The Magic Flute and more uplifting arias and overtures, at open-air Opera in the Park July 16
Vancouver Opera music director emeritus Jonathan Darlington takes the podium for the concert by Deer Lake

Jonathan Darlington conducts Opera in the Park.

Audiences converge on Deer Lake for the event.
The City of Burnaby presents Opera in the Park on July 16, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE is set in a magical unknown land, beginning with Prince Tamino getting lost in a wild forest.
That makes the opera’s glimmering music just about perfect for Vancouver Opera’s concert outdoors on a summer’s eve by Deer Lake in Burnaby.
As part of Opera in the Park, presented by the City of Burnaby, the company and its orchestra present such iconic pieces as the Queen of the Night’s stratospheric aria “Der hölle Rache” and the fun “Pa–, pa–, pa–, Papageno”.
On the podium is accomplished conductor Jonathan Darlington, the beloved maestro who served 20 years as musical director at the VO.
Uplifting hits abound on a program that should please neophyte families and aficionados alike. Think Donizetti’s sublime soprano showcase “So anch'io la virtù magica” from the opera buffa Don Pasquale, and the rousing, iconic overture from Carmen.
Head to the park early for free family activities and food trucks, bring a blanket or chair and a picnic to spread out on the festival lawn. As the sun sets, you might end up feeling like you're in a Mozart fairy tale.
Janet Smith is cofounder and editorial director of Stir. She is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.
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