Edmonton Symphony Orchestra returns to Hawrelak Park for 40-year milestone with conductor Bob Bernhardt
The ESO moves back to William Hawrelak Park after three summers at Snow Valley, with room for a full 70-piece ensemble. Bob Bernhardt marks 20 years conducting the festival.
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The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra returns to William Hawrelak Park this week for its 40th anniversary festival—and conductor Bob Bernhardt is marking his own 20-year tenure steering the event.
The ESO spent the last three summers at Snow Valley while the City finished renovations on Hawrelak. That move meant scaling back: the venue could only accommodate 36 orchestra members on a temporary stage. Being back at Hawrelak means the ensemble can expand to its full size—up to 70 performers on the amphitheatre stage.
Bernhardt, who started conducting with the ESO in 2005 and took over the outdoor festival in 2006, calls the return significant. "It's a chance for the orchestra to really strut its stuff and really shine," he said. "We loved being at Snow Valley, but Hawrelak has always felt like our home." His wife Nora, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last September and missed much of the last season, has completed treatment and will be returning with him to Edmonton.
The festival runs September 3 to 7 with five performances split between two programs. "Hollywood at Hawrelak" features film scores from Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, and K-pop Demon Slayers. The other program opens with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and includes the world premiere of a composition by Heinreich Schmuhl, a graduate of the ESO's Young Composers Project.
The outdoor setting brings challenges. The ESO originally planned four performances but added a fifth after two sold out by mid-June. Weather poses the biggest threat—strong winds or thunderstorms can force a move to the Winspear Centre. When that happens, the first 500 ticketholders who purchased general seating get priority for the indoor venue; those who bought "Park Only" tickets receive a refund. The amphitheatre seats about 1,100, with another 1,200 on the grass.
Organizers meet daily during the festival to assess weather. "We had one year where there was 90 km/h winds but the sky was sunny," said Jerrold Eilander, the Orchestra Operations Manager. "No one could play because no one could turn the pages on their music." Unlike other outdoor festivals, the ESO has the Winspear blocked off as a backup—a safety net most don't have.
Tickets start at $39. Youth 17 and under get free admission on the grass with a paid adult ticket. More details at winspearcentre.com.
The details
When does the festival run?
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra festival runs September 3 to 7, 2026, with five performances across two different programs.
Where is it held?
The festival takes place at William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton, with a backup indoor venue at the Winspear Centre in case of severe weather.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets start at $39. Youth 17 and under receive free admission on the grass when accompanied by a paid adult.
What's special about this year?
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra returns to William Hawrelak Park for its 40th anniversary festival after three summers at Snow Valley, allowing the ensemble to expand to its full 70-piece size. Conductor Bob Bernhardt marks 20 years leading the outdoor festival.
