City of Burnaby hosts Symphony in the Park on July 15, and Opera in the Park on July 16

Free Deer Lake Park concerts feature artists of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera

SPONSORED POST BY City of Burnaby

Symphony in the Park 2022. Photo by Sarah Race

Shadbolt Centre for the Arts presents the return of two annual outdoor events: Symphony in the Park with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on July 15 at 7:30 pm, and Opera in the Park with Vancouver Opera on July 16 at 7:30 pm. Both concerts will be held at Deer Lake Park.

For over 30 years, Symphony in the Park has been a summer favourite—not only to the residents of Burnaby, but to patrons from all over the region. The free outdoor concert features the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra led by their RBC assistant conductor David Bui, performing exceptional music surrounded by the beauty of the park.

This year’s performance of Symphony in the Park will transport listeners to other worlds, whether it’s the story of a British spy in Monty Norman’s James Bond Theme, an adventure through another galaxy in Suite for Orchestra: III. Imperial March by John Williams, or the tale of a young wizard in Williams’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone I. Hedwig's Theme.

Guests will also be treated to a prelude performance by Azalea Chinese Music Ensemble. Plus, there will be a Musical Play Zone for the youngest audience members to experience music-making throughout the evening.

Symphony in the Park 2022. Photo by Sarah Race

Opera in Park returns for a second annual performance, featuring classics such as Habanera in Carmen by Georges Bizet, Overture from The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and So anch'io la virtù magica from Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti.

The show is led by Vancouver Opera’s music conductor emeritus Jonathan Darlington, who has held the position since 2018 after completing a successful term of nearly 20 years as music director. He has led the company in a repertoire ranging from Mozart through Verdi, Puccini and Strauss, to Tan Dun and Jake Heggie. Fluent in several languages, the English-born and -educated conductor now resides in Paris.

Guests are invited to arrive early to both events for free family activities and food trucks. Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic, and settle in for a wonderful evening with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera.

Information on the free shows can be found here for Opera in the Park, and here for Symphony in the Park.

Post sponsored by City of Burnaby.

Opera in the Park 2022. Photo by Sarah Race