Johann Strauss under the summer stars!

Families can arrive early and take advantage of the beautiful summer weather in a magnificent park that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Located at the corner of boulevard L'Ile-des-Soeurs and Corot, West Vancouver Park is a popular hangout in the summer and has practically become synonymous with this annual outdoor concert, (organized by the Verdun borough as part of their summer line-up), which has been taking place here for years.

Music lovers will undoubtedly be enchanted with Johann Strauss' "Tausend und eine Nacht op. 346 Thousand and One Nights (1871). The waltzes Strauss wrote for Vienna's glittering balls made the waltz the world's favorite dance, and made Vienna itself the most romantic of cities. Islanders will be able to simply shut their eyes and be transported to that place and time.

As well, two works by composer Félix Mendelssohn: the overture of "Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage" and Symphony no 4, op. 90 "Italian", will also be performed.

Felix Mendelssohn is regarded by classical music aficionados and critics alike, as one of the most prolific and gifted composers the world has ever known. Even those who could not name any of his works have heard it, as his "Wedding March" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has accompanied many a bride down the aisle. He is regarded by some critics as the 19th century equivalent of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

All you need is your chair. Here's a wonderful opportunity for music lovers to enjoy a talented orchestra perform classic pieces and an even better opportunity for novices to initiate themselves into a genre of music they may know little about.

For more information on the concert, simply call 514-765-7150.