Miller, 36, who is based in Vancouver, began her tenure as music director with the VSO in 2003, having previously held assistant and associate conducting positions with the orchestra. She was the VSO's first female conductor.

She will receive a two percent salary increase each year, although the symphony did not reveal her current salary, according to the Colonist. Core musicians in the VSO earn C$24,000.

Ticket sales have risen and the VSO's deficit has decreased since Miller became music director, according to the paper.

Eric Charman, a longtime VSO fundraiser, told the Colonist, "I think she brought new life and a new era to the orchestra that was much needed. In a world where the two sexes should be equal, we've had an overdose of males in orchestras. She is not only excellent at what she does but she has a wonderful way of relating to audiences."

Miller told the paper she is proud of new programs like the New Currents Festival of Music, Reel Music and childrens' concerts she helped launch, adding that she is impressed by the level of support for music in Victoria.