Symphony SPLASH! returning to Victoria after several years’ hiatus

In just over two weeks, the beloved summer music festival will be returning to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. 

The event will take place on August 2nd and 3rd this year, and will commemorate the Victoria Symphony’s 85th year as an organization. 

Symphony SPLASH! hasn’t taken place in five years, since its last hurrah in 2019—before COVID-19 stopped many events in their tracks. 

The two-day event will feature four live orchestral performances on the Inner Harbour’s iconic barge stage from Victoria Symphony and The National Youth Orchestra of Canada. 

Furthermore, there will be a handful of special guest performers, which will include JUNO-nominated Indigenous singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, and BC Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras and his Latin Jazz Sextet, with Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes. 

The all-ages event is completely free to attend and will feature a myriad of other activities throughout the Inner Harbour. 

This year’s Symphony SPLASH! will feature a family zone, community stage performances along with several local food and beverage vendors

Additionally, on the last day of the festival, the finale will feature a fireworks display

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back an expanded Symphony SPLASH! over the B.C. Day long weekend,” says Matthew White, CEO of Victoria Symphony. 

“This momentous event marks a key milestone in the orchestra’s 85th anniversary season, honouring Victoria Symphony’s indelible legacy and celebrating its future within our treasured community.” 

Symphony SPLASH! schedule

The event will kick-off on Saturday, August 2nd at 3:30pm with Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, who will be performing their songs alongside 91 of the country’s most gifted young orchestral musicians from The National Youth Orchestra of Canada. 

Later that evening at 7:30 p.m., the Victoria Symphony will join forces with famed percussionist Sal Ferreras, his Latin Jazz Sextet, and Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, highlighting musical styles, traditions and dances from across South America, México, and the Caribbean. 

Sunday’s events will kick off at 3:30 p.m., with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada returning to play a mix of classical and contemporary pieces.

And finally, the Victoria Symphony will close out the show. Similarly, they will be playing a mix of contemporary and classical pieces, ending with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and “Amazing Grace,” which will be accompanied by a fireworks display. 

One of the biggest additions this year are the four small community stages set up throughout the Inner Harbour, which will spotlight local musical acts, who will play 30-minute sets at 1:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. each day. 

The community stage performers will be Apna Virsa Victoria, Elbow Kiss, Sofia Miller, Linggo, Joy of Life Choir, Q Brooke Bachang and Gabe Elias, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Food vendors will include Berry Sweet, Churros and Mor, Country Crepes, FreshCoast Health Food Bar, Greek on the Street, Hotdog Hustlin’, Kao Gang by Dumpling Drop, MamaRosie’s, Poutine66 and Sub-Zero Ice Cream Truck. 

Additionally, L’Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro will be preparing picnic lunches for $25 each, which can be pre-ordered via the Victoria Symphony’s website.  

Though the concerts are free to attend, those hoping to reserve grandstand seats can pay to do so, with tickets ranging from $5 to $88. 

In order to resurrect the event, the Victoria city council provided Victoria Symphony with $250,000 from their Major Events and Initiatives Grant. 

Symphony SPLASH!

• Where: Victoria’s Inner Harbour
• When: August 2nd and 3rd.
• Admission: Free!