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Kurt Browning takes centre stage with Victoria Symphony

Skating icon talks musical inspiration
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By Sara Wilson

Canadian figure skating icon Kurt Browning and the Victoria Symphony join forces to relive routines and take audiences behind the scenes of the figure skating world.

The Canadian icon will take the stage at the Royal Theatre, Jan. 27 to the backdrop of music from the Phantom of the Opera, Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, Carmen and more.

“Kurt Browning is one of the best known skaters in the Figure Skating world. We’re thrilled to bring him to Victoria where the orchestra will play music from some of his most famous routines,” said Jill Smillie, director of marketing for the Victoria Symphony. “He’ll narrate throughout the concert and show visuals of routines and montages of his favourite figure skating moments.”

Born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta and raised in Caroline, Alberta, Browning is a four-time Canadian figure skating champion and four-time World Champion.

Browning represented Canada in three Winter Olympics, 1988 (finishing 8th overall), 1992 (6th) and 1994 (5th), and was given the privilege of carrying the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway. Browning’s other achievements also include three Canadian Professional Championships, three World Professional Championships, a Lou Marsh Trophy for top Canadian athlete (in 1990), Lionel Conacher Award winner (1990 and 1991), Order of Canada recipient (in 1990), an American Skating World Professional Skater of the Year Award (in 1998), and a Gustav Lussi Award from the Professional Skaters’ Association (in 2001).

The only trophy that he’s never won was an Olympic medal. He is also known as the Wayne Gretzky of figure skating due to his achievements, contributions to the sport and popularity in Canada.

“(Audiences can expect) Browning to tell stories and share his insider view of when he was at the top of the figure skating world. Live music and visuals of previous routines set to this music (will dominate the show). The (show) will be using technology new at the theatre, so the visuals should be spectacular. With the Olympics right around the corner, it’s a unique view of figure skating,”Smillie said.

Tickets are $32 – $85 Show times are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information visit rmts.bc.ca