Vancouver Island is home to a lively music and opera scene. Whether you’re a musician, a dedicated fan of symphonies and opera, or just looking to enjoy something new, the island has plenty of majestic melodies to entertain and delight you.
Let’s explore the symphonies, opera companies, and festivals that bring world-class music to the island.
The Victoria Symphony Society
Known as the island’s leading professional orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Society was founded in 1941 and has been going strong ever since. Performances are most often held at the Royal Theatre in Victoria with occasional shows in other venues around the South Island.
The Victoria Symphony Society delivers a diverse range of music, from classical masters like Beethoven to modern works, and regularly collaborates with internationally acclaimed soloists and conductors.
Don’t Miss the Symphony Splash, a free outdoor concert in the Inner Harbour every summer put on by the Victoria Symphony Society. Thousands gather along the waterfront to hear the orchestra perform on a floating stage and watch the fireworks finale.
Pacific Opera Victoria
Pacific Opera Victoria (POV) is Vancouver Island’s leading opera company. Known for bold, imaginative productions, their main stage is the Royal Theatre in Victoria.
POV is proud of its high-quality opera productions that range from well-loved classics like The Magic Flute to innovative Canadian operas. Their Opera in Schools and Opera Etc. programs introduce this form of musical theatre to new audiences and make it accessible to all.
Cowichan Symphony Society
The Cowichan Symphony Society brings classical music to the Cowichan Valley through partnerships with other organizations.
The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan hosts the Cowichan Symphony Society’s concerts, which often feature guest ensembles and the Victoria Symphony. This is a wonderful way to enjoy high-quality orchestral performances without the need to travel over the Malahat to Victoria.
Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra
The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra (NCO) is a community-based chamber orchestra founded in 1994 that puts on regular performances at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo.
The NCO specializes in intimate chamber performances, offering a cozy and immersive experience of baroque, classical, and modern music. The orchestra is committed to nurturing young musicians, providing workshops and masterclasses to help develop local talent.
Opera Nanaimo
Opera Nanaimo was founded in 2016 and plays primarily at the Port Theatre. This is a great starting place for those new to opera, offering a mix of full productions and more relaxed concerts featuring arias and operatic scenes.
The company is working to grow the local opera scene and provide more opportunities for opera lovers and performers alike.
Hornby Festival
The Hornby Festival is a music festival on Hornby Island featuring a variety of genres, with a strong classical presence.
Performances at the Hornby Festival take place in unique venues around the island, blending live music with the island’s natural beauty. Visit their website for next summer’s festival performance dates.
Gabriola Island Chamber Ensemble
Gabriola Island Chamber Ensemble performs choral and instrumental works. The ensemble delivers beautiful performances of classical works by composers like Vivaldi and Handel, often in collaboration with other local musicians.
Tidemark Theatre
Located in Campbell River, the Tidemark Theatre is a venue that regularly hosts symphonies, chamber ensembles, and operatic performances.
The Tidemark Theatre offers a great opportunity for northern Vancouver Island residents to experience live classical music in a small, intimate venue.
