Vancouver, CANADA (June 21, 2022) — The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) returns to outdoor stages in Vancouver and Burnaby for two free summer concerts. Audiences can join the fun at Sunset Beach for a Canada Day long weekend celebration on Sat, July 2, and at Deer Lake Park on Sat, July 16.
The VSO returns for the 3rd annual Symphony at Sunset at Sunset Beach Park on July 2, hosted by the Vancouver Park Board. The prelude performance will begin at 7 PM with performances by the VSO School of Music’s Intermezzo and Sinfonietta ensembles performing music from beloved films such as Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles and Dreamwork’s Kung Fu Panda. True to its name, the concert will finish with a sunset performance by the VSO and Maestro Otto Tausk at 8 PM starting with an orchestra arrangement of the Coast Salish Anthem, gifted to the VSO by the grandson of the late Chief Dan George.
Perfect for a summer sunset celebration, the remaining repertoire centres on a Latin Nights theme. Along with music from Bizet’s beloved opera Carmen, full of Spanish drama and flair, the Latin-infused program features many works by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, who revolutionized tango music into a new form: nuevo tango. Playing with the VSO will be master Dutch musician Carel Kraayenhof, an internationally acclaimed master of the bandoneon (think an Argentinian accordion made specifically for tango music), who Piazzolla specifically wrote music for. Kraayenhof’s solos and the rhythms of the VSO will be sure to have Vancouver audiences swaying to the sultry music, if not dancing the tango by sunset!
On July 16, the VSO returns to Deer Lake Park for the 33rd annual Symphony in the Park hosted by the City of Burnaby. Symphony in the Park officially starts at 6 PM with a performance by the VSO School of Music’s Azalea Chinese Music Ensemble. At 7 PM, the VSO and conductor Andrew Crust will transport listeners to other worlds, whether it’s the gritty streets of New York (Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story), the story of an alien visitor (Main Theme from E.T. by John Williams) or one of the greatest love stories of all time (Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet “Fantasy Overture”).
On both concert days, event grounds will be open all day for picnic-goers to set up early, as space will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Each will feature the family-friendly Kids’ Creativity Zone, including musical activities for the youngest audience members. Several food trucks will be parked throughout the grounds at both events, and at Sunset Beach, the concession stand will be open for delicious food and drinks throughout the day and into the evening. Rehearsals by the evening’s performers will occur in the afternoon for park-goers to enjoy music throughout the day.
A friendly reminder to bring low chairs to not obstruct the view of other audience members. The VSO encourages the use of reusable water bottles. Outside food and drink are welcome at both venues. Parking is limited so alternate modes of transportation are recommended. If driving, allow for extra time and arrive well in advance.
