June 6, 2009
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Presents 24th Annual Salute to Independence Concert at Antietam National Battlefield

Hagerstown, MD—The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Elizabeth Schulze will kick off the MSO’s 28th Season on July 4 with the 24th annual Salute to Independence concert at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

This free celebration has become one of Maryland’s signature outdoor events and attracts more than 35,000 concert-goers each year.  This year’s concert will feature original compositions by Joseph McIntyre (Ghosts of Antietam), principal timpanist with the MSO, and Rob Hovermale (Soul’s Journey), coordinator of visual and performing arts for Washington County High Public Schools. 

The orchestra will also be performing such crowd pleasing favorites as John Phillip Sousa’s The Liberty Bell and Stars and Stripes Forever marches, Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. 

The evening, as always, will end with a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by PNC Bank and produced by Bay Fireworks of Farmingdale, NY. 

Attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on (flashlights might also come in handy).  Canopies and beach umbrellas are permitted but must be taken down prior to the beginning of the concert.  Food may be brought into the Park but charcoal grills are prohibited.  Portable restrooms (including handicapped-accessible facilities) are available on the premises. 

The MSO Guild Store will be open throughout the afternoon where you may purchase concert tee shirts and patriotic and musically themed items.  Food and souvenir concession stands will also be open. 

Sponsors for the Salute to Independence are Susquehanna Bank, Washington County, National Park Service, PNC Bank, Acton Mobile Industries, The Herald-Mail Company, Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Antietam Cable Television and Volvo Powertrain.  Joining them are Mike & Marlene Young & Family, Clopper-Michael Post #10 American Legion, Unit #10 American Legion Auxiliary, Squadron #10 Sons of the American Legion, Teresa & John Barr, The Honorable & Mrs. W. Kennedy Boone,III; Ruth Ann & Art Callaham, Kathleen & Dominick Perini, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Snook and John & Joan Treadway. 

Antietam National Battlefield is one of America’s National Parks and is the site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history which took place during the Civil War in 1862.  Additional information on the Park and Battle of Antietam can be found at www.nps.gov/anti. 

The MSO is the area’s premier professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region.  The MSO is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.  An agency of the Department of Business and Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.