Celebrate Music and Movement at the Sooke Philharmonic Fling on July 5

The Sooke Philharmonic Fling returns on Sunday, July 5 at 2:30 p.m., inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of live orchestral music, movement and summer fun at Ed Macgregor Park, 6754 West Coast Road.

This year’s theme is Music and Movement, and everyone is encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, at least in spirit. Guests are invited to come dressed for the occasion, whether in a traditional costume, ballet attire, cowboy hats and boots, baroque-inspired fashion, or another creative outfit.

David Stewart, well known in Sooke for his involvement with the Harmony Project and his exceptional violin playing, will return to conduct the orchestra.

“Come dressed up and ready to dance!” says Stewart. “Wear a traditional costume: a Norwegian bunad, your tutu and pointe ballet shoes, cowboy hats and boots, a baroque costume — late baroque, please — or anything else you have stored in your attic. Now’s the time and place to use them!”

The program will include a Beethoven ballet overture, Bach gavottes, Grieg’s Norwegian Dances, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet and a patriotic march by Sibelius. The Sooke Philharmonic Society is also pleased to welcome the Sooke Folk Music Society to this summer’s Fling.

Community members are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, sunscreen, a hat and anything else needed to enjoy an outdoor afternoon of music. The day’s events will also include a 50/50 draw and a prize draw.

Parking at the site is limited. Attendees are encouraged to carpool or use alternative transportation where possible. Those wishing to walk may park at Sooke Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road, and enjoy a 1.2 km, or approximately 15 minute, walk to the site.

This free annual event is open to all and is brought to the community by the Sooke Philharmonic Society, orchestra members and many dedicated volunteers.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to the Sooke Community Hall.