Current Student Notices

Garden Tour

Thank you everyone for sending me the times you are available for the Garden Tour on May 10th. Let’s keep them coming 🙂 Could you please include how long you’d like to sign up for as well, please? If you have any questions, please let me know.

End of the Festival

I would like to congratulate everyone on their conclusion of the GVPAF. You have all put in a lot of effort, I’m not just saying that, I know first hand how difficult putting in all that extra hours into music, while you have full time school going. Regardless of the results, I hope everyone had a great time, not just at the performance, but the journey itself. Working with your chamber groups, scrambling in that extra rehearsal, this all makes you grow. I have heard some amazing music and such noticeable development just since this January. A round of applause to all the parents for all their support, too.

Coaching

Performance Class April 21

Only two students have signed up for the performance class so far. I understand that it’s Easter Monday, and that some of you may not be present. You can even let me know on Monday, if you’d like to perform.

Application for 25-26 year

Applications are open for the year 25-26. The deadline is May 5th, with auditions to follow in the last week of May.

I hope to see you guys back next year!

April 14, 2025

End of the Festival

Chamber groups have finished their performances last week, and many individual students have also played already. Congratulations to all that has played and good luck to those who are still scheduled to play in the next couple of days. I hope everyone had something to get out of the performance. There will be a Highlights Concert on Apr 12th, 6:30PM at the Philip T. Young recital hall at UVic. Some of you are performing, and some of you are receiving prizes, how exciting! Members who received an email about winning a prize, please don’t forget to write a thank you card to bring to the concert, so that Guyonne can send them off to the donors.

Coaching

Masterclasses April 14

We have a very exciting day for masterclasses today. The Emily Carr String Quartet will be holding two masterclasses, with our very own Müge and Cory among them! In AGPH, Cory Balzer and Mieka Michaux, with the Glengarry Q, Jubilee Q, and Mt St Mary Trio.
In Wood Hall, Müge Büyükçelen and Alasdair Money, with Josef Hassid, S & D, and QA trio.

Application for 25-26 Year

Applications are open for the year 25-26! The deadline is May 5th, with auditions to follow in the last week of May. I hope to see you guys back next year! There are a few applications in already! I’d love to see more!

Looking ahead

April 21st is Easter Monday. You are out of your regular school, however, the conservatory will remain open, AND fully functioning: we will have coaching as usual, and there is a performance class too.

If you are going away that long weekend, please contact your teachers and coaches and let them know that you will not be coming on the 21st.

Mother’s Day Garden Tour

Location and times are set for the jr and sr collegium students have been set for the Garden Tour. We will be performing at 786 Island Rd, in the Upper Deck. We are given from 11:00AM until 2:45PM. It’s time for you to think about what time slot works best, so that I can organize and send it off to Dr. Richards.

April 7, 2025

Festival Crunch

String chamber groups perform in the festival this Saturday, April 5. Please have your original music ready for the judicator. It can be from IMSLP, or any printed published books. They require that you put a bar number at the beginning of each line, so if your music does not have any bar numbers, please write them down. It starts as early as 10:30am, so please have a good night’s sleep on Friday and start your day early.

Coaching

Performance Class April 7

Only two students have signed up for the performance class so far. I understand that it’s the week of the festival and that everyone is busy, but if you’d like to perform, it’s still available. **Due to festival conflicts, Jany won’t be able to make it to the performance class.

Application for 25-26 Year

Junior Collegium Weekly Schedule

Festival Dates and Times

Junior Collegium
Winds Plus: April 10, 1:30pm, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
Ross Bay Trio: April 10, 1:30pm, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
You guys are in the same class as winds
Willows Trio: April 5, 9:00am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Foggy Trio: April 5, 9:00am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church

Senior Collegium
Mount St. Mary Trio: April 5, 10:30am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Samson and Delilah Trio: April 5, 10:30am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Josef Hassid Trio: April 5, 10:30am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Glengarry Quartet: April 5, 3:00pm, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Queen Alexandra Trio: April 10, 1:30pm, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
Jubilee Flute Quartet: April 10, 1:30pm, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church

March 31, 2025

Welcome back!

I hope you have all had a wonderful couple of weeks to relax, catch up on work, sleep, etc. We are hitting the ground sprinting, upon our return. There will be a piano masterclass right on the 31st, a performance class, and the festival is upon us. Let’s give it our best!.

Coaching

*We have lost access to 329 going forward, instead we were given 209.

Piano Masterclass with Yoomi Kim

There will be a piano masterclass in the Wood Hall for our two pianists, and S&D Trio. Performance class will take place in the AGPH

Performance Class April 7

There are still a lot of spots left for the performance class on the 7th. If you are interested, please let me know so I can sign you up.

Application for 25-26 year

Applications are open for the year 25-26. The deadline is May 5th, with auditions to follow in the last week of May.

I hope to see you guys back next year!

Festival Dates and Times

March 17-28, 2025

Spring Break

Spring break is here! This is a well deserved break for all of you. I know some of you may have school projects or papers or exams due, but I would like you to try getting in some good mental and physical break in. It could be a simple thing like reading a book without having to worry about the time, watching a movie, or sleeping in, to as active as going for a hike, swimming, or going on a trip with your family etc.

No matter what you do, I plead that you take care, since the festival is right when we come back. I remember going on a snowboard trip on the weekend before my graduating recital and freaking my professor out. Don’t do that 😉 Oh!!! And most importantly, don’t forget to practice!

Coaching

There will not be any coachings during spring break.

School is Open During Spring Break

During Spring break, the VCM building will remain open. Therefore, you will still be able to have your regular rehearsals at the usual times. If it can be arranged, it’s highly encouraged that you rehearse. Please look at the dates and times for your classes for the festival, and make plans to rehearse, get extra coaching if you are eligible, practice, etc.

Festival Dates and Times

Junior Collegium Dates and Times
Winds Plus: April 10th, 1:30PM, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
Ross Bay Trio: April 10th, 1:30PM, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
You guys are in the same class as winds Willows Trio: April 5th, 9:00AM, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Foggy Trio: April 5th, 9:00Am, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church

Senior Collegium Dates and Times
Mount St. Mary Trio: April 5th, 10:30AM, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Samson and Delilah Trio: April 5th, 10:30AM, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Josef Hassid Trio: April 5th, 10:30AM, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Glengarry Quartet: April 5th, 3:00PM, 1780 Feltham Rd, Lambrick Park Church
Queen Alexandra Trio: April 10th, 1:30PM, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church
Jubilee Flute Quartet: April 10th, 1:30PM, 2964 Richmond Rd, Knox Presbyterian Church

March 10, 2025

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

Here are the pdf copies of the detailed programs for the chamber and strings sections for the performing arts festival. Please take a look and mark the dates!
Junior A Strings
Junior B, Intermediate, and Senior Strings
Chamber Ensemble Strings

Coaching

Mt. St. Mary Trio: 303 | Robert Holliston
S & D Trio: 339 | Brian Yoon *You have an extra rehearsal this Saturday in 217
Glengarry Q: 302 | Cory Balzer *You have a rehearsal this Saturday with Christine and Cory
Q.A Trio = 329, Liam Hockley *Liam will play for Bella in coaching as well as the masterclass
J.H Trio: WH | David Visentin
Jubille Q: AGPH | Mary Byrne

Masterclasses

There will be two chamber masterclasses happening simultaneously in WH and AGPH, led by the Penderecki String Quartet. Everyone will be performing!

School is open during Spring Break

During Spring break, the VCM building will be open. There will not be any coachings on 17th or 24th but the school is open, and you still have your regular rehearsal times booked, so it’s highly encouraged that if you are in town, to rehearse as usual.

Missing Classes or Events

Please let us know if you have any complications and/or previous arrangements regarding missing any classes/events. We will need to be notified to best serve your needs.

Key Cards

I was informed by the front desk that they are running low on key cards to give out. When you come for your rehearsals, please, please, please return the key back to the office before you leave.

Alternatively, they also suggest that having a key for yourself is an option. The cards are $6 per piece, and you can use it over and over and over, year after year, as long as you get them to upload it for different rooms and times, at the front desk.

March 3, 2025

Salt Spring Island Field Trip / Concert

I would like to thank everyone again for their support and efforts to making this happen so smoothly. As you know, I work with a choir on the island, so many members of the choir had come to the concert and when I went back for a rehearsal on the Tuesday, they were still complimenting how great you guys were.

Coaching

Mt. St. Mary Trio: Wood Hall | Müge Büyüçelen
S & D Trio: 339 | Robert Holliston
Glengarry Q: 303 | Cory Balzer *Your rehearsal tomorrow is in 339
Your rehearsal next week on the 8th will be with Cory and Christine Donkin, to go over the student composition.
Q.A Trio: 329 | Liam Hockley
J.H Trio: 303 | David Visentin
Jubille Q: 302 | Mary Byrne

Masterclasses

Cello masterclass with Amy Laing | Wood Hall at 5:10pm
Max W, Joanne, and Mt. St. Mary Trio will be performing.

Performance Class

There will be a performance class in the AGPH simultaneously. We have a very full roster, so let’s all be vigilant about your play order.

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

I still haven’t been given a detailed schedule for the festival yet. Only the general schedule and the location. They are: strings starting from March 30 – April 6 at Lambrick Park Church, and woodwinds from April 7-10 at St. Mary’s Church. Please note these dates for making extra rehearsals prior to or after the spring break. Please consult your coaches.

Missing Classes or Events

Please let us know if you have any complications and/or previous arrangements regarding missing any classes/events. We will need to be notified to best serve your needs.

Key Cards

I was informed by the front desk that they are running low on key cards to give out. When you come for your rehearsals, please, please, please return the key back to the office before you leave.

February 24, 2025

Salt Spring Island Field Trip / Concert

The Salt Spring Concert fieldtrip is upon us! Please refer to the individual emails I have sent regarding carpool instructions for Sunday morning. Please fill out and send back the field trip waiver ASAP, we just need 7 more. Regarding the $15 fieldtrip fee, if you have not had the chance to pay it at the main office, I can collect it on Sunday from your child, and settle that at the office on the Monday.

Click for an advertisement for the Salt Spring concert on a Gulf Island newsletter called the Driftwood.

Coaching is back!

Masterclasses

Violin masterclass with Ann Ellioitt-Goldschmid | Wood Hall at 5:10pm
Jessie, Michaela, and the Glengarry Quartet will be performing.

Second masterclass with Anna Cal is cancelled, due to her emergency medical procedure. We are looking for someone who could run the piano masterclass and it is still pending. I will send out a separate email as soon as there is new information.

Victoria Baroque Concert: Gloria

Sunday, March 2nd at 2:00pm
St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street
Student tickets $5 (available online and at the door)

Featuring the Choir of St. John the Divine and vocal soloists under the direction of David Stratkauskas.

A choral celebration including Vivaldi’s beloved Gloria and Mozart’s youthful and provocatively elegant Missa brevis in Bb, K. 275. Both composers brought the expressivity and drama of theatrical music into their sacred writing, creating pieces that are captivating and uplifting with fast-paced changes of mood and colour.

Soloists:
Jennifer Turner, soprano
Chelsea Kutyn, mezzo soprano
Adam Dyjach, tenor
Nathan McDonald, baritone

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

February 17, 2025

Closure on February 17

You guys are doing a fantastic job! This coming Monday is Family Day, and as such, the Conservatory will be closed. Enjoy the break.

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

The general schedule for the festival are: strings starting from March 30-April 6, and woodwinds from April 7-10. Please note these dates as they are right after the spring break. However, there is no specific times yet. I will update you on the detailed schedules as soon as they are available.

**If you need to make extra rehearsals prior to spring break, or afterwards, please consult your coaches.

Salt Spring Island Field Trip

A survey for rides/chaperones, a waiver, and detailed information will be sent as a separate email.

Pacific Baroque Festival

The Pacific Baroque Festival invites all students to see any of the full week of events for free! The 2025 Festival features music from 17th and 18th century Northern Germany. This is a great opportunity to see baroque specialists play on period instruments! Entry provided at door. Please provide valid student ID or proof of enrollment at the door for entry.

Events:

Organ Masterclass with Aaron James: Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm at St Barnabas Church
Home – Organ Concert | Tuesday, February 18 at 7:30pm at St Barnabas Church
Abroad – Organ Concert | Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral
Peace – Festival ensemble featuring guest soprano Dorothee Mields | Thursday, February 20 at 11:00am in Alix Goolden
Friendship – Festival ensemble featuring guest soprano Dorothee Mields | Friday, February 21 at 7:30pm in Alix Goolden
Joy – Festival ensemble featuring guest soprano Dorothee Mields | Saturday, February 22 at 7:30pm in Alix Goolden
Reflect – Choral Evensong | Sunday, February 23 at 4:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral

February 10, 2025

What a week. I hope everyone survived the first, and hopefully the last snowy patch of the winter. We will reschedule the cancelled piano masterclass and let you know as soon as we can find a feasible date for that.

Senior Coachings

WH: Glengarry Quartet — Please welcome Cory Balzer, your newly appointed coach for the rest of the term
302: Josef Hassid Trio
339: Samson and Delilah Trio
329: Mount St. Mary Trio
303: Queen Alexandra Trio
AGPH: Jubilee Flute Quartet

Masterclasses

Everyone is required to attend at least one of the masterclasses.
Snacks will be provided in the Green Room

Flute Masterclass with Alberta Brown
Monday, February 10 | 5:00-6:30pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Performers are: Jubilee Quartet (first), Celine, Tyler

Alberta Brown
(2005) Born in Toronto and raised in Victoria, Alberta Brown began flute studies at the age of eight with Dr. Mary Byrne at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Since that time she has received many awards and scholarships both through the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, the British Columbia Provincial Festival, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Alberta is an active musician and enjoys performing. She was a member of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra and the Sidney Classical Orchestra, and has made many appearances with Vancouver Island based groups including the Peninsula Singers, Via Choralis, and the St. Cecilia Orchestra. Alberta has also performed at many community events and benefits including Mercy Ships and UNICEF. She currently attends the University of Toronto where she studies with Susan Hoeppner.

Violin Masterclass with Catherine French
Monday, February 10 | 5:00-6:30pm
Wood Hall

Performers are: Isidora, Owen, Walter

Catherine French
Victoria-native Catherine French, violinist, joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1994. In addition to her orchestral career, Catherine is a member of the Calyx Piano Trio and Collage New Music, and has been featured as a recitalist and chamber musician in the Banff, Marlboro, Missouri and North Carolina chamber music festivals. Catherine began violin lessons in Victoria with the esteemed pedagogue Frona Colquhoun, then continued her studies with Dr.Lise Elson in the Academy program at Mount Royal College in Calgary. She is a graduate of Indiana University, Mannes College of Music, and the Juilliard School.

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

All of the chamber groups have been registered for the Festival.

The festival starts rather early this year, with the strings starting from March 30 – April 6, open pianos from April 3-8, and woodwinds from April 6-10. Please note these dates as they are right after the spring break.

**If you need to make extra rehearsals prior to spring break, or afterwards, please consult your coaches.

Key Cards

I was informed by the front desk that they are running low on key cards to give out. When you come for your rehearsals, please, please, please return the key back to the office before you leave.

Closure on February 17

There will be no classes on Monday, February 17 as the Conservatory is closed for the statutory holiday (Family Day).

Salt Spring Island Field Trip

The Salt Spring island concert/masterclass/field trip is on Sunday, February 23, approximately 7:30am to 7:30pm.

A survey for rides/chaperones, and a waiver is underway. There are a total of 19 students going, and we will need about 4 to 5 cars, assuming you can sit 4 passengers besides the driver on an average. For anyone who wants to go, the ferry fares will be covered by the Conservatory, as well as complimentary tickets to the concert, and a small gas fee.

February 3, 2025

Senior Coachings

WH: Samson and Delila Trio
302: Jubilee Flute Quartet 339: Josef Hassid Trio
329: Queen Alexandra Trio
303: Glengarry Quartet
AGPH: Mount St. Mary Trio

Masterclasses

Piano and Chamber music masterclass with Dr. Yoomi Kim
Monday, February 3 | 5:00-6:30pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Everyone is required to attend. Performers are:
Filbert, Felicia, Mt. St. Mary Trio(last)

Performance Class

At the same time as the masterclass, we also have the performance class happening.
Performers are: Andrei, Joanne, Janou, Miya, Celina, Bella, and Isidora (not necessarily in this order, except Andrei has to go first).

Extra Masterclass

To make up for the cancelled masterclass back in November, a special masterclass is scheduled for February 10 for Walter, Isidora, and Owen.

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

If you want to enter the festival as a soloist or a duet, you have until February 5 to register for strings and piano, and February 12, for woodwinds and fiddle.

If you need to make extra rehearsals prior to spring break, or afterwards, please consult your coaches.

New Links in my Signature

We are trying to move away from using Google docs and VCM One Drive files. Please try using the hyperlinks in my email signature for schedules and calendar and let me know if they work for you or not.

January 27, 2025

Junior Collegium 2025 Schedule

Senior Coachings

WH: Samson and Delila Trio
302: Jubilee Flute Quartet
339: Mount St. Mary Trio
329: Josef Hassid Trio
217: Queen Alexandra Trio

Samson and Delila Trio will be coached by Brian Yoon this week.

Glengarry Quartet has a special event at GNS, they will not have a coaching session. Please contact your coach, Kathryn Ranger, to confirm.

Senior Masterclasses

Violin Masterclass with Gwen Thompson | Monday, January 27 in Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Everyone is required to attend.
Performers are Janou, Walter, and Max F. (not necessarily in this order)

January 20, 2025

Senior Coachings

339: Samson and Delilah Trio
WH: Jubilee Flute Quartet
302: Glengarry Quartet
303: Mount St. Mary Trio
329: Josef Hassid Trio
217: Queen Alexandra Trio

From January 20 onwards, Glengarry quartet will be coached by Kathryn Ranger.

Senior Masterclasses

Two Masterclasses will take place on January 20: Violin with Ann Elliott-Goldschmid in AGPH, and flute with Arin Sarkissian in WH. Everyone is required to attend one of them, so please pick and attend one even if it’s not your instrumentation.

Performers are:
Owen, Andrei, and Isidora for the violin class; and Emilia, Miya, and Judy for the flute class.

Junior Masterclasses

Cello Masterclass is on January 22 in Room 302, replacing your usual coaching. Snacks are still available in 303, before the masterclass starts.

Performers are:
Tristan, Andreas, and Tony

Please make sure you have contacted your accompanist to get your ½ hour rehearsal before the actual masterclass. If you don’t know who your accompanist is, please let James or your teacher know.

Snacks

Senior Collegium parents, there are still four spots left open for snack sign up. If you haven’t done so, please take a look at the link below and sign up. Thank you so much for taking charge of snacks.

Upcoming Events

Phantasm
Featuring David Greenberg, violin and fiddle
Friday, January 17 at 7:30pm | St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street
Student tickets $5 | Available online and at the door

Strings Open House
Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 11:00am | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
This event is free but registration is required to participate.

December 15 Reunion Concert

What a marvelous concert it was! If you haven’t seen it yet, please take a look.

Watch Video

January 6, 2025

Change of Email Address

As of now, please address all communications to collegium[at]vcm.bc.ca. stirling[at]vcm.bc.ca will no longer be active.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has had a relaxing break. Hopefully no one got sick over the much deserved winter holidays.

Senior Students

Coachings are at the usual time. For this week:

302: Samson and Delilah Trio
303: Jubilee Flute Quartet
329: Glengarry Quartet
339: Mount St. Mary Trio
217: Josef Hassid Trio
WH: Queen Alexandra Trio

Sounding Session

There will be a Sounding session led by Robert on Monday in the Wood Hall at 5:00pm.

Junior Students

On Wednesday, your coaching rooms will be:

302: Ross Bay Trio
339: Foggy Trio
329: Willows Trio

December 16, 2024

Change of Email Address

As of now, please address all communications to collegium[at]vcm.bc.ca. stirling[at]vcm.bc.ca will no longer be active.

No Collegium on Monday

There is no Collegium at VCM on Monday, December 16th. All gather at the Jubilee Hospital just before 4:00 as directed in the separate email sent about this. The snacks will be served at the Jubilee Hospital Atrium.

All Collegium Reunion

Sunday December 15 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00
REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

Happy Holidays!

Collegium restarts Monday, January 5th.

December 9, 2024

Snacks

The snacks will be served in the Green Room off the main lobby. There is no food allowed in the Alix Goolden Performance Hall.

Mary Byrne’s Student Recital

Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 1:30pm
St. Luke’s Cedar Hill Anglican Church

Both the Queen Alexandra Trio and Jubilee Quartet will perform.

Dress Rehearsal

The dress rehearsal for the term end concert (Thursday, December 12 at 7:00pm) will be on Monday, December 9. Remember the Performance Dress code and add some colour or sparkle to enrich our mid-winter concert.

Food for Concert Reception

There will be a small reception after our Thursday, December 12 evening concert. All families are asked to contribute a small plate of finger food. Micki will supply hot cider.

All Collegium Reunion

Sunday December 15 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00
REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

December 2, 2024

There will be snacks at both masterclass locations this Monday..

The dress rehearsal for the term end concert (Thursday Dec 12th 7:00pm) will be on Monday December 9th. Remember the Performance Dress code and add some colour or sparkle to enrich our mid-winter concert.

There will be a small reception after our Thursday December 12th evening concert. All families are asked to contribute a small plate of finger food. Micki will supply hot cider.

All Collegium REUNION Sunday December 15th AGPH

Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00

REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

November 25, 2024

Violin Masterclass Cancelled

The violin masterclass scheduled for Monday, November 25 has been cancelled. All students are expected to attend the flute masterclass in Wood Hall. Owen, Isidora, and Walter will be rescheduled to play later in the year.

Chamber Competition

Thank you to everyone for such wonderful playing in the Chamber Competition. The jurors were very impressed and the audience delighted.

All Collegium REUNION

Sunday December 15 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00
REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

November 18, 2024

Victoria Symphony with Timothy Chooi

Sunday, November 17 | 2:30pm
Royal Theatre

Three Collegium groups will play in the lobby before the show and during intermission: Foggy Trio, Queen Alexandra Trio, and Ross Bay Trio. Tickets are available through the Victoria Symphony.

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra

Sunday, November 17 | 2:30pm (same day and time as the Symphony concert)
The Farquhar Auditorium at UVic

Playing Ridout’s Fall Fair, Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5.

Tickets: Adults $26 | Seniors $23 | Students/Children $10 | Available through the UVic Ticket Centre, 250-721-8480.

13th Annual VCM Chamber Competition

Tuesday November 19 | 6:00pm Juniors, 7:00pm Intermediate/Seniors
Alix Goolden Performance Hall

All Collegium groups will compete for over $2000 in prizes. Jurors: Benjamin Butterfield and Michelle Feng. Audience Welcome. Don’t miss this exciting showcase of classical chamber music.

All Collegium REUNION

Sunday December 15 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00
REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

November 11, 2024

The building will be CLOSED on Monday, November 11 for Remembrance Day, so there will be no programming.

Chemainus Classical Concert

Sunday, November 3

Thanks to all the students who played so well; and to the parents who helped drive us there. It was a wonderful day and a very much appreciated concert.

Masterclass with Timothy Chooi

Friday, November 15 | 5:00-6:30pm
Wood Hall

Audience Welcome!

Victoria Symphony with Timothy Chooi

Sunday, November 17 | 2:30pm
Royal Theatre

Three Collegium groups will play in the lobby before the show and during intermission: Foggy Trio, Queen Alexandra Trio, and Ross Bay Trio. Tickets are available through the Victoria Symphony.

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra

Sunday, November 17 | 2:30pm (same day and time as the Symphony concert)
The Farquhar Auditorium at UVic

Playing Ridout’s Fall Fair, Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5.

Tickets: Adults $26 | Seniors $23 | Students/Children $10 | Available through the UVic Ticket Centre, 250-721-8480.

All Collegium REUNION

Sunday December 15 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00
REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

November 4, 2024

Weekly Schedule

Chemainus Classical Concert: Sunday November 3

TIME CHANGE SATURDAY NIGHT. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep and don’t show up an hour early.

Spirit and Song | Victoria Baroque Featuring contralto Vicki St. Pierre

Friday, November 1 at 7:30pm

St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street

Student tickets $5 (available online and at the door): https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/vbms/7604/event/1396258

Bach in the Pub | Company & Solitude Victoria Baroque Featuring contralto Vicki St. Pierre

Sunday, November 3 at 7:00pm, food and drink service beginning at 5:30pm

Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street

Tickets (All ages) (walk-ins welcome): https://hermannsjazz.com//show/721559/view

All Collegium REUNION Sunday December 15th AGPH

Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00

REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link. And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

October 28, 2024

Chemainus Classical Concert: Sunday November 3

Please fill out the sign-up sheet sent by separate email, so that we can plan the carpools and lunch.

All Collegium Reunion

Sunday, December 15, 2024 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00pm
Reunion Concert & MIngle 2:15-4:00pm

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link.

And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

October 21, 2024

Chemainus Classical Concert: Sunday November 3rd

We are very excited that we have been invited to perform as part of the Chemainus Classical Concerts series, at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus (1.75 hours north of Victoria). Learn more at Chemainus Classical Concerts.

The concert will be at 2:00pm and will include all the Senior Collegium members except Filbert Zhang who will be playing with the Sooke Philharmonic at that same time. The presenters have let us know that they expect this concert to sell out. If you want to be part of the audience, please reserve your tickets very soon.

To reserve, phone Eleanor at 1-250-748-8383.

Ticket prices:

Reserved and prepaid $23 for Adults
Youth under 18 are $10
Reserved and paid at the door $25
Unreserved tickets (if there are any left) are $30.

Tuesday November 19th, 13th Annual Chamber Music Competition, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

All Junior and Senior Chamber groups will play for Jurors Benjamin Butterfield and Michelle Feng.

Mark your calendars and invite friends and family: this is a great evening of classical chamber music.

Term end Concert: Thursday December 12th, Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 7:00pm

All Collegium REUNION Sunday December 15th, Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Junior Collegium & Orchestras Concert 1:00pm

REUNION Concert & Mingle 2:15-4:00pm

Let’s get together! RSVP via this link.

And encourage your fellow Collegium students, faculty, families and supporters all to participate.

October 14, 2024

Thanksgiving Closure

Monday, October 14 is Thanksgiving. The Conservatory will be closed and there will be no Collegium programming that day. Enjoy the extra day and keep practicing!

Louis Sherman Concerto Competition Application

Please Note: The timeline is earlier than usual.

December 1, 2024
DEADLINE for submission of application form and recording of one movement of the concerto for the first round of judging.

January 7, 2025 | 7:00pm | Chapel, former First Metropolitan United Church
FINALIST COMPETITION. Live performance of entire concerto before an adjudication panel and audience. The winner will be announced following the performance.

February 21, 2025 | 7:30pm | Former First Metropolitan United Church
WINNER PERFORMANCE with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and awarding of prizes.

Download the Application

Masterclasses

Is there a masterclass that you would like to come and watch? Often visitors/ audience are welcome. Check the Senior Collegium Schedule and contact Micki Stirling for details and permissions.

October 7, 2024

Emily Carr String Quartet

Emily Carr String Quartet has a trio of concerts for you in their Metamorphoses Series at Christchurch Cathedral in Victoria. You may choose a season’s pass or single tickets at this link.

Their 2024/25 season explores the themes of transformation and change. Three Friday at 5:00pm concerts (October 11, January 24, and May 23) feature music by Beethoven, Schubert, Schulthorpe, and Shostakovich. Series Pass: $75 Each Concert: General Admission $30/Students $10.

Masterclasses

Is there a masterclass that you would like to come and watch? Often visitors/ audience are welcome. Check the Senior Collegium Schedule and contact Micki Stirling for details and permissions.

Thanksgiving Closure

Monday, October 14 is Thanksgiving. The Conservatory will be closed and there will be no Collegium programming that day.

September 30, 2024

Building Closure

The building will be CLOSED on Monday, September 30 to honour National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The next Collegium day will be Monday, October 7, with the concurrent masterclass with Arin Sarkissian and a performance class. To sign up for the performance class, contact Simon MacDonald.

Concert: Songs for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29, 2024 | 2:00pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Free with an RSVP ticket

Hosted by Ry Moran, performing artists include čačumḥi aaron m. wells, mezzo soprano Marion Newman Nege’ga, Conservatory mentor Hip Hop artists Nicole Ermineskin (Nikky E) and Alex Taylor-McCallum, and student Naomi Triebwasser (Nenagwas).

Masterclass/Event Schedule

The Masterclass/Event schedule for the year is now available at the top of this page 24/7 for ready reference. It is also always part of Simon MacDonald’s email signature.

September 23, 2024

Thank you

Thank you to all the parents who helped drive and supply snacks for our field trip to Gary Karr’s house. It was a wonderful event. There will be a thank you card to Gary for students to sign on Monday. If you have not yet contributed the $10 towards pizza, we will be grateful to receive it at the front desk. They can receive it by e-transfer: accountsreceivable[at]vcm.bc.ca with a message that it is for Collegium pizza with the student’s name.

Concert: Songs for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29, 2024 | 2:00pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Free with an RSVP ticket

Note

Monday, September 30, Truth and Reconciliation Day, is a statutory holiday in BC and the Conservatory will be closed.

Concert: The Glasswing Tour Experience

October 5, 2024 | 7:30pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Tickets $24-$40

We are pleased to have Juno Award winning Canadian Quartet – The Fretless featuring Madeleine Roger on the release of their latest Album – Glasswing. Click the Tickets link for more information.

Concert: Ozan Ardic

November 9, 2024 | 7:00pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall | Tickets $34.67

Concert composer Ozan Ardic will perform Solo fortepiano concert featuring original compositions by Ozan Ardic, and P. I. Tchaikovsky The Seasons Op. 37a. Click the Tickets link for more information.

Masterclass/Event Schedule

The Masterclass/Event schedule for the year is now available at the top of this page 24/7 for ready reference. It is also always part of Simon MacDonald’s email signature.

September 16, 2024

Field Trip!

Gary Karr Field Trip | Monday, September 16
We are so excited to be visiting the home of Gary Karr, the world’s premier solo bassist. Carpools, etc. will all be spelled out in a separate email tomorrow. Please review it carefully to ensure that you/your child is assigned to the correct transportation. In addition to the usual snacks, we will be ordering pizza for everyone. We ask that all families who are able contribute $10 towards the cost. This donation can be paid at the front desk. Tell them that it is for Collegium pizza. Thanks!

Syllabus and Directory

The Senior Collegium 2024-25 Syllabus and Directory was emailed to everyone. Please read it carefully and let Micki know of any errors or omissions. Also, compare the calendar with all of the other school and sport and other calendars which rule your lives and let us know of any possible conflicts over the next year, so they can be sorted out with the least disruption to your chamber group. If you would like a copy of the printed syllabus, let Micki know by noon, Monday September 9.

Masterclass/Event Schedule

The Masterclass/Event schedule for the year is now available at the top of this page 24/7 for ready reference. It is also always part of Simon MacDonald’s email signature.

August 29, 2024