Pack a picnic basket, pull up a comfortable lawn chair and experience the extraordinary: Ā鶹“«Ć½ās sixth annual āPatriotic Popsā concert will be held Friday, July 2 at 7 p.m.
The concert will represent the Lima Symphony Orchestraās return to in-person performances after a pandemic-related pause that has lasted more than a year. With all of the energy and synergy that occurs during a live concert, this free, outdoor Independence Day celebration in front of McIntosh Center promises to be meaningful and memorable for musicians and audience members alike.
In addition, this will mark the first time that the orchestraās recently hired music director, Andrew Crust, will be conducting before a live audience following several impressive virtual performances. Crust, an award-winning musician who also serves as the associate conductor of the Vancouver Symphony in Canada, has developed a versatile international career as a conductor of orchestral, opera, ballet and pops programs.
āThis is our first live concert in 16 months and we are thrilled to take the stage again,ā says LSO Executive Director Elizabeth Brown-Ellis. āThe beautiful outdoor venue at Ā鶹“«Ć½ is the perfect place to perform safely with an audience in these evolving times. Our āPatriotic Popsā concerts celebrate our nationās determination, resiliency, and freedom by honoring our military men and women and highlighting the best American composers. I know this yearās performance will be even more impactful.ā
Brown-Ellis says the orchestra adapted its performances during the pandemic to continue offering exceptional musical programming, but there is no substitute for in-person interaction.
āWe were fortunate to find a way forward with digital programming last season, but musicians live and train to perform in front of an audience. I can barely imagine how powerful it will be to feel that energy again. Thereās something particularly magical about outdoor performances, and I know Maestro Crust is excited to welcome everyone back to live concerts at Ā鶹“«Ć½,ā says Brown-Eillis. āExpect a tremendous performance and a huge celebration as we finally fully welcome Maestro Crust to our orchestra and our community.ā
Family friendly and filled with fun, Patriotic Pops will feature vibrant patriotic music, beloved selections from popular tunes, a tribute to our armed forces and several pieces from acclaimed films, including āRaiders of the Lost Arc,ā which this year is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its theatrical release.
For a convenient and delicious picnic option, The Inn at Ā鶹“«Ć½ is offering pre-ordered box meals for $9.95 each. Menu selections include ham and cheese wrap, turkey and cheese wrap or a veggie wrap. Included will be kettle chips, a chocolate chip cookie and condiments. To pre-order, call 419-772-4266 or 419-772-4112.
In case of inclement weather, āPatriotic Popsā will be held in King Horn Sports Center on campus, 609 W. Lincoln Ave. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Concert goers are welcome to bring chairs and picnic food inside. Current CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines for indoor events will be followed.
The musical lineup is as follows:
āNational Anthemā arranged by Richard Smith
āHoe-Downā by Aaron Copland
āStars and Stripes Foreverā by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Leopold Stokowski
āArmed Forces Saluteā arranged by Bob Lowden
āGod Bless Americaā arranged by Bruce Healey
āAmerican Saluteā by Morton Gould
āHang on Sloopy,ā arranged by Rinaldo Allesendrini
āWest Side Storyā selections by Leonard Bernstein
āLes Toreadorsā by Georges Bizet
āVoulez-Vousā by ABBA, arranged by Andrew Crust
āThe Sound of Musicā selections by Richard Rodgers
āSummertimeā by George Gershwin, arranged by Patrick Bouchon
āPirates of the Caribbeanā theme by Klaus Badelt, arranged by Ted Ricketts
āThe Raiderās Marchā from āRaiders of the Lost Arcā by John Williams
ā1812 Overtureā by Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky
āPatriotic Popsā is sponsored by Quest Federal Credit Union, Liberty National Bank, Ada Family Dentistry, Fresh Encounter Inc., Lewis Family, McDonaldās, Robinson Fin and Little Chicago Room, Vancrest of Ada, Village of Ada, Whiteās Honda-Toyota, Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, Fleming Family Trust, Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral Home, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance, Home Savings and Loan Company, Ā鶹“«Ć½ Residence Life/Career Services, Rogers Nationwide Insurance Agency, Ada Kiwanis, Ada Rotary Club, Carol Slane Florist and Roger and Julie Crowe.