BANFF – The Bow Valley is gearing up for summer fun and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity doesn’t intend to disappoint.
Kicking off on May 24 with Ghost Opera by Calgary’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop, the centre is planning more than 100 free events and more than 20 ticketed events for tourists and valley residents to soak up – along with the sun of course.
Howard Jang, the vice-president of art and leadership at the Banff Centre, said the summer is really a time to show the public what types of art and performance the centre is really involved with.
“The weather is an opportunity to step away from the winter and things like the amphitheater really gives us a chance to present in interesting ways,” he said.
Jang said along with summer classics like Blue Rodeo returning, there will be a number of unique performances hitting the various stages, including a chance to sit in on open dance rehearsals.
“We’re working with Jean Grand-Maître on a new workshop based on Frankenstein,” said Jang. Maître is a nationally renowned choreographer and artistic director for the Alberta Ballet.
“It will be open to the public … so people can get a real sense of what Banff Centre does up here.”
Alongside dance, the centre will offer a variety of concerts, such as new compositions from Alvin Lucier, Paul Wiancko and more. There’ll be mountainside readings, jazz, creative music and, what Jang said he’s most excited for, opera.
“We have a really interesting array of opera programs,” he said.
“There’s an interesting production called No One’s Safe that’s a murder mystery where the audience moves around and actually experiences this opera that moves the story through different locations at the centre.”
The outdoor concert series at the Shaw Amphitheatre will feature artists like John Prine, Alvvays and the Bahamas.
Needless to say, there will be no shortage on summer activities. For Jang, well he’s really excited about spending another summer enjoying what the centre has to offer.
“I’m excited to experience my first string-quartette competition, I’ve never actually seen one here before. I’m really excited about No One’s Safe … I think that’s going to be really special,” he said.
You can visit www.banffcentre.ca for more information on upcoming events during the summer season.
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