Splash donations help keep Victoria Symphony afloat
Victoria Symphony Orchestra maestra Tania Miller guides musicians through a piece during the Bayview Residences Symphony Splash on Sunday in the Inner Harbour. Miller was replaced for one number in the opening half of the performance by a guest conductor.
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Updated: August 06, 2009 10:52 AM
Donations from this year's Bayview Symphony Splash are up $5,000 from last year.
Organizers raked in $75,000 from the Sunday night free concert in the Inner Harbour.
Thousands found cozy nooks on the legislative lawns or causeway where they enjoyed the three-hour show.
Some nestled in boats and others came with lawn chairs, blankets and snacks in hand for Splash's 20th birthday bash.
"The crowd really pulled through and showed their appreciation for the event," said Bethany Wilson, marketing director.
She banked on raising about $60,000 this year because of the poor economy and decline in tourism.
The whole event costs about $300,000, so it's significant fundraising initiative. Funds go directly to the Victoria Symphony.
Wilson said about 40,000 people attended the concert this year.
She said it's the "shared experience in a beautiful location with wonderful music" that keep people coming back year after year.
"Lots of people describe it as having a magical quality to it, especially when the sun is setting and the music is filtering accross the legislative lawns," Wilson said.
Symphony Splash 2009 featured hits from concerts past and the crowd loved the musical time warp.
New to this year's event was the parade of musicians through the crowd to the barge.
"They're the star of the show," she said.
Organizers are thinking about making the parade a permanent tradition of the show.
lweighton@vicnews.com
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