It's one of the highlights of the summer -- the glorious strains of classical music floating over the city as the sun sets on the Inner Harbour and 40,000 spectators sway along.
But Symphony Splash isn't just Victoria's biggest public participation event. The annual show, which celebrates its 21st anniversary on Sunday, is a key fundraiser for the Victoria Symphony, adding $75,000 to the orchestra's coffers last year. And symphony executive director Mitchell Krieger hopes attendees will open not only their ears but their pocketbooks Sunday night to surpass last year's total.
The event is free, but dozens of yellow-shirted volunteers will work the crowd for donations, handing out Splash buttons and stickers in exchange for a little cash. Krieger is hoping for a contribution of $5 per person to go toward both Splash and the symphony's operating budget.
"That money doesn't go into anybody's pocket -- it becomes music," Krieger said.
It costs about $360,000 to produce Symphony Splash, a grand spectacle that includes about 40 musicians, fireworks, a massive sound system and a custom-built floating stage moored at the Inner Harbour.
The cost is covered by in-kind and cash donations from sponsors, government, fundraising events, merchandise sales, grandstand seat rentals, donations from food vendors and audience contributions.
The event wouldn't be possible without the help of corporate sponsors and about 350 volunteers, Krieger said. This year, after Splash lost its title sponsor, a new fundraising initiative called Band of Heroes was launched. The symphony appealed to local businesses and individuals to donate a minimum of $1,000. So far $57,000 has been raised from 55 businesses, Krieger said -- "and it's still going!"
Tania Miller, the symphony's conductor and music director, said Symphony Splash brings orchestral music to audiences that might never attend a symphony concert.
"People who are coming to Symphony Splash are seeing how music makes the community great," she said. "To support the Victoria Symphony means that you are supporting beauty and expression and the creation of culture, and making it live long in the community."
