Victoria’s Symphony Splash roared back after 5 years, lighting up the Inner Harbour with music, fireworks, and unforgettable community spirit.
A Triumphant Return to Victoria’s Waterfront
What happens when you mix world-class music, a floating stage, and tens of thousands of excited fans? You get the magical comeback of Symphony Splash, one of Victoria’s most cherished cultural events — and after five years away, it returned bigger and bolder than ever.
On August 4, the city’s Inner Harbour transformed into a living concert hall. Canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks floated close to the barge-turned-stage, while crowds blanketed the Legislature lawn, all eagerly awaiting the first note. When the Victoria Symphony struck up the Festival Overture, time seemed to stand still.
An Evening That Hit Every High Note
The night’s program was a powerful nod to past Symphony Splash highlights — with music from Star Wars, Holst’s Jupiter, and Tchaikovsky’s epic 1812 Overture. A soulful rendition of Amazing Grace added a moment of calm to the festive atmosphere.
At the baton was conductor Sean O’Loughlin, guiding the symphony through a stirring, cinematic journey that blended classical elegance with crowd-pleasing drama.
More Than Music — A Citywide Celebration
This year, Symphony Splash wasn’t just a concert. It became a two-day festival, thanks to vital funding from the City of Victoria.
With four stages spread across downtown, the celebration showcased a mix of talent:
- The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
- Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish — two powerhouse Indigenous vocalists
- Latin jazz master Sal Ferreras and his high-energy septet
It wasn’t just about music — it was about community, identity, and joy.
A Cultural Icon Reborn
For Victoria Symphony CEO Matthew White, who experienced his first Splash this year, the event was more than a milestone — it was a mission.
“From the moment I got here,” he shared, “people kept saying, ‘Bring it back.’” And bring it back he did.
Despite financial setbacks and pandemic pauses, White saw how deeply the event was woven into the city’s fabric. Symphony Splash, he said, isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about honoring the artists and reconnecting the city to its cultural heartbeat.
Looking Ahead: The Music Doesn’t Stop Here
With its comeback concert hailed as one of the best yet, Symphony Splash has reclaimed its spot as a cornerstone of summer in Victoria. And if you missed this year’s spectacle? Don’t worry — the invitation for next year is already open.
Because once you’ve seen a symphony float on water, with fireworks lighting up the sky and music filling the air — you’ll never forget it.
