Opera season opens ‘under the stars’ at UBC Okanagan

Opera Kelowna and UBC partner for summer evening concert

What: Opera Under the Stars – outdoor opera performance
Who: Free public event organized by Opera Kelowna and UBC Okanagan
When: 7 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2015
Where: UBC Okanagan outdoor amphitheatre (3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC)
More info: www.operakelowna.com

Opera lovers and those who want to get to know opera will enjoy a memorable summer evening at UBC Okanagan on Sunday, August 2, at 7 p.m.

Some of Canada’s best talent will gather for an evening of performances as Opera Kelowna opens its 2015 Summer Opera Series with "Opera Under the Stars," organized in partnership with UBC.

The free outdoor concert is one of the first events in UBC’s Centennial year, commemorating the start of UBC’s first classes in 1915. This year is also the 10th anniversary of UBC’s Okanagan campus, which opened in September 2005.

“The Okanagan is fast becoming the summer destination for art lovers,” says Opera Kelowna’s Artistic Director, Alexandra Babbel, who will host the evening. “We’re very excited to launch our Summer Opera Series with a concert at the university and invite the community – be they residents of the Okanagan or visitors to our region — to be part of a very special evening on August 2.”

The concert is free for those wishing to enjoy the concert from the lawn — pre-registration online is required. Attendees can also order preferred seating, plus food and wine options.

“Bring your best picnic wares or blanket and indulge in your favourite arias under the stars for free, or order a dining package ahead of time and your picnic basket and wine will be waiting for you,” says Babbel.

The program for Opera Under the Stars includes favourites such as the “The Flower Duet,” “The Pearl Fisher’s Duet," O Mio Babbino Caro, and excerpts from "The Marriage of Figaro," which will be performed fully staged and orchestrated in the  "Summer Opera Series" on August 14 and 15 at the Mary Irwin Theatre.

Sponsors and community partners for the evening and sponsors of the "Summer Opera Series" include:

·         UBC Centennial Fund
·         Argus Properties Ltd.
·         Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport
·         The Hotel Eldorado
·         Harmony Acura
·         Springfield Funeral Homes
·         50th Parallel Estate Winery
·         Okanagan Spirits
·         Artist Charla Maarschalk
·         Orah Spa + Salon
·         Bliss Bridal Boutique
·         Michelle Henseleit of The Well Dressed Window

Community and private foundation partners include the Central Okanagan Foundation, the City of Kelowna, the Almond Family Fund – In Memory of Sean Almond at the Central Okanagan Foundation, and Business for the Arts.

Tickets for Opera Under the Stars can be ordered online at www.operakelowna.com.