Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford

Songs Strings & Steps is a series of concerts produced by Calvin Dyck who, among many things, is the Artistic Director of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra.

In this article you’ll find information about Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford, the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra and the Eagle Peak Trio. You’ll also learn about the Christmas concert presented by Songs Strings & Steps in December, and a bit about Calvin Dyck himself.

Abbotsford’s Songs Strings & Steps

Songs Strings & Steps is a series of concerts and shows produced by concert violinist and conductor Calvin Dyck. The performances often bring together the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, professional musicians, dancers, vocalists and other local performers for programs that combine classical music with popular favourites and family-friendly entertainment.

The concert series has become known for bringing live orchestral music into community settings throughout the Fraser Valley. Productions range from outdoor summer concerts to festive holiday performances, with programs designed to appeal to both classical music audiences and families looking for accessible live entertainment.

For the organization’s official website, visit calvindyck.com.

Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford

Symphony in the Park

Symphony in the Park is one of the community-focused productions presented through Songs Strings & Steps. The outdoor concert takes place at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford and combines live orchestral music with family entertainment in a relaxed park setting.

Symphony in the Park takes place on a Friday evening in mid-August at Mill Lake Park, with the Bevan Avenue entrance providing access to the event. The event features a professional symphony orchestra along with members and alumni of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra.

The program at the concert includes a mix of classical compositions and recognizable popular music. Featured selections have included Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Overture, a movement from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, Viva La Vida, the Superman March, Conga del Fuego and music from Mission: Impossible and The Sound of Music.

Food trucks are available at the event and admission is by donation. Visitors can bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music in the park.

To learn more about this event, see our article about Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford.

Abbotsford's Symphony in the Park

Abbotsford Youth Orchestra

The Abbotsford Youth Orchestra is a part of Songs Strings & Steps productions and provides young musicians with opportunities to perform alongside professional artists and other experienced performers.

The orchestra has appeared in both seasonal and community concerts produced by Calvin Dyck. Their performances add a youth-focused element to the concerts while giving local musicians the opportunity to participate in larger orchestral productions.

The Abbotsford Youth Orchestra has also been featured in holiday programming including performances incorporating Celtic music and choreography. Its involvement reflects the emphasis Songs Strings & Steps places on supporting young musicians and connecting them with the Abbotsford arts community.

To learn more about this group, click Abbotsford Youth Orchestra.

Eagle Peak Trio

The Eagle Peak Trio is a group of three very accomplished musicians. They include Calvin Dyck on violin, Oliver de Clercq on French horn, and Ian Parker on piano.

Oliver de Clercq is the associate principal horn player for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and teaches at the VSO Institute of Music. Ian Parker has a master’s degree in music and has performed with orchestras across Canada and around the world. Calvin Dyck, meanwhile, in addition to having been the Concertmaster of the Vancouver Island Symphony for two and a half decades, has a doctorate in violin performance.

To book the group, contact Calvin at dyck.calvin@gmail.com.

Christmas Concerts

Songs Strings & Steps also presents festive Christmas concerts featuring large-scale ensembles and a variety of local performers. The Christmas productions bring together a full symphony orchestra, singers, dancers and guest performers for programs built around familiar holiday music and seasonal favourites.

One Christmas production in the past featured more than 100 performers on stage including the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, award-winning dancers and a vocal quartet from Trinity Western University. The program included selections inspired by The Nutcracker, The Polar Express and The Grinch alongside other traditional Christmas favourites.

The Christmas concerts have also featured orchestral works such as Prokofiev’s Troika as well as arrangements of well-known seasonal songs.

In addition to the performances, Christmas concerts include door prizes and concessions with proceeds from concession sales supporting the Archway Food Bank.

To give you an idea of what to expect at one of the Christmas concerts, check out the following video.

About Calvin Dyck

Calvin Dyck is a concert violinist, conductor, artistic director and producer who has played an important role in the Fraser Valley’s classical music community. He is the artistic director of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra and produces concerts through his company, Songs Strings & Steps Events Ltd.

His career has included over two dozen terms as Concertmaster of the Vancouver Island Symphony in Nanaimo as well as work as a music festival adjudicator and teacher. He has also served as Artistic Director for Oceanside Classical Concerts and maintains a teaching studio.

Dyck has received several honours for his contributions to music and the community. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal followed by an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Trinity Western University in 2013. In 2024, he received the Order of Abbotsford in recognition of his work with youth.

Today, Calvin Dyck’s work with Songs Strings & Steps continues to connect orchestral music, youth performers and local artists with audiences throughout Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.