The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), is excited to announce the return of Symphony at Sunset, an open-air concert taking place on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Sunset Beach Park.

“Last year, Symphony at Sunset was the first large-scale event presented by the Park Board since the pandemic,” says Vancouver Park Board Chair, Scott Jensen. “It was more successful than we could have imagined with nearly 15,000 people in attendance, an incredible show and a breathtaking sunset. This year, we’re looking forward to hosting the free event again at Sunset Beach Park.”

This year, concert-goers will be humming along to recognizable music from Jurassic Park, Star Wars, The William Tell Overture, and Max Richter’s The Four Seasons Recomposed!

The prelude performance will begin at 6:30pm with a special performance by the VSO School of Music’s Sinfonietta ensemble. True to its name, the concert will finish with a sunset performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra starting with an orchestral arrangement of the Coast Salish Anthem, gifted to the VSO by the grandson of the late Chief Dan George.

Maestro Otto Tausk will be conducting the concert and is now in his sixth season as Music Director of the VSO. Over the past few years in Vancouver, Tausk has led innovative reimagined seasons leaving audiences speechless. 

“We are thrilled to return to Sunset Beach for an evening of beautiful music with Vancouver’s world-class orchestra,” states VSO Music Director Otto Tausk. “I am excited to join the people of Vancouver as we celebrate the joy of creating live music amongst the fantastic scenery of the city.”

Event grounds will be open all day for picnic-goers to set up early, as space will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. A friendly reminder to bring low chairs so as not to obstruct the view of other audience members. The Sunset Beach concession stand will be open for delicious food and drinks throughout the day and into the evening, as well as several food trucks parked throughout the grounds.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023

Time:

VSO School of Music Play Zone – 2:00 p.m.

Prelude concert with VSO School of Music’s Sinfonietta – 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Concert – 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Sunset Beach Park

Admission: Free

For information about symphony at sunset please visit vancouver.ca/symphonyatsunset.

For information about VSO, please visit vancouversymphony.ca.