggest announcement of the evening was that the Grammy-award winning violinist James Ehnes would appear with the Victoria Symphony in December and perform Beethoven���s powerful Violin Concerto.

The return of the Canadian College of Performing Arts and the Victoria debut of renowned pops specialists Five By Design in the Beltone Pops series was met with much excitement. In addition, the orchestral debut performance of jazz pianist and vocalist Michael Kaeshammer with the Victoria Symphony is set to be one much anticipated concert in the season, as well as Charlie Chaplin���s silent film City Lights which will be screened with orchestral accompaniment.

Maestra Tania Miller comments, ���We are very proud of the series we���ve assembled this year and we will continue to connect and engage our audience. Many of our series show great strength in the music and the special guests we have this season. I���m very excited that artists such as James Ehnes, Five By Design and the students of the CCPA will be joining us, as well as again working with homegrown talent such as the Victoria Choral Society and Nikki Chooi.���

This season launch marks the Victoria Symphony���s 69^th year and Tania Miller���s 7^th year as Music Director. Conductors Alain Trudel, Giuseppe Pietraroia and Brian Jackson join Maestra Miller as the Victoria Symphony���s artistic leaders.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization. It is committed to producing high quality live music, fostering new music and encouraging community involvement through music education. The 2009/10 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led Tania Miller, its vibrant Music Director.

Christmas with Holly Cole and the Victoria Symphony

Holly Cole ends her Canadian holiday tour in Victoria

Victoria, BC ��� On December 20, Juno award-winning Holly Cole, completes her Canadian holiday tour in Victoria with a performance with the Victoria Symphony. Conducted by Giuseppe Pietraroia, this Christmas special features Cole���s signature style on such Christmas favourites as Santa Baby, Christmas Is and I���ll be home for Christmas. There will be only one performance at the Royal Theatre, December 20 at 8:00pm.

There is intelligence and sophistication to Holly Cole���s singing that sets her apart. Cole���s singing has all the things associated with great jazz soloists and instrumentalists. Her voice is ���smoky, though not quite sultry; as sly as it is sexy; and brimming with adventure bordering on recklessness.���
The Wall Street Journal.

View Holly Cole singing ���Baby it���s cold outside��� on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UPfAM4SjcU

If there is anything that remains consistent from album to album with Cole���who has sold over a million units worldwide���it has been her desire to explore the entire spectrum of human emotions. She imbues well-worn standards and eclectic songs with an uncanny combination of sensuality, innocence, originality and sheer musicality. Cole has just returned from a tour of Germany and this is her first visit back to Victoria since she won Vocal Jazz Album of the year at this year���s Junos.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Holly Cole performs with Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia and the Victoria Symphony at the

Royal Theatre on Saturday December 20 at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $35.00 and can be purchased by calling 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.victoriasymphony.ca.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

Nielsen's "The Inextinguishable" and Elgar's Cello Concerto both performed in one incredible Victoria Symphony concert

Raging timpani battle highlights Nielsen Symphony No. 4, ���The Inextinguishable���

Victoria, BC ��� On December 7 and 8, Maestra Tania Miller conducts the Victoria Symphony���s premiere performance of Carl Nielsen���s Symphony no.4, ���The Inextinguishable���. Solo performances on timpani create a dramatic and grand finale to this acclaimed work. Canadian cellist John Friesen is the featured guest soloist performing Elgar���s beautifulCello Concerto.

Nielsen Symphony no. 4 begins with a violent and expansive principal theme that links the entire work together. The title ���The Inextinguishable��� reflects Nielsen���s personal motto: ���Music is life, and, like life, inextinguishable.��� The second movement opens passionately with a long line in the violins and climaxes to an oboe solo by Principal Oboe Mike Byrne. The highlight of the final movement is the timpani solos that pit mentor against student; Principal Timpani Bill Linwood and his student Corey Rae. View the finale movement as performed by the BBC Orchestra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VFn2Pt3m8Q

Canadian cellist John Friesen known for his exciting and passionate playing ability performs Edward Elgar���s Cello Concerto in E minor. His four solo recordings, and his latest disc, Ascendance have been met with critical acclaim for their beauty of tone and depth of expression. Music from his recordings appears in Oscar winning actor, Sir Ben Kingsley���s, latest movie Fifty Dead Men Walking scheduled for release in 2009.

Elgar���s Cello Concerto in E minor is a cornerstone of the cello repertoire and is also said to be Elgar���s last great success. The cello opens the work with a darkly dramatic theme, recurrent as the emotional force, binding the concerto together. Opposing minor and major key signatures creates a tonal instability in sharp contrast with the lyrical melodies heard both in the orchestra and the solo cello. Yo-Yo Ma can be viewed on youtube playing the concerto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM9DPfp7-Ck

The 2008-2009 season marks Tania Miller���s sixth as music director of the Victoria Symphony, an appointment that made her the first woman to hold such a significant position in Canada. Her vibrancy and dynamic approach to music making have inspired many innovations with the Victoria Symphony and a new era of artistic growth for
the orchestra.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director
Tania Miller.

The Victoria Symphony led by Maestra Tania Miller performs ���The Inextinguishable��� and Elgar���s Cello Concerto featuring soloist John Friesen on Sunday, December 7 at 2:30pm and Monday, December 8 at 8:00pm at the Royal Theatre. Tickets from $28.50 for adults, $16.00 for students can be purchased by calling 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.victoriasymphony.ca.

The Victoria Symphony wishes to thank and acknowledge concert sponsor
The Wedgewood Hotel based in Vancouver, BC.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

The Victoria Symphony presents Viva el Flamenco! November 6,7 & 8

An unprecedented performance takes place when Halifax based El Viento Flamenco

makes its Westcoast debut with over 50 musicians from the Victoria Symphony!

Victoria, BC ��� On November 6, 7 and 8, the Halifax based El Viento Flamenco makes their first symphony appearance west of Quebec. In a performance with the Victoria Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Brian Jackson, they bring their award winning and unique style of flamenco to the Royal Theatre in a passionate performance of song, dance and music titled Viva El Flamenco!

El Viento Flamenco brings its own, very distinct voice to the art of Flamenco. With a singer and guitarist who hail from rock and roll, a percussionist who is involved in everything from Newfoundland folk to African drumming and Punk rock, and dancers who have lived all over the world, the group stands subtly but resolutely outside of flamenco tradition. Having performed to rave reviews with Symphony Nova Scotia and Orchestre symphonique de Qu��bec, the Victoria Symphony is bring El Viento Flamenco to Victoria.

Dancer Evelyne Benais first encountered flamenco in 1993 at the Don Quixote, a flamenco tavern in Toronto, where she would later start her career under the direction of Carmen Romero. She then moved to Newfoundland where she convinced St. John's rock guitarist Bob Sutherby to plunge into the genre, and in 1996, El Viento Flamenco was born on the wind-swept shores of the Avalon Peninsula. The entire troupe, including singer Sean Harris and percussionist Tony Tucker, moved to Halifax in 2001, where they added dancers/singers Maral Perk and Megan Matheson. They have all pursued flamenco with a passion --traveling repeatedly to Seville to study with masters and steeping themselves in this rich cultural tradition.

In the last five years El Viento Flamenco has toured extensively throughout Atlantic Canada, including all the Atlantic Presenters and Arts and Culture Centres. They have performed at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa; made several regional and national appearances on CBC radio and television as well at Government House for the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. They have had their music arranged for orchestra for two concerts with Symphony Nova Scotia, and they have been featured in a half-hour documentary on Bravo Television.

Following a performance with Orchestre symphonique de Qu��bec who reengaged El Viento Flamenco a second time after receiving audience accolades and rave reviews, Richard Boisvert for Le Soleil wrote:

"Carried by a somehow severe grace that is softened by stunning curves, Evelyne Benais, founder of the ensemble with guitarist Bob Sutherby, has developed a technique of dance that is absolutely astounding. Given the precision and quality of the sound of her feet, one can literally speak of music. Some of the pieces accompanied by the Orchestre symphonique de Qu��bec were like veritable concertos for heels and points.���

Flamenco is the traditional music and dance of the Roma gypsies of Southern Spain. It has developed over the last 250 years, with influences from various cultures, including Latin American and the Middle-East. Today, the vast spectrum of Flamenco styles is kept alive and vibrant in Spain as well as by artists of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds around the world.

Maestro Brian Jackson is the Principal Pops conductor of the Victoria Symphony, the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and Orchestra London Canada. At the age of 25 Jackson was the youngest Music Director in Canada (Peterborough Symphony) and since that time he has conducted all the major Canadian orchestras. He has also led orchestras in the UK, Europe, the United States and South America. Jackson has performed all major symphony and choral literature as well as being recognized as a champion of Canadian composers.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Viva El Flamenco! featuring El Viento Flamenco, Maestro Brian Jackson and the Victoria Symphony takes place at the Royal Theatre on Thursday, November 6 at 2:00pm and again on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 at 8:00pm. Come early on Friday November 7^th and join in on a Flamenco dance lesson with members of Alma de Espana dance studio beginning at 7:15pm. Tickets from $26.50 to $68.50. Students save 50%. Call 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.victoriasymphony.ca

The Victoria Symphony wishes to acknowledge the generous support of Beltone Better Hearing Centre for these performances.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

Pacific Opera Victoria presents Tha��s

THA��S
Sensuality, spirituality and a fatal attraction
OCTOBER 16, 18, 21, 23 AND 25, 2008

Pacific Opera Victoria presents Jules Massenet's THA��S October 16, 18,
21, 23 and 25, 2008 at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street in
Victoria. Performed in French with English surtitles. Running time is
approximately three hours with two intermissions. All performances
begin at 8pm. Priced between $25 and $110, tickets are available from
the Royal and McPherson Box Office at (250) 386-6121, or on-line at
www.rmts.bc.ca.

Student RUSH tickets for those presenting valid student identification
are available at the door of the theatre, 45 minutes prior to each
performance, subject to availability. RUSH tickets are $15, inclusive
of all box office charges.

Jules Massenet is arguably the best of the romantic French opera
composers, penning rich and glorious scores that are immediately
familiar. After Manon and Werther, THA��S is one of Massenet's most
performed operas, considered by many to be a jewel from the golden age
of French Grand Opera. THA��S is now enjoying a new place at the top of
the repertoire with high profile productions at Covent Garden, Lyric
Opera of Chicago and The Met. Pacific Opera Victoria joins this
illustrious company with its own production of THA��S October 16, 18,
21, 23 and 25 at The Royal Theatre in Victoria.

Based on a novel by Anatole France, THA��S (pronounced tah-EES),
contrasts the devout with the decadent and illuminates the search for
meaning, love and everlasting life. The courtesan Tha��s lives a life of
luxury and eroticism, until she is confronted by Athana��l, a monk
obsessed with saving her soul. Tha��s eventually repents, choosing
spiritual love and everlasting life, but Athana��l discovers too late
that his feelings for her are sensual rather than spiritual. Through
Massenet's voluptuous music, his compelling characters and the tragic
inevitability of the story, he compassionately but relentlessly lays
bare the bond between religious and erotic passion.

Award-winning Maestro Timothy Vernon conducts this company premiere and
the renowned director-designer team of Renaud Doucet and Andr�� Barbe
(POV's The Tempest) return to re-create the sumptuous production of
THA��S which they devised for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and l'Op��ra de
Montr��al. POV is building Mr. Barbe's stunning sets on a scale to fit
Victoria's intimate Royal Theatre - and introducing a brilliant cast of
singers who will be performing their roles in this opera for the first
time.

Monica Whicher, (POV's The Rape of Lucretia) returns to lend her pure
voice and lustrous tone to the role of Tha��s. Aaron St. Clair
Nicholson (POV'S Carmen), returns to POV after his recent Met debut to
portray the doomed monk Athana��l. They are joined by Chad Louwerse
(POV's Madama Butterfly) as Palemon, Luc Robert (POV's Rigoletto) as
Nicias, and Rebecca Hass, (POV's Daphne) as Albine. Julie Daoust,
Mireille Lebel and Charlene Santoni make their company and role debuts
as Crobyle, Myrtale and La Charmeuse.

Performed in French with English surtitles, Pacific Opera Victoria's
production of THA��S runs October 16, 18, 21, 23 and 25, 2008 at the
Royal Theatre in Victoria. All performances begin at 8pm. Priced
between $25 and $110, tickets are available from the Royal and McPherson
Box Office at (250) 386-6121 or www.rmts.bc.ca.

Student RUSH tickets for those presenting valid student identification
are available at the door of the theatre, 45 minutes prior to each
performance, subject to availability. RUSH tickets are $15, inclusive
of all box office charges.

For more information, please contact Pacific Opera Victoria at (250)
385-0222 or visit www.pov.bc.ca.

Angela Cheng with the Victoria Symphony

One of Canada's brightest stars, pianist Angela Cheng opens the 2008/2009 Victoria Symphony Legacy Series

Victoria, BC ��� On September 29, Canada's own Angela Cheng will open the Victoria Symphony's innovative and inspiring Legacy Series. Conducted by Tania Miller, Ms Cheng will perform Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1. Pieces also on the program are Dvo��k Symphony No.6 and Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla composed by Glinka. There will be only one performance at the Royal Theatre, September 29 at 8:00pm.

Consistently cited for her brilliant technique, tonal beauty and superb musicianship, Angela Cheng is one of Canada's brightest stars. She has appeared as a soloist with virtually every orchestra in Canada as well as many across the United States. Ms Cheng has received rave reviews from major newspapers and media across the country: "�Ķmore important is the musical evidence that [Cheng] is now speaking not with the voice of generic virtuosity and conventional received wisdom, but with her own voice, about individual works in which she is passionately and artistically involved...It was enthralling." The Globe and Mail.

Cheng will be performing Brahms' Piano Concerto no.1, a piece that overflows with vibrancy and colour. The second movement features beautiful passages highlighting the oboes and clarinets and the last movement is brought home with heroic themes and spectacular flourishes.

The Legacy Series presents performances of past and present legacies, honouring musical works that have endured the test of time and also introducing future classics. In 2008/2009 glorious symphonies such as Mendelssohn's Symphony no. 1 and Schubert's Symphony

no. 9 "The Great" will be performed as well as the world premiere of Estacio's Symphony no. 2. Concertmaster Terence Tam makes his solo debut with the orchestra and three extraordinary pianists, Angela Cheng, Anton Kuerti and Katherine Chi will make guest appearances. The finale of the Legacy Series is an impressive performance of Carmina Burana led by Music Director Tania Miller.

Angela Cheng appears regularly on recital series throughout the U.S. and Canada and has collaborated with numerous chamber ensembles including the Tak��cs, Colorado and Vogler quartets. Her many festival appearances include Chautauqua, Colorado, Houston, Vancouver and the Festival International de Lanaudi��re in Quebec. This summer Ms Cheng performed with Pinchas Zuckerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra and with Kent Nagano and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Ms Cheng was the 1986 Gold Medal winner at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Masters Competition as well as the first Canadian to win the prestigious Montreal International Piano Competition in 1988. In the same year, the Canada Council awarded Ms Cheng its coveted Career Development Grant. For her outstanding interpretations of Mozart, she received the Medal of Excellence at the Mozarteum in Salzburg in 1991.

The 2008-2009 season marks Tania Miller's sixth as music director of the Victoria Symphony, an appointment that made her the first woman to hold such a significant position in Canada. Her vibrancy and dynamic approach to music making have inspired many innovations with the Victoria Symphony and a new era of artistic growth for the orchestra.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island's largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony's 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

The Victoria Symphony's Legacy 1 concert with Angela Cheng takes place at the Royal Theatre on Monday, September 29 at 8:00pm.

Tickets from $28.50 to $67.50. Student tickets from $16 to $25.50.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.victoriasymphony.ca

Support for this concert provided by Neville and Jill Gibson.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

Lafayette Quartet Performs at Bartok Symposium

LAFAYETTE STRING QUARTET PERFORMS AT INTERNATIONAL BART��K SYMPOSIUM

"Bart��k's String Quartets: Tradition and Legacy"
University of Victoria
September 19 & 20, 2008

Attention string quartet enthusiasts: In these two upcoming concerts, the Lafayette String Quartet is performing two distinctly different programs showing how the music of Bart��k was so strongly influenced by the music of Beethoven and how, in turn, Bart��k's music influenced the next generation of the great Hungarian composers Gy��rgy Kurt��g and Zolt��n Jeney. This will be one of the rare opportunities to hear the diversity of these giants back to back.

These concerts are taking place in conjunction with the international symposium "Bart��k's String Quartets: Tradition and Legacy." All symposium events are free and open to the public.

The Lafayette String Quartet has performed the Beethoven Cycle to critical acclaim across Canada. Their "thought-provoking interpretations" and "technically perfect ensemble" are not to be missed. "Splendid�Ķ powerful and riveting in every way." (New York Times)

Open Rehearsal ��� Lafayette String Quartet with Judit Frigyesi (Bar Ilan University)
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Friday September 19, 1:30-2:30 pm (free event)

Concert #1:
Lafayette String Quartet
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall
Works by Beethoven, Jeney, Bart��k and Kurt��g
Friday September 19, 8:00 pm

Concert #2:
Lafayette String Quartet
University Centre Farquhar Auditorium
Works by Beethoven, Jeney, and Bart��k
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 pm

Concert Tickets:
$23 & $19 for each concert
Box Office: 250.721.8480, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Opera superstar Jane Eaglen opens the Victoria Symphony season

Opera legend Jane Eaglen makes her first appearance in Victoria to open the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season

Victoria, BC ��� On September 14 and 15, opera superstar Jane Eaglen will perform in Victoria with the Victoria Symphony for the very first time. Conducted by Music Director Tania Miller, she will sing arias from three of Wagner���s most well known operas. There will be two performances at the Royal Theatre, September 14 at 2:30pm and September 15 at 8:00pm.

Pre-concert talks will begin 45 minutes before each performance.

Ms. Eaglen has an international reputation and the repertoire chosen for these concerts will highlight her renowned portrayals of Wagner���s heroines. Wagner���s operas are celebrated for their drama, their powerful scores, and their emotion. Ms Eaglen will sing the joyful ���Dich, Teure Halle��� from Tannh��user, aswell as the emotional and tragic ���Liebestod��� aria in which her character, Isolde, sings over the body of her dead lover. Ms Eaglen has performed these roles all over the world to critical acclaim and her visit to Victoria will no doubt have audiences on their feet.

Music Director, Tania Miller is very excited about this first time collaboration,

���It will be an immense thrill to work with the great Wagnerian icon, Jane Eaglen, in her debut performances with the Victoria Symphony. The great roles of Brunnhilde and Isolde will be brought to life in these electrifying opening concerts of the season. The Symphony and I are excited to be performing some of the great music of Wagner and to be making music together again!���

Other highlights of the new season include performances of Nielsen���s Symphony no. 4 ���The Inextinguishable���, Handel���s Water Music and Last Night of the Proms. The season also includes collaborations with the South Island Dancers, the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra and a spectacular performance of Orff���s Carmina Burana in March which will feature the Victoria Children���s Choir and the Victoria Philharmonic Choir. Over 50 diverse concerts will be performed in this exciting and busy concert season.

The 2008-2009 season marks Tania Miller's sixth as music director of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, an appointment that made her the first woman to hold such a significant position in Canada. Her vibrancy and dynamic approach to music making have inspired many innovations with the Victoria Symphony and a new era of artistic growth for the orchestra.

Jane Eaglen has one of the most formidable reputations in the opera world today. She has garnered spectacular reviews worldwide, enjoying unique success in the contrasting roles of Isolde (for the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Teatro Liceu Barcelona, Lyric Opera of Chicago and in Puerto Rico); Leonore (debuted for the Seattle Opera) and Brunnhilde (performed in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Milan, New York, Oslo and the UK).

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Jane Eaglen performs at the Royal Theatre with the Victoria Symphony on Sunday, September 14 at 2:30pm and again on Monday, September 15 at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at by calling 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

The Victoria Symphony wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the newly created Egon Baumann Foundation for these performances.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

The Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash - August 3

Inspired by BC ��� Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash

concert program announced!

Victoria, BC ��� The Victoria Symphony���s Music Director Tania Miller has announced the program for the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash on August 3 that features music and performers that pay tribute to British Columbia���s 150^th anniversary.

The music for this year���s event is inspired by the wonderful 150 year history of British Columbia and includes a world premiere by local composer Tobin Stokes, a performance by the South Island Dancers, and pieces which were premiered in 1858, the year of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Audience members will be treated to a variety of musical styles, including well known tunes, a good old sing-along and of course the grand finale, the 1812 Overture complete with cannons and fireworks. This year the finale is sponsored by WestJet, the official airline and fireworks sponsor of Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash.

The world premiere of Tobin Stokes ���The Inner Harbour Overture��� written for the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash is a unique and topical piece featuring historical and current sounds that can be heard in the harbour. These sounds are woven into the piece from both live and recorded sources. The piece starts with a live interaction from the Coho ferry, and builds to include the train, nearby church bells, the carillon and many other bells. The piece ends with the sound of the final steam whistle from the Princess Marguerite as it left the harbour in the 1980's. The work honours Victoria and British Columbia's past, and plays to the vibrancy that continues today in the capital city's Inner Harbour.

Music Director Tania Miller will be conducting this year���s outdoor performance, ���This year���s program features music that connects to the BC 150th anniversary celebrations with music from the New Frontier, to selections that were premiered in the years when BC became a part of Canada, and when Vancouver Island became a part of BC. We are excited about our collaboration with the South Island Dancers, and members from the Esquimalt First Nations, which will be a special aspect of the concert. And of course, our special Splash soloist this year, Hugo Wong who will perform the first movement of Schumann���s beautiful piano concerto. This concert has a wonderful magic to it, a wonderful atmosphere of the community coming together. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.���

2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash:

Celebration of BC

4:00 South Island Dancers

4:15 Vic High R&B Band

5:15 The CanUS Group, jazz ensemble

7:30 Victoria Symphony

Tania Miller, conductor

Hugo Wong, piano

South Island Dancers

Piano provided by Tom Lee Music

Tobin Stokes Inner Harbour Overture (World Premiere)

Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld ��� Can Can

Suppe Light Cavalry Overture

Copland Saturday Night Waltz and Hoedown from ���Rodeo���

Colin Doroschuk Celebration of Souls - South Island Dancers

Strauss Champagne Polka (1858 premiere)

Mendelssohn Wedding March (Queen Victoria's daughter 1858)

Intermission Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipe and Drum Band

Sousa The Thunderer March

Schumann Piano Concerto Mvt.1 - 2008 Young soloist, Hugo Wong

Williams Cowboys Overture

Tobin Stokes Settler���s Sing along - 2005 Young Soloist, Heather McLeod

Copland Appalachian Spring

Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture with fireworks and cannons sponsored by WestJet

Traditional Amazing Grace ��� Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipe and Drum Band

Kids Activities! 2 -5 pm in the Splash Kids Zone and the Island Farms Kids Tent at Belleville and Government and on the Legislature lawn at Menzies and Government: Ice Cream Stand, Face Painting, Daisy the Cow and Farmer Vicky, the largest Victoria Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo ever.

Grandstand Seats ��� Grandstand seats are available in advance for $75 per person through the Victoria Symphony Box Office 250.385.6515. Located on Government Street in front of the Legislature lawn the Grandstand Seats provide a comfortable and unobstructed view of the stage floating in the Inner Harbour. Seats are reserved from 3:30 onwards with in/out privileges throughout the evening. A Tax receipt of $50 will be issued for each seat purchased.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island���s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony���s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director
Tania Miller.

Bayview Residences is part of a 20-acre hilltop community being created on Victoria���s Inner Harbour. When completed, this Urban Resort Community will include residential towers as well as retail and commercial services as part of the revitalized CPR Roundhouse ��� a designated National Historic Site. Bayview Residences offers spacious one, two and three bedroom residences with exceptional interior design and attention to detail. The community���s Amenity Clubhouse will feature squash and tennis courts, gym facilities, lap pool and cafe. Bayview is a strong supporter of the community, sponsoring numerous national and local events including the Canadian National Junior Squash Championships and the annual Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash. For further details, visit the on-site presentation centre at 80 Saghalie Road or www.bayviewresidences.com.

Each year, the Victoria Symphony performs on Sunday of the BC Day long weekend from a floating stage in Victoria���s picturesque Inner Harbour. Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash is recognized as one of North America���s most popular and successful outdoor family, cultural and community events, attracting upwards of 40,000 people. Admission is by donation.

For more information, please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca