A summer tradition in Nanaimo continues on Saturday with the Symphony in the Harbour.
On Saturday, it will be the sixth year for this free family and community event presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony at Maffeo Sutton Park. The popular event, which attracts people from all over central Vancouver Island, draws crowds of up to 7,000
"I think it's a fantastic thing to do," says an excited conductor Marlin Wolfe, "And we have a different program each year that is good for everybody - all popular music."
From rousing passion to relaxation to fun the 2006 program takes the audience from Berlioz and Rossini to the swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean.
"We will also perform Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik to celebrate both his 250th Birthday and our new CD," continues Wolfe. "And we have three pieces about flowers to honour the Nanaimo Horticultural Society's 60th anniversary. Of course, we will be closing with the traditional 1812 Overture."
Nanaimo's own bass-baritone Shae Apland will be joining the VI Symphony for the romantic Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, the powerful Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha and images of the deep South with Old Man River from Showboat.
Beginning at 4:15 p.m., NoteworthyKids will be hosting their second annual (and highly popular) Musical Instrument Zoo where for a Toonie kids can try out all kinds of different musical instruments.
Before 6 p.m. the VI Symphony will announce the winner of the draw for two red leather Carlyle recliners. The winner and guest get to watch the concert in total comfort, compliments of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, and later the recliners will be delivered to their home.
Tickets for the draw are available at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries at Country Club Mall, Swiss Chalet, Turley's Florist, Coast Community Credit Unions and near the bandshell on Saturday afternoon.
For more information call 754-0177 or visit www.viso.bc.ca