Outdoor summer opera festival coming to East Village

Calgarys summer festival lineup got a new addition on Wednesday with the announcement of Opera in the Village.

The festival will take place Aug. 22-25 at RiverWalk Plaza in the East Village.

"We feel that the time is right to introduce Canadas first outdoor summer opera event," said Bob McPhee, Calgary Operas general director.

The festivals main feature will be Gilbert and Sullivans classic comic opera The Pirates of Penzance, performed in a 900-seat tent.

The festival will also have movie nights screened on the side of the historic Simmons buildingsword fight demonstrations and a singing competition, Calgary Opera said.

A two-week opera camp for children aged nine to 14 is also planned. It will culminate in a free mini-production at the festival site.

Ticket for the festival go on sale April 22.