Opera & Arias: Gilbert & Sullivan! Mondays – August 24 and August 31 at Bard on the Beach • Under the Tents in Vanier Park

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival presents its annual Opera & Arias concerts with highlights from Gilbert and Sullivan classics. Enjoy the 26^th season of Bard on the Beach by attending a live performance of well-loved selections from The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and more.

The gifted young stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra bring Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas to life over the course of two evenings at the end of August. Experience the charm of Gilbert and Sullivan with memorable melodies that will leave you humming long after you’ve left the theatre. Delight in the wit and whimsy of songs such as “I’m Called Little Buttercup”, “Three Little Maids”, “I am the Very Model…” and “Then One of Us”, along with a selection of some of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular pieces. UBC’s Nancy Hermiston directs the in-concert staging with conductor Leslie Dala leading the musicians. All performances are hosted by Bard Artistic Director Christopher Gaze. “I’m so pleased to bring the glorious music of Gilbert and Sullivan to our audiences this summer,” said Gaze. “Their music is filled with such tradition and sentiment. Showcasing their marvelous operettas is an opportunity to bring the beauties of our youth to a new generation. It’ll be tremendous fun!”

UBC Opera Ensemble was created in 1995 by Professor Hermiston and draws from advanced students in the UBC School of Music. For Gilbert & Sullivan!, the talented cast will feature both familiar and debut soloists.

Matinee performances (2pm) and evening performances (7:30pm) are on Monday, August 24 and Monday, August 31. The concerts are on Bard’s BMO Mainstage, backed by a spectacular vista of mountains, sea and sky.

Ticket prices for 2015 include all applicable fees and taxes and begin at $26. The Global BC Youth Price is also available. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection; many performances sell out in advance. Full pricing information and site and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559 or order online through the Bard website.

Bard on the Beach gratefully acknowledges its 2015 Season Sponsor, Goldcorp, and the event sponsor of Opera & Arias: Gilbert & Sullivan!, Primacorp Ventures Inc.

ABOUT BARD ON THE BEACH FESTIVAL

Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Established in 1990, Bard is an annual summer festival with a mission to perform, explore and celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare, surrounded by the natural beauty of Vancouver, British Columbia.