The Brandywine Valley Symphony will mark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a June 25 concert at Longwood Gardens featuring the world premiere of a new commissioned arrangement, “An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250.”
The medley traces U.S. history through well-known patriotic songs, including “Yankee Doodle,” “America the Beautiful,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “God Bless the U.S.A.,” according to the symphony.
The program, titled “Made in America,” also includes works by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, and Florence Price.
“This is the music that captures the energy and soul of America,” said Dr. Timothy Blair, president of the Brandywine Valley Symphony.
Tickets cost $65 for adults and $20 for students and children. Admission includes daytime entry to Longwood Gardens, the symphony said. Tickets are available through the Brandywine Valley Symphony’s website.
The program includes:
- John Williams, “Liberty Fanfare”
- Aaron Fullan, “An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250” (world premiere)
- Antonin Dvorak, Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Movement 2
- Aaron Copland, “An Outdoor Overture”
- Leonard Bernstein, “West Side Story” selections for orchestra (arr. Mason)
- Florence Price, “Andante Moderato”
- George Gershwin, “An American in Paris”
Blair said the concert is part of the symphony’s plans to recognize America’s 250th anniversary.
The symphony said the concert will be preceded by a reading of the Declaration of Independence by 12 community leaders as part of the Chester County-wide Dare to Declare project, with an estimated 1,000 people expected to take part.
The Brandywine Valley Symphony is a nonprofit affiliate of America250PA, the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s vital role in our nation’s story.
The Brandywine Valley Symphony was established in 1940 and is the only professional symphony orchestra in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The symphony serves the greater Philadelphia region, from southeastern Pennsylvania to northern Delaware. For more information on the Brandywine Valley Symphony, see www.bvsymphony.org.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
