Maestro Jacques Lacombe will Conduct July 19 Opera in the Park

VANCOUVER OPERA’S MUSIC DIRECTOR CONDUCTS
OPERA IN THE PARK ON JULY 19

MAESTRO JACQUES LACOMBE RE-APPOINTED
MUSIC DIRECTOR AT VANCOUVER OPERA

Vancouver Opera is thrilled to announce the re-appointment of Maestro Jacques Lacombe as VO’s Music Director, continuing an exciting chapter in the company’s history.

“We are delighted to extend our Music Director contract with Maestro Jacques Lacombe for another three years,” said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “The award-winning Maestro has brought nuance, power, and artistic integrity to many VO productions as our Music Director. We are honoured to have him continue this key leadership role, as he has built strong relationships with the singers, musicians, and administrators at VO during his first three years as Music Director, as well as throughout his more than two-decade association with the company. This appointment reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class opera to our audiences.”

Audiences have an opportunity to watch Music Director Jacques Lacombe lead the Vancouver Opera Orchestra at the beloved Opera in the Park. This highly-anticipated annual, free, family-friendly event is an evening of duets, arias, and timeless music on the lawn of the picturesque Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. Last year, over 7,500 people enjoyed beautiful sounds and idyllic surrounds, and on Sunday, July 19 we’ll gather to hear highlights from the upcoming 2026–2027 season, including pieces from Puccini’s Tosca, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, and Verdi’s La Traviata. Audiences are invited to come early for the Pre-Concert Celebration, VOICES RISING 2026, a special free event that showcases the power and diversity of the human voice. VOICES RISING will feature two extraordinary musical ensembles, Tzo’kam and Sarabande. They’ll be joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus—adding even more vocal brilliance to this moving musical experience.

“I am deeply honoured to continue my relationship with the Vancouver Opera family and lead the enchantingOpera in the Park,” said Maestro Jacques Lacombe. “Vancouver Opera has a rich tradition of artistic excellence, and their work continues to push the envelope of opera each season. I look forward to my continued collaboration with this outstanding team as we create unforgettable experiences for our audiences and continue to elevate extraordinary talent.”

As Vancouver Opera’s Music Director, Lacombe will lead the musical direction of upcoming productions and will conduct the 2026–2027 season-opening production of Tosca as well as the season-closer, La Traviata.Jonathan Darlington will continue to provide artistic contributions and consultation in his role as Vancouver Opera Music Director Emeritus.

“The creative force of Music Director Emeritus Jonathan Darlington has been an incredible boost to the profile of Vancouver Opera in the global opera community and we are honoured to have Maestro Jacques Lacombe continue to build on the legacy of Vancouver Opera globally,” adds Wright.

Single tickets for Tosca, The Barber of Seville, and La Traviata are now on sale. For more information about Vancouver Opera and season tickets, visit vancouveropera.ca.