Yesterday, I made my way with a couple of friends and a blanket, to Deer Lake Park for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual Symphony in the Park free concert! Not expecting a huge crowd (as it wasn’t well advertised – I live across the street from the VSO’s headquarters and didn’t hear a thing about it), we made our way a bit late and got to the park just as the performance was starting.
To my surprise the park was overflowing with lawn chairs and blankets spread out past the normal concert bowl area, spilling out past the hot dog and lemonade vendor’s booths. As the entire hilled area was covered in lawn chairs, it didn’t make much sense to try to find a spot where we could squish our blanket as we’d be starting at people’s backs, so we made our way to the back of the field…behind the vendors.
Perfoming popular classics and showtunes, the VSO played for nearly 2 hours, with a brief intermission at the half-way mark. While it was a lovely way to spend an evening, unfortunately, due to the size of the crowd, I heard more people’s conversations than I did of the symphony and I spent the entire time staring at mini donuts (although not a bad thing per se).
I’d definitely recommend attending next year – but would advise to go early. Next year I’m packing a picnic dinner and heading a couple hours before the VSO takes the stage!