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Free symphony concert includes themes from over 15 movies

Event takes place Friday, Aug. 16 at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford
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Violinist Calvin Dyck (joined by Ethan Collison) will be the featured soloist at a free symphony concert in Mill Lake Park on Friday. The event includes themes from Star Wars. (Submitted photo)

Songs Strings and Steps presents a free symphony concert in Mill Lake Park on Friday, Aug. 16.

The event features epic-movie themes with community entertainment, food trucks, mini golf, free popcorn, face painting and other family-friendly activities.

Community entertainment at the park starts at 4 p.m. The lineup includes the MEI Pep Band, the Sada Virsa Bhangra Dancers, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble and the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance.

The symphony concert begins at 7 p.m. with themes from over 15 popular movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Mission Impossible, Les Miserables, and Pride and Prejudice.

There will also be music from some more recent hits, including The Avengers and How to Train Your Dragon.

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Just before the orchestra presents themes from Star Wars, there will be a presentation of prizes for those dressed in Star Wars costumes.

In addition, the orchestra will perform themes from Bernstein’s West Side Story accompanied by dancers from the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance.

The concert will also feature the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, which will perform choreography to Victory by the English group Bond.

Violinist Calvin Dyck will be featured as soloist on Cinema Paradiso and Married Life from the animated film Up.

The concert will end with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, which features six “cannon shots” provided by the audience popping thousands of paper lunch bags in unison.

The concert takes place on the south side of Mill Lake Park, off of Bevan Avenue.

Parking will be available at the MSA Arena or nearby schools. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs.

Admission is free, but donations will be collected to help cover costs.