Building Community through Music

The research is clear: for everyone, but especially for youth, elder and disadvantaged populations, music can powerfully aid in cognition, resilience and social connection. Through programs and partnerships with local schools and social service organizations, Victoria Symphony strives to make these benefits widely accessible. Learn how music is playing a vital role in fostering innovation, inclusivity and social cohesion across our region.

Matt White spent his early career as a vocal soloist performing and recording with top-flight opera companies and symphonies around the world. Highlights included appearances at the Glyndebourne Festival, New York City Opera, Boston Early Music Festival, Houston Grand Opera and with the San Francisco Symphony, Toronto Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Netherlands Bach Society, Bach Collegium Japan and many more. He then became an administrator and driver of classical music in the Lower Mainland providing strategic oversight and direction as the Executive and Artistic Director of Early Music Vancouver (EMV). From 2012, Matthew played a central part in more than doubling EMV’s budget and administrative capacity as well as in dramatically growing EMV’s audience. EMV now offers one of the most ambitious programs of its type in North America, presenting and producing between 40-50 concerts per year featuring internationally renowned local, regional and guest artists. Known for his strength in artistic programming, audience development, community leadership and collaboration, White stepped into the position of CEO at the Victoria Symphony in October 2020.