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July 26, 2013
Symphony Splash an idyllic day
Classical music and other events will bring 40,000 to Victoria’s Inner Harbor on Aug. 4.
MELANIE PRESTON
This B.C. Day long weekend, if you are planning a getaway to Victoria – or you’re lucky enough to live on Vancouver Island – don’t miss Symphony Splash, a special annual event that takes place on the spectacular Victoria Inner Harbor, on Sunday, Aug. 4.
This event was originally launched in 1990 to celebrate the symphony’s 50-year anniversary. It was so well received that it became an annual tradition. The combination of the music quality, the beautiful location and the overall atmosphere appeal to all the senses, and it has made Symphony Splash one of the largest annual symphony events in North America. In addition to all those who travel to Victoria especially for the concert, Victoria residents also look forward to it year after year. In total, more than 40,000 people attend the event, with more than 400 volunteers helping make it happen.
The afternoon and evening consist of food and entertainment, culminating in a full-length concert by the Victoria Symphony, who perform on a floating stage in the harbor. While there is no admission charge, donations are appreciated: Symphony Splash buttons are available for a minimum donation of $5, and there are other souvenirs as well, proceeds of the sales of which go to support the symphony.
The concert runs from 7:30-10 p.m., yet most arrive early to ensure a good spot. Organizers make the waiting time entertaining, with this year’s opening act, Chris Millington and Dancin’, starting things off at 4 p.m. There is also a Family Zone from 1-4 p.m., which has activities and music geared to families, including face painting, an extremely popular “instrument petting zoo,” a First Nations children’s drum group, art projects with the Royal B.C. Museum, a bouncy castle, magic shows by Dan the Magic Man and entertainment by the Victoria Symphony Brass Quartet and Music Corner.
This year’s program is conducted by Victoria Symphony music director Tania Miller, with Carter Johnson and Eric Manning on piano. These two musicians are the “young soloists” selected to be showcased, yet another wonderful tradition of this summer event.
The performance commences with O Canada, followed by Sibelius’ Karelia Suite, Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne, Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G (first movement), Richardson’s Duel of Champions and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, after which there is an intermission. The second half consists of Also Sprach Zarathustra by Strauss, Holst’s Mars from the Planets, Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Williams and Chopin’s
Piano Concerto No. 2 (second movement). The performance traditionally closes with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, simply spectacular in such a location, but this year will be followed by MacPherson’s Lament (arranged by Blair Parham and Michael Oesterle) and “Amazing Grace.”
If you want to sit on the Legislature lawn, plan to bring chairs and blankets, sunscreen and something warmer for the evening, as the breeze from the harbor gets a bit chilly. On Government Street near the Royal B.C. Museum, food and beverage vendors are set up, and a portion of these sales also goes to support the Victoria Symphony. Seats on the grandstand can be purchased in advance, by phoning the symphony box office at 1-250-385-6515. If any seats in this section are still available on the day of the event, they will be made available for purchase at the information and merchandise tent on site. Last but not least, it is also possible to watch the concert by boat: kayakers and canoeists (i.e. small watercraft) are permitted to moor near the barge to enjoy the concert as well, making for a most unforgettable experience.
Melanie Preston is a writer and actress who made Vancouver her home in 2010 after living in Tel Aviv for four years. She has traveled the world and adores immersing herself in new cultures.
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