Central Okanagan festival brings classical music to Kerry Park

OVATION in the Park will bring classical voice, piano and strings to Kerry Park in downtown Kelowna from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 26. Admission is free. Graphic: Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival

Kelowna’s downtown waterfront will host classical voice, strings and piano Wednesday as the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival presents OVATION in the Park. The free concert runs Aug. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kerry Park, 1480 Mill St., and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Performers from across the Central Okanagan will present opera arias, art songs, musical-theatre duets and folk music. COPAF’s lineup includes opera singers, soloists, the Candesca and AMICI ensembles, along with violin and cello performers.

Candesca is an auditioned, award-winning singing ensemble of young women based in Kelowna, while AMICI is an auditioned mixed-voice ensemble. Alexandra Babbel, artistic director of both groups, will host the concert, with Graham Vink providing accompaniment.

COPAF said the outdoor concert will provide another public stage for emerging and established performers while helping the organization remain connected with the community beyond its spring festival season. OVATION in the Park is being presented in partnership with Meet Me on Bernard and the Downtown Kelowna Association.

The board-governed nonprofit runs an annual regional festival where dancers, singers, pianists and string musicians perform before adjudicators and receive feedback. COPAF marked its 98th festival season in 2025, while its 2026 dance, voice, piano and strings events were scheduled between March and April, followed by the OVATION Gala and awards ceremony on May 15.