Senior Instrumental And Vocal Collegium Concert
2023-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Robin & Winifred Wood Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4, Canada
Entry for this concert is at The Victoria Conservatory of Music entrance at 900 Johnson Street. Admission by donation.
Family, friends, and the public are welcome to watch students in the Victoria Conservatory of Music Young Artists Collegium Program perform their end of term works including Chamber music from the Senior Collegium and two vocal works from the Vocal Collegium.

What is the Young Artists Collegium Program?

Founded in 2006, Collegium is an enriched program for talented young classical musicians – singers, pianists and other instrumentalists – brought together with outstanding teachers to create a lively, collaborative educational experience devoted to the pursuit of musical excellence.
Learn more about Collegium.

24th Annual Sing-Along Messiah
2023-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | British Columbia
Entrance for this concert in the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street

A perennial holiday classic brought to you by the Civic Orchestra! Audience member voices join together as a Chorus inside the beautiful Alix Goolden Hall for our 24th sing-along rendition of Handel’s most famous oratorio, led by guest conductor Hilary Sandford.

Featuring soloists:

Jennifer Turner, soprano
Deanna Sills, mezzo soprano
Martin Renner Wallace, tenor
Louis Dillon, bass-baritone

You, the Audience, sing along as the Chorus. A wonderfully moving musical experience for singers and non-singers alike!

The Civic Orchestra of Victoria has some vocal scores to lend to the Chorus during performance (donations greatly appreciated.) If you have your own score, please bring it with you.

The Civic Orchestra of Victoria is a vibrant, community-based, non-profit symphony orchestra dedicated to providing accessible concerts in Greater Victoria. This year marks the Civic Orchestra’s 40th season and 24th Sing-Along Messiah.

THE BALCONY IS CLOSED FOR THIS CONCERT.

Daniel Lapp's Home for Christmas Concert
2023-12-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-12-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E5, Canada
The Victoria Conservatory celebrates 20 years of Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas concerts, presenting this year for the first time on the stage of the Royal Theatre!

Renowned fiddler and jazz trumpeter Daniel Lapp leads this special 75-minute toe-tapping and joy-filled holiday tradition. Performing with Daniel are the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Folkestra! ensemble, the Joy of Life Choir, Shiny H’ORNaments, STRINGS of lights, and special guest Canadian Folksinger icon Valdy. It’s Christmas time for all, with many favourite Canadian tunes to sing along with as we join with family and friends for a wonderful holiday season celebration.

Sponsored by Peninsula Co-op

Tickets are available at the McPherson Box Office (not the Victoria Conservatory of Music), charge by phone at 250.386.6121 or toll-free at 1.888.717.9121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

Winter Break Building Closure
2023-12-22 00:00 - 2024-01-01 23:59 | British Columbia
We will be closed for the holidays. See you in the New Year!

String Orchestras Open House
2024-01-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
This event is free but registration is required to participate.
Register here.

Come and experience playing in a large string ensemble! On Sunday, January 21, come and join Conservatory faculty, students from the Collegium, the Victoria Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Introductory Orchestra, as well as the various Cello Ensembles and the Sinfonia, to gather to sight read together (repertoire will be provided at the event, no need to prepare anything in advance). After experiencing the joy of playing in a large ensemble, check out which ensemble might be right for you, and register for the Spring term which begins on January 29. This event is open to anyone who plays violin, viola, cello, or bass!

NOTE: The entrance to this event in Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street.

The 41st Annual German Lieder Competition
2024-01-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
The Classical Voice department offers this opportunity for current students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music to perform one or two German Art Songs, compete, and receive feedback from renowned and respected adjudicators.The audience can expect to hear some of the most beautiful and beloved songs in the German repertoire as well as some rare gems.

Competitors will be performing within the spectacular acoustic of Alix Goolden Performance Hall.

The German Lieder Competition (January 24th, 2024) is the second production in the Conservatory’s popular Classical Competition Series which includes The Margaret Abbott English Art Song Competition (October 25); The Italian Song Competition (March 6, 2024); The French Art Song Competition (April); The World Languages Competition (June).

Join us and bear witness to the sharing of musical souls that embodies the true Spirit of Song! You will be amazed at the beauty, the courage, the drama, and the joy involved in friendly competitive singing! Follow our intrepid competitors and marvel at their transformation as they progress from competition to competition and develop as performing artists.

Postsecondary Info Night
2024-01-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Victoria Conservatory of Music, 900 Johnson St, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4, CA
The event is hosted on the following dates:

Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm. Victoria, Room 224 (entrance at 900 Johnson Street). This event is also hosted online via Zoom. ( Join Zoom Meeting https://vcm-bc-ca.zoom.us/j/82846011526, Meeting ID: 828 4601 1526)

Wednesday, January 31 at 7pm. Langford, Studio 2 (210-1314 Lakepoint Way, Langford BC, in the YMCA building- entrance by the library)

The Victoria Conservatory of Music Postsecondary Department hosts its annual Info Night for students and parents interested in learning more about Postsecondary and Advanced Training Programs including:

Accredited by Camosun College. For nearly 45 years, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has proudly represented Camosun College as its Music Department.

Diploma in Music Performance – 2 years

Certificate in Music Technologies – 12-18 months (online)

Certificate in Music Creativity and Performance Foundations – 8 months

Accredited by the BC Private Institute Training Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education

Certificate in Advanced Music Studies (AIMS) – 1 year, part time study in one of four pillars: Performance, Teaching, Recording & Production, and Business.

The Postsecondary Department Info Night offers an opportunity to meet and hear from current performing students and working alumni from both Classical and Contemporary disciplines. The evening also includes an overview of programs from David Visentin (Director of Postsecondary Studies) and Dr. Alexander Richards (Assistant Program Coordinator), as well as a review of admission requirements, application procedures, and information on dual credit classes through the South Island Partnership (SIP).

Questions are welcome at any time in the presentation and registration is not required.

Can’t make it to Info Night?
Check out our website to learn more about our programs and why to choose the Victoria Conservatory of Music!

We’d love to hear from you!

We’re more than happy to connect with you one-on-one. Call 250-386-5311 or email David Visentin or Dr. Alexander Richards at postsecondary@vcm.bc.ca to arrange a time.

The Village Choir with Special Guest Sam Weber
2024-01-27 19:30 - 21:30 | British Columbia
Entrance for this concert in the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street

This event is SOLD OUT

Special Guest Sam Weber
Co-Directed by Claire Butterfield & Oliver Swain
With Ashley Wey and Damian Graham

The Village Choir is a 100+ community choir for all people and all voices. Performing a mix of Folk, Soul, Rock, and Pop with some of Victoria’s finest joining them at recitals including Ashley Wey (Piano) and Damian Graham (Percussion). For this concert, they are thrilled to have special guest Sam Weber leading the choir for a few tunes and performing a set of his own. Weber is a Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist, music producer and recording engineer who launched his solo music career in 2014 with the release of Shadows in the Road. His subsequent studio albums, Valentina Nevada, released in 2016, and Everything Comes True, released in 2019, were critically acclaimed and toured internationally. In 2020, Weber was a featured player on every track from the Bahamas album, Sad Hunk, serving as direct support for Bahamas on a 20 date US tour in October 2021. His fourth studio album, Get Free, released in 2022, received praise from NPR, CBC, BBC and Fretboard Journal. Weber has collaborated and performed with Madison Cunningham, Bahamas, Dawes, Anna Tivel, Lucius and The Watkins Family. His forthcoming album, Clear and Plain, is set to arrive in the spring of 2024.

The balcony is closed for this event.

The Gettin' Higher Choir "The Spirit of Yes"
2024-01-28 14:30 - 16:30 | British Columbia
Entrance for this concert in the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street

The Gettin’ Higher Choir presents “The Spirit of Yes” with special guest Barbara McAfee — A fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region

The choir will warm your hearts and raise the roof, with songs from folk and classic rock, a sea song, a rousing gospel standard, and several songs of Barbara’s, sung together with her. We welcome Barbara back for her second visit, and we know her solo set will move and inspire you.

Since 1996, the Gettin’ Higher Choir has been welcoming all voices and affirming singing as everyone’s birthright — and yes, we would want to hear you sing! Shy voices can rediscover the joy of singing, and seasoned singers can find new harmonious company. The Gettin’ Higher Choir is co-directed by Cathy Baker and Dick Jackson in Victoria, BC, Canada.

We seek to embrace and celebrate humanity’s highest aspirations through music, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. There is no audition, and no singing experience is required, just a desire to sing in harmony with others.

The GHC is grateful for the help of the BC Choral Federation. https://bcchoralfed.com

The balcony is closed for this event.

Postsecondary Info Night
2024-01-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Victoria Conservatory of Music – Westhills, Langford, 1314 – Lakepoint Way, Langford, British Columbia, V9B 0S2
The event is hosted on the following dates:

Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm. Victoria, Room 224 (entrance at 900 Johnson Street). This event is also hosted online via Zoom.

Wednesday, January 31 at 7pm. Langford, Studio 2 (210-1314 Lakepoint Way, Langford BC, in the YMCA building- entrance by the library)

The Victoria Conservatory of Music Postsecondary Department hosts its annual Info Night for students and parents interested in learning more about Postsecondary and Advanced Training Programs including:

Accredited by Camosun College. For nearly 45 years, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has proudly represented Camosun College as its Music Department.

Diploma in Music Performance – 2 years

Certificate in Music Technologies – 12-18 months (online)

Certificate in Music Creativity and Performance Foundations – 8 months

Accredited by the BC Private Institute Training Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education

Certificate in Advanced Music Studies (AIMS) – 1 year, part time study in one of four pillars: Performance, Teaching, Recording & Production, and Business.

The Postsecondary Department Info Night offers an opportunity to meet and hear from current performing students and working alumni from both Classical and Contemporary disciplines. The evening also includes an overview of programs from David Visentin (Director of Postsecondary Studies) and Dr. Alexander Richards (Assistant Program Coordinator), as well as a review of admission requirements, application procedures, and information on dual credit classes through the South Island Partnership (SIP).

Questions are welcome at any time in the presentation and registration is not required.

Can’t make it to Info Night?
Check out our website to learn more about our programs and why to choose the Victoria Conservatory of Music!

We’d love to hear from you!

We’re more than happy to connect with you one-on-one. Call 250-386-5311 or email David Visentin or Dr. Alexander Richards at postsecondary@vcm.bc.ca to arrange a time.

Winds & Brass Department Faculty Concert Fundraiser
2024-01-31 19:30 - 21:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Works by Violet Archer, Catherine McMichael, Joseph Kreutzer, and Arthur Maddox.

Admission is by donation and will raise funds for the Winds & Brass Summer Intensive Program for middle and high school students.

Please note: Entrance to this event in Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street.

Faculty and guest performers include:

Marsha Elliott-Edwards, flute
Emily Nagelbach, flute
Melissa Goodchild, clarinet
Patricia Kostek, clarinet
Jack Edwards, saxophone
Alexander Richards, saxophone
Robert Holliston, piano
Douglas Hensley, guitar
Mary Jill McCulloch, flute
Shoko Inoue, piano

Postsecondary Thursday Lunch Concert
2024-02-01 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-02-15 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-02-29 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-03-14 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-04-04 12:30 - 13:30 | Robin & Winifred Wood Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4, Canada
Come join us as the Postsecondary students share their musical works-in progress!

Ranging from Bach to Zepplin and beyond, these free concerts bring together fellow students and the public, to share in the joy of music.
Please note the entrance to Wood Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. Free admission.

The Big IDEA: Allyship & Unconscious Bias
2024-02-18 14:30 - 16:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
To attend this concert, click the button below and reserve a ticket for entry. Entry for this concert will be at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 900 Johnson Street.

The Big IDEA: Sharing our music and telling our stories
A series of three events including performances and conversation in creating a more inclusive and equitable music space. These uplifting and informative, faculty forward events focus on the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) through the lens of the vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These events are offered through support from the City of Victoria.

Sunday, February 18- Allyship & Unconscious Bias
Sunday, May 5- Hope in 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Sunday, June 23- Celebrate Pride!

Sunday, February 18- Allyship & Unconscious Bias
This concert event will feature Conservatory faculty as well as 2SLGTBQIA+ allies, performing music celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ composers, arrangers, or performers as well as a chat with two invited guests around the concepts of allyship and unconscious bias.
Musical Performances

Alexander Richards and Jennifer Mitchell – Painted Brick, Sam Melnick
Jack Edwards and Jennifer Mitchell – Romance, William Grant Still
Marsha Elliott-Edwards, Melissa Goodchild, and Jack Edwards – Eclectic Trio, Catherine McMichael
Wes Carroll and Gabriela Domínguez – Do ya love? Boo Boo Wax, Michael Franti and Carl Young
Marsha Elliott-Edwards and Richard Volet – Sonata in e minor TWV 40:10, George Frederick Telemann

Conservatory Chat
This Conservatory Chat will focus on the topics of allyship and unconscious (or implicit) bias. Bringing their knowledge and expertise on the subjects, the panel, including special guests Mark Overton-Paszek and JD Derbyshire, will discuss allyship and unconscious/implicit bias with a lens on how to normalize or “deshame” these conversations and the work of understanding our biases so we can be true allies to people from marginalized communities. Audience members will come away with ideas as to how they can check their allyship or biases as well as how to bring these important conversations into their workplaces, homes, and circles of friendship/communities.
Special Guest- Mark Overton-Paszek – Bio
Mark Overton-Paszek (he/him) is a passionate and committed leader, and proud member of the queer community. Originally from the unceded lands of the Darug people (known today as Sydney, Australia), Mark is now a citizen of Canada and is immensely grateful to be able to live, work and play on the lands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. As a Senior Consultant at Elevate Consulting, Mark leverages his global experience in strategic, operational, and business development roles to support public, non-profit and private sector organisations across B.C. and Alberta. Mark proudly served Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community as Director of Partnerships on the board of Victoria Pride Society from 2021 to 2023, acting as the key liaison with VPS’s partners and sponsors. Mark is also passionate about music having played piano from a young age and performing in a number of choirs and musicals, to currently learning the cello as an adult. Mark and his husband Tyler can usually be found travelling, building community across the world, and immersing themselves in food, beverage, arts and culture.
Special Guest- JD Derbyshire – Bio
JD Derbyshire is a writer, comedian, mad, activist, performer, playwright, theatre maker, inclusive educator and innovator. In their playwriting, performance and essays, they have tackled some deeply personal and complicated subjects like queerness, gender, confusion, institutionalization, addiction, disability culture and abuse with humility, grace and humour. Learn how to navigate tough feelings and use them to your advantage in your work and life.

Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.

Spark to Flame Student Showcase (sold out)
2024-02-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
This event is now sold out.

The annual Spark to Flame program is presented through the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music and supports the development of young emerging professional artists.

Open to all students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, soloists are selected through audition, and then offered the opportunity to be mentored by various Conservatory faculty over the weeks leading up to the concert, including rehearsals with orchestra.

The concert is a magical evening, and this year’s performance on Saturday February 24, 2024, will feature seven very talented student soloists chosen this year to be accompanied by fellow student peers who are joined by faculty artists and other professional musicians.

Supported by the Henwood Family Fund and BC Gaming.

Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected through audition to perform at this special event:

Simon Eskildsen, piano
Simon Eskildsen is 19 years old and studies piano under Robert Holliston at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He also performs regularly in the community, with frequent concerts in retirement homes and various other events such as Conservatory board meetings. He also participated in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, in which he won the Open French award in 2023. Outside of piano, Simon studies the violin with Simon Macdonald.

Tyler Evans-Knott, flute
Originally from Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, Anishinaabe flutist Tyler Evans-Knott is currently pursuing a Diploma in Flute Performance through Camosun College and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying with Emily Nagelbach and also participating in the Collegium Young Artists program. A recipient of several awards and scholarships, Tyler has performed regularly as a soloist and in ensembles such as the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Peterborough Concert Band, Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and in joint concerts with the Toronto Symphony and Vancouver Symphony. In April 2022, he performed in “The Path Forward” with the Vancouver Symphony and the VSO Indigenous Arts Council, playing in the orchestra and also performing the solo flute work Homeland by Allison Loggins-Hull. Recently, Tyler has begun his career as a freelance orchestral musician, performing works by Schumann, Schafer, and Schubert with the Victoria Symphony in January 2024. Tyler looks forward to performing the second movement of Michael Daugherty’s Trail of Tears Concerto, entitled “incantation,” which reflects upon the passing of loved ones who’ve travelled to the Spirit World.

Max Francis, violin
Max Francis is a 12-year old multi-instrumentalist and composer from Victoria, BC. Max is equally at home in the fiddle and classical worlds. In 2023, he was featured as a soloist with the Victoria Symphony, while at the National Music Festival his chamber trio was awarded first place and Max achieved the platinum standard for composition. He is the current US National Fiddle Champion for his age and the youngest person ever to win the BC Fiddle Championship and to be invited to compete at Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Competition where he has twice finished in the top 10. This is his second time to perform with Spark to Flame.

Elana Lin, violin
Elana Lin is 17 years old in Grade 12 at Mount Douglas Secondary School. She has been playing violin for 10 years with hopes of pursuing music performance for her university education currently studying with Simon MacDonald and Müge Büyükçelen at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She previously worked with Tatiana Kostour and Catheryn Kennedy. Elana has been a part of the Collegium Young Artists Program for seven years and the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra for five years. She annually participates in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival where she was further recommended to the Provincials festival for both solo and chamber classes. In 2022 her chamber ensemble was recommended to the Provincials Festival, Canada West Performing Arts Festival and the Nationals Festival (Federation of Canadian Music Festivals) and was successful in all rounds. These past few years, Elana has had the opportunity of soloing with the VCM Senior String Orchestra as well as the Victoria Chamber Orchestra as the winner of the 2023 Louis Sherman Concerto Competition. Elana has privileged of attending many summer music programs such as the Victoria Summer Strings Intensive, Rosamunde Summer Music Academy, Quartet Fest West, Domaine Forget de Charlevoix and the Ottawa Summer Music Academy. This year, she was successful in the Cowichan Consort Concerto Competition and will be performing with the Cowichan Consort Orchestra in March 2024.

Angela Pan, piano
Angela Pan, a ten-year-old piano enthusiast mentored by Ingrid Henderson at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, has achieved notable success. She earned prestigious awards at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, including the Junior Outstanding Musicianship Trophy, Concerto Trophy, and 20th/21st Century Award in 2022, and the Intermediate Concerto Trophy, French Trophy, and Baroque Award in 2023. Angela also received the esteemed Platinum Standard of Achievement at the 2023 FCMF National Music Festival, a recognition given to only 6 out of 31 participants nationwide. As the recipient of the VCM Millicent Lavoy piano scholarship in 2022, she has showcased her talent on various occasions at the Victoria Conservatory of Music Alix Goolden Performance Hall, including appearances at the Conservatory Piano Honours Concerts for the past two years.

Chloe Williams, flute
Chloe has been studying flute with Emily Nagelbach for almost six years. She is in her fourth year with the Collegium program and a past member of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. She is a grateful recipient of several awards and scholarships from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival where she has been recommended a provincial competitor in her category several times. Chloe is honoured by the opportunity to perform in the Spark to Flame Showcase and acknowledges, with gratitude, the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples on whose territory she continues her learning at the Conservatory and as a grade 12 student at Oak Bay High School.

Filbert Zhang, piano
Filbert Zhang is 14 years old and currently studies with May-Ling Kwok, and is apart of the Senior Collegium program at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He’s been playing piano since 5 years of age, and has regularly participated in performances in the community, such as at garden tours and the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, having received a number of awards including the 2023 Senior Piano Concerto Cup. Apart from piano, Filbert enjoys playing tennis and doing really anything with friends. Filbert is also in his grade 9 year at Mount Douglas Secondary, and enjoys the obstacle that the Challenge Program offers.

Pacific Baroque Festival 2024 - Concert #1
2024-02-27 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Barnabas Church, 1525 Begbie Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8R 1K9, Canada
This concert is located at St. Barnabas Church, 1525 Begbie Street

Le Nuove Musiche 1: Naples and Rome – Frescobaldi to Scarlatti

Edoardo Belotti, organ, harpsichord

​Not all needs to be grand to be special. This new feature concert brings our audience to the intimate space of St Barnabas church, where Edoardo Belotti will masterfully showcase the full extent of the subtleties available on the one-manual organ built by Joseph Brombaugh. In a concert highlighting music from the Southern Italian schools of Naples and Rome, be dazzled by the works of Girolamo Frescobaldi, Bernado Storace, Giovanni Salvatore, Bernado Pasquini, and Alessandro Scarlatti.

This concert is not included in the Festival Pass and tickets must be purchased separately.

Concert #2: Le Nuove Musiche 2: Venice and Milan – Monteverdi to Verdi | February 28, 7:30pm, Christ Church Cathedral

Concert #3: Stile Moderno | February 29, 11:00am, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #4: Sonate Concertate | March 1, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #5: Songs of Love and War | March 2, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Choral Evensong: Music Divine | March 3, 4:00pm, Christ Church Cathedral | Free Admission.

Pacific Baroque Festival 2024 - Concert #2
2024-02-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave,, Victoria,, BC, V8V 3G8
This concert is located at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue

Le Nuove Musiche 2: Venice and Milan – Monteverdi to Verdi

Edoardo Bellotti, organ

The 17th century heralded a growing repertoire for keyboard and organ works, as new instruments were built and composers innovated new styles and genres. Northern Italy became the epicentre of a new Italian Style, as musical forms like the sonata, overture, and concerto were invented, refined and went on to dominate Western music. Edoardo Bellotti plays music by Andrea Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Cavelli, Tomaso Albinoni, Giovanni Platti, Antonio Vivaldi, Pasquale Ricci and Giuseppi Verdi on the renowned Helmutt Wolff organ at Christ Church Cathedral, in a concert centred on this most highly musically influential region.

Concert #1: Le Nuove Musiche 1: Naples and Rome – Frescobaldi to Scarlatti | February 27, 7:30pm, St. Barnabas Church *Not included in the Festival Pass

Concert #3: Stile Moderno | February 29, 11:00am, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #4: Sonate Concertate | March 1, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #5: Songs of Love and War | March 2, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Choral Evensong: Music Divine | March 3, 4:00pm, Christ Church Cathedral | Free Admission

Pacific Baroque Festival 2024 - Concert #3
2024-02-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Entrance to the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. The Balcony is closed for this event.

Stile Moderno

Marc Destrubé, violin and artistic director
Natalie Mackie, viola da gamba
Marco Vitale, harpsichord and organ

​The 17th century ushered in a new ‘modern’ musical style in Italy, where individual instruments reflected a new vocal style which emphasized simplicity and directness of expression, as exemplified in the music of composers such as Frescobaldi and Cima. Marco Vitale makes a return visit to Victoria to join his La Modestine friends Natalie Mackie and Marc Destrubé for an intimate program of early Italian music for violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord./p>

Concert #1: Le Nuove Musiche 1: Naples and Rome – Frescobaldi to Scarlatti | February 27, 7:30pm, St. Barnabas Church *Not included in the Festival Pass

Concert #2: Le Nuove Musiche 2: Venice and Milan – Monteverdi to Verdi | February 28, 7:30pm, Christ Church Cathedral

Concert #4: Sonate Concertate | March 1, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #5: Songs of Love and War | March 2, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Choral Evensong: Music Divine | March 3, 4:00pm, Christ Church Cathedral | Free Admission

Pacific Baroque Festival 2024 - Concert #4
2024-03-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Entrance to the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. The Balcony is closed for this event.

Sonate Concertate

Marc Destrubé, violin and artistic director
Kathryn Wiebe, violin
Natalie Mackie, viola da gamba
Marco Vitale, harpsichord and organ

​​The flourishing of instrumental music in 17th century northern Italy gave composers free reign to explore a conversational (‘concertate’) style of composition, exploring the varied colours and interplay between string and wind instruments. The sackbut (early trombone) came into its own at this time, most notably in the works of composers associated with St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice such as Gabrieli and Castello, who exploited its mellow timbre. At the same time the harp gained popularity as an accompanying bass instrument. We are thrilled to include two sackbuts and harp in the festival ensemble for this program.

Concert #1: Le Nuove Musiche 1: Naples and Rome – Frescobaldi to Scarlatti | February 27, 7:30pm, St. Barnabas Church *Not included in the Festival Pass

Concert #2: Le Nuove Musiche 2: Venice and Milan – Monteverdi to Verdi | February 28, 7:30pm, Christ Church Cathedral

Concert #3: Stile Moderno | February 29, 11:00am, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #5: Songs of Love and War | March 2, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Choral Evensong: Music Divine | March 3, 4:00pm, Christ Church Cathedral | Free Admission

Pacific Baroque Festival 2024 - Concert #5
2024-03-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Entrance to the Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. The Balcony is closed for this event.

Songs of Love and War

Marc Destrubé, violin and artistic director
Kathryn Wiebe, violin
Natalie Mackie, viola da gamba
Marco Vitale, harpsichord and organ

​​This concert will feature selections from Claudio Monteverdi’s eighth book of “madrigals” (‘Madrigali guerrieri, et amorosi’), published in Venice in 1638 when he was seventy-one years old. They represent a significant evolution in musical style, in which Monteverdi sought to express a new emotion in music. Earlier composers had only conveyed two of man’s three major passions, the soft and the moderate; a third passion, agitation (‘stile concitato’), was missing in his view. For this program, the festival instrumental ensemble will be joined by a select group of emerging young singers, specialized in this beautifully expressive music.

Concert #1: Le Nuove Musiche 1: Naples and Rome – Frescobaldi to Scarlatti | February 27, 7:30pm, St. Barnabas Church *Not included in the Festival Pass

Concert #2: Le Nuove Musiche 2: Venice and Milan – Monteverdi to Verdi | February 28, 7:30pm, Christ Church Cathedral

Concert #3: Stile Moderno | February 29, 11:00am, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Concert #4: Sonate Concertate | March 1, 7:30pm, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Choral Evensong: Music Divine | March 3, 4:00pm, Christ Church Cathedral | Free Admission

Italian Song Competition
2024-03-06 17:00 - 20:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
The Classical Voice Department offers six annual Song Competitions for current students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music to perform, compete, and receive feedback from renowned and respected adjudicators.

First and Second Prizes as well as Honourable Mentions are available to be awarded for each competition. Spirit of Song awards may also be given at the discretion of the adjudicators.

Italian Song Competition

Please note: Entrance to this event in Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. Admission by Donation.

About the Italian Song Competition

The Classical Voice Department provides this opportunity for students of all ages and abilities to perform one or two Italian Art Songs in a competition setting. Juniors may sing an Italian Folk Song, Intermediates & Seniors may sing a Neapolitan Song. Baroque & pre-Baroque Italian Arias are acceptable in any division.

Student participants perform in Alix Goolden Performance Hall and receive feedback from adjudicators.

Italian Song Competition Programme

Junior & Intermediate 5:00pm

Senior 6:00pm

Winds & Brass Department Collage Concert
2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Join us for solo and chamber music performances by students (and sometimes faculty!) from the Winds & Brass Department. Please note: Entrance to this event in Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. Admission is by donation.

Our Winds & Brass Department Collage Concerts happen three times each year and feature performances of solo instrumental music and chamber works. Our next concert is June 5, 2024.

Piano Honours Concert
2024-03-16 14:30 - 16:00, 2024-03-23 14:30 - 16:00 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Entry for this concert will be at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 900 Johnson Street.
Admission by donation. Funds raised support the Piano Maintenance Fund.

Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.

Postsecondary Info Night
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Victoria Conservatory of Music, 900 Johnson St, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4, CA
The event is hosted on Wednesday, March 27 at 7pm. Victoria, Room 224 (entrance at 900 Johnson Street). This event is also hosted online via Zoom.
Zoom Link: https://vcm-bc-ca.zoom.us/j/84646933409

The Victoria Conservatory of Music Postsecondary Department hosts its annual Info Night for students and parents interested in learning more about Postsecondary Programs including:

Accredited by Camosun College. For nearly 45 years, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has proudly represented Camosun College as its Music Department.

Diploma in Music Performance – 2 years

Certificate in Music Technologies – 12-18 months (online)

Certificate in Music Creativity and Performance Foundations – 8 months

Accredited by the BC Private Institute Training Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education

Certificate in Advanced Music Studies (AIMS) – 1 year, part time study in one of four pillars: Performance, Teaching, Recording & Production, and Business.

The Postsecondary Department Info Night offers an opportunity to meet and hear from current performing students and working alumni from both Classical and Contemporary disciplines. The evening also includes an overview of programs from David Visentin (Director of Postsecondary Studies) and Dr. Alexander Richards (Assistant Program Coordinator), as well as a review of admission requirements, application procedures, and information on dual credit classes through the South Island Partnership (SIP).

Questions are welcome at any time in the presentation and registration is not required.

Can’t make it to Info Night?
Check out our website to learn more about our programs and why to choose the Victoria Conservatory of Music!

We’d love to hear from you!

We’re more than happy to connect with you one-on-one. Call 250-386-5311 or email David Visentin or Dr. Alexander Richards at postsecondary@vcm.bc.ca to arrange a time.

Postsecondary Thursday Lunch Concert
2024-03-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N4
Come join us as the Postsecondary students share their musical works-in progress!

Ranging from Bach to Zepplin and beyond, these free concerts bring together fellow students and the public, to share in the joy of music.
Please note the entrance to Alix Goolden Performance Hall is at 900 Johnson Street. Free admission.
