The Victoria Symphony (VS) has officially bounced back from the pandemic with a record-breaking 2023-24 season, one that saw 36,000 patrons attending in-person concerts.

One of the most successful seasons in a decade, ticket sales saw a 16 per cent increase from the previous year.

Free broadcasts of three VS concerts also reached 228,000 homes.

B次元官网网址淚t has been heartening to see the communityB次元官网网址檚 response to our 2023-24 season,B次元官网网址� said CEO Matthew White in a press release. B次元官网网址淎 growing audience, generous donors, government funders, and corporate sponsors all continue to recognize the value that this orchestra brings to VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 cultural life.B次元官网网址�

The season wrapped up on May 12 with the seventh performance under the musical leadership of Copenhagen-born Christian Kluxen. As music director, Kluxen brought diversity to the programming, with highlights such as Jurassic Park in concert, two VS-commissioned world premieres by Canadian composers and a collaboration with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra.

The season also saw new programming on the West Shore and in Qualicum Beach as well as the release of the soundtrack You Are My Bones for the CBC mini-series and feature film Bones of Crows on the legacy of residential schools.

Fulfilling its mandate to inspire and educate young people, the VS saw 6,000 K-6 students attend the Education & Outreach Concerts in Victoria and Duncan. Additionally, 17 VS musicians led outreach programs in 41 schools across three school districts, engaging 5,600 students.

Through vsNEW, a program for local young composers ages 11-18, six new works were created and several of the composers went on to win local, provincial and national awards.

White wanted to use the success of the season to draw attention to the need for continued community support.

B次元官网网址淭his orchestra is now considered to be one of the best in the country and our programming on par with what is on offer in much larger cities,B次元官网网址� White said in a press release. B次元官网网址淒espite all of the recent success, however, we are dealing with a key issue shared by other orchestras across the country, production expenses are rising faster than revenues. We will continue to advocate for the important role that the symphony plays in civic life and feel optimistic that the necessary community support will continue to be there.B次元官网网址�