Music this year will tie into the theme of celebration and will be centered on dance, specifically the tango. Most of the music being performed was written by Astor Piazzolla, an Argentinian composer who revolutionized tango music into a new form: nuevo tango. VSO has also asked the incredible Dutch bandoneon artist, Carel Kraayenhof, who has performed with international artists including Sting, Ennio Morricone, and Yo-Yo Ma, to join as a featured soloist. 

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. 

The prelude performance will begin at 6:30pm with performances by faculty and students from the VSO School of Music and a variety of soloists. True to its name, the concert will finish with a sunset performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra starting with an orchestra arrangement of the Coast Salish Anthem, gifted to the VSO by the grandson of the late Chief Dan George.

Event details

Date: Saturday, July 2, 2022

Time:

• Prelude concert: 6:30pm to 7:50pm
• Concert: 8pm to 9:30pm

Admission: Free

* 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

Getting there

Conveniently located at Sunset Beach, the location is easy to get to via bike, transit or by foot from the downtown core.

By transit

Located right off Beach Avenue, the 23 Beach bus takes you directly to the event site. The 23 bus route starts at Main Street Skytrain station and passes through both the Stadium and Yaletown Skytrain stations. Other bus routes operating close to the event site includes both the Robson bus and Davie Street Bus.

By bike

If you're planning to bike to the concert, bike racks will be available for you to park and lock your bike while you enjoy the event. Bike rack capacity is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

By car

Parking in the area is very limited, but if you must drive, consider parking in Stanley Park and walking to the event site. Arrive early and allow plenty of time to find parking.

Amenities and services

Both food concessions and trucks will be available on-site to offer a variety of food and beverages. There will be an accessible viewing area located on the south side of the event grounds. For more information and to locate amenities look for the information booth located on the southwest side of the event site.