Opera in the Movies brings cinematic arias and overtures to Deer Lake Park in free family concert July 17

Music from The Godfather and Mission Impossible as free family concert features Jonathan Darlington conducting the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and singers

Vancouver Opera and the City of Burnaby present Opera at the Movies takes place at Deer Lake on July 17 at 7:30 pm, with Opera in the Park activities launching at 1 pm. Admission is free.

VANCOUVER OPERA kicks off its inaugural Opera in the Park program with a trip to the movies.

The free outdoor family day culminates in Opera at the Movies, an evening ode to the arias and overtures you know from the world of film, all at Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park. Think Madame Butterfly’s “Humming Chorus” from House of Gucci; La Traviata’s “Brindisi” from The Godfather; Turandot’s “Nessun Dorma” from Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation; The Pearl Fishers’ “Au fond du temple saint” from Gallipoli; and Nabbuco’s “Va pensiero” from Match Point.

Vancouver Opera is launching the annual celebration, in partnership with the City of Burnaby, as a way of reconnecting with a wider audience after pandemic shutdowns.

The event begins at 1 pm with food trucks, balloon twisters, face-painting, stiltwalkers, roaming performances by CircusWest and the Can Do’s, and more. There’s also an instrument “petting zoo” for children.

The concert at 7:30 pm on the Deer Lake Mainstage features the Vancouver Opera orchestra, chorus, and principal singers, all led by acclaimed music director emeritus Jonathan Darlington and chorus director Tina Chang.

Soloists include soprano Natalie Image, mezzo-soprano Meghan Latham, tenor Andrew Haji, and bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch.

Some tips: Arrive early because parking is limited. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs, but leave your large tents and sun umbrellas at home. And outside food is allowed.

You can find the full program and more information here.

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