Opera Under the Stars returns to UBC with New June Date
Opera Kelowna’s beloved summer tradition, Opera Under the Stars (OPUS), returns to enchant audiences at the UBC Okanagan campus for a new date of June 27.
Presented by Pushor Mitchell LLP and UBC Okanagan, this free summer event promises an evening of exceptional musical performances.
The 90-minute concert, hosted by Rosemary Thomson, Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna, will feature a dynamic selection of well-loved operatic arias, ensembles, and musical theatre pieces. Four distinguished singers—Jason Cook (baritone), Martin Renner Wallace (tenor), Stephanie Tritchew (mezzo), and Kelly Coubrough (soprano) will be accompanied by piano. This year’s program includes popular favourites and lesser-known gems, promising a rich experience for both opera aficionados and newcomers.
“Opera Under the Stars is an event that welcomes everyone to share in the extraordinary power of music,” says Rosemary Thomson, Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna. “The decision to move this outdoor event out of the August slot gives us an opportunity to connect with our community at the beginning of the summer season.”
The performance kicks off at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for pre-show socializing. The main campus courtyard will feature open festival-style seating. Guests are invited to bring their favourite blankets or chairs and may bring their own picnic. For those wishing to have a hassle-free dining experience or enjoy wine during the concert, they can pre-purchase a picnic basket from Midtown Station Kitchen + Drink during registration.
“We are thrilled to be able to sponsor Opera Under the Stars again this year,” says Alison Memory, Partner at Pushor Mitchell LLP and Opera Kelowna President. “At Pushor Mitchell, we strive to support the arts in our community, while keeping them accessible for everyone. It is organizations like Opera Kelowna, and free events like Opera Under the Stars, that help make that happen.”
Attendees can also enhance their night by choosing the ‘OPUS Elevated Experience,’ starting at 6:45 pm. Priced at $80, this premium ticket includes reserved seating for the performance, access to an exhibition at the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, and a pre-concert reception featuring wines from Bench 1775 Winery and gourmet passed trays from Midtown Station Kitchen + Drink.
As in previous years, parking will be free for the evening, and accessibility services will be provided.
“Performing arts play a vital role in Kelowna and in the Okanagan valley, and we are privileged to have such a strong partnership with Opera Kelowna. The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBCO is looking forward to this year’s Opera Under the Stars, one of Kelowna’s signature summer events,” says Bryce Traister, Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies.
Registration for this much-anticipated event opens on May 22. Given the event’s popularity and its consistent record of selling out, early registration is strongly encouraged.
For additional information or to register, visit operakelowna.com.
