The Symphony Splash is an annual event held in Victoria, British Columbia on the first Sunday in August (the Sunday before BC Day). The event consists of the Victoria Symphony playing, live on a barge, in the middle of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Also included in the event is a very large fireworks display, as well as live cannon fire, during the 1812 Overture. The concert is led by Victoria Symphony Music Director Tania Miller. The 2011 event is the 22nd Victoria Symphony Splash.
The free event leads to about 40,000 spectators gathered around the Victoria waterfront, as well as on the grounds of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel. It is one of the largest annual symphony events in North America.[1] Hundreds of people also gather in boats and kayaks to watch the concert. Each year, a young soloist is a featured performer with the orchestra.
The 2008 event on Sunday, August 3, 2008 coincided with the 150th Anniversary of the founding of British Columbia Province and the capital, Victoria BC's 165th anniversary of its founding as Fort Victoria. On BC Day, August 4, 2008, BC Premier Gordon Campbell, Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and other politicians were on stage to start the festivities. Musicians/bands Colin James, Burton Cummings, Sarah McLachlan, and Feist performed in front of the Legislature Buildings, for approximately 40000 spectators.