If you’ve ever thought about checking out the opera or the symphony but hesitated because of ticket prices or the idea that classical music is too formal, this weekend offers a perfect opportunity to give it a try.
The first-ever Seattle Center Classical festival is bringing six hours of free live performances to Seattle Center on Sunday, July 5, from noon to 6 p.m. The event takes place on the north lawn by the International Fountain and is completely open to the public. There are no tickets or reservations required; just bring a blanket or lawn chair, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy the performances for as long as you’d like.
The day’s performances will take place on the stage of the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s mobile Concert Truck. Some of Seattle’s best-known performing arts organizations will take the stage, including Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Seattle Chamber Music Society and Early Music Seattle. Each group will perform highlights from its repertoire, giving audiences a chance to experience everything from orchestral favorites to opera classics. Seattle Opera’s set will feature selections from The Pirates of Penzance, La Bohème and Die Fledermaus.
The festival isn’t limited to sitting and listening. Families can explore hands-on activities throughout the afternoon, including an so-called “instrument petting zoo” and interactive music education experiences and booths hosted by local arts organizations such as KUOW, TeenTix, WALKDONTRUN and SIFF. You will even have the chance to try on actual opera costumes at the opera’s pop-up costume booth!
The afternoon wraps up with a community singalong led by conductors and singers from the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium. Everyone is encouraged to join in, regardless of musical experience.
Organized by KING-FM in partnership with Seattle Center, the festival aims to make classical music more welcoming and accessible for everyone. If the inaugural event is a success, organizers hope it will become a new annual Seattle tradition.
